Two B.C. firms announced contracts with American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] Friday at the B.C. Aerospace Showcase in Abbotsford.
The showcase was held in conjunction with the 2012 Abbotsford Aerospace and Defence Expo.
Cascade Aerospace Inc. announced that Lockheed Martin has chosen the Abbotsford based company to be an authorized maintenance centre for the Lockheed C-130 military transport plane.
Meanwhile, Vancouver's NGRAIN announced that Lockheed Martin has also contracted the company to provide its interactive 3D simulation software for maintenance training.
Cascade provides the maintenance for the Canadian military's 17 aircraft C-130J transport planes under a 20-year contract with Lockheed Martin, as well as fleet management for the Royal Canadian Air Force's C-130 Hercules.
Under the new contract announced Friday, Cascade will also provide maintenance for the C-130 used in other countries. It will be one of only two authorized maintenance centres for the C-130.
"To achieve this status with Lockheed Martin is a real honour," said Cascade CEO David Schellenberg. "With more than 1,450 C-130s currently operating in 65 countries, and with Lockheed's C-130J delivery backlog and strong order book, this new standing will significantly increase the international opportunities for Cascade Aerospace."
Lockheed Martin is also increasing NGRAIN's contract work. Lockheed already uses NGRAIN's software for training mechanics and engineers on the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program. Under the deal announced Friday, NGRAIN technology will be extended to Lockheed Martin's fleet of F-22 stealth fighter jets.
"The international scope of the F-35 program – which has nine participating allied nations – opened the door for us to participate in the U.S. F-22 program, fuelling our expansion across the aerospace industry," NGRAIN CEO Gabe Batstone said.
NGRAIN's 3D simulation technology is used in training simulation. It provides images that can be viewed from all angles as part of tutorials. Engine mechanics, for example, can familiarize themselves with engine parts without having the actual engine in front of them.
NGRAIN's products are used by the defence, civil aviation, nuclear power, oil and gas and medical sectors.
"As the military transitions to a readiness posture in an era of reduced budgets, maintaining capabilities with smaller forces will be crucial," said Jeff A. Babione, vice-president of the F-22 Program.
"With the damage assessment application, United States Air Force maintainers can easily transition between aircraft, helping boost efficiencies and ultimately supporting mission readiness."
