Work by Team Spartan on its bid for the Royal Canadian Armed Forces next fixed wing search and rescues (FWSAR) aircraft moved yesterday with the announcement by General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada and Finmeccanica that the two firms will create a new joint venture to provide long-term in-service support for the C-27J aircraft in Canada.
Managed by General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, Spartan Aviation Services will be the Canadian In-Service Support (ISS) Integrator if the C-27J is selected as the RCAF’s next FWSAR aircraft.
Three teams are bidding for the $3.1 billion FWSAR contract, Team Spartan which is proposing the Alenia Aermacchi C-27J Spartan, Embraer S.A. which put forward its KC-390, and Airbus Defence and Space which is offering the C29W aircraft.
In January, Airbus Defense and Space announced its partnership with Provincial Aerospace Ltd. of Newfoundland in its bid for the FWSAR contract. The joint-venture, which was named AirPro SAR services, will provide support services for the C295W aircraft.
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Spartan Aviation Services pairs Finmeccanica Aeronautics’s 100 years of aircraft design, manufacturing and support with General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada’s long track record of supporting Canada’s Armed Forces. Spartan Aviation Services will be responsible for the delivery of the entire ISS program and will be supported by a strong partner network in Canada including KF Aerospace, DRS Canada, TRU Sim, Rolls Royce Canada, Standard Aero, CAE, CMC Esterline, L3 Wescam and ATCO.
“It is very important to keep this venture Canadian – controlled by a strong Canadian firm coupled with the original equipment manufacturer as an integral partner in supporting the fleet for the long term,” said David Ibbetson, general manager, General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada. “Together we’re confident that we can deliver a highly capable and cost-effective solution to the Royal Canadian Air Force.”
“This business represents a commitment to Canada for years to come that will have a multiplier effect – supporting other Finmeccanica aircraft programs from across the Americas,” said Filippo Bagnato, managing director of Finmeccanica Aircraft Division.
The C-27J has a number of international customers. The U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Royal Australian Air Force and Italian Air Force have acquired a number of C-27Js for use in domestic and international missions, such as search and rescue, tactical transport and humanitarian relief operations.
