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Minister Clement announces repayable investment in flight simulators

Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, has announced a repayable investment in the development of innovative modelling and simulation technologies in aerospace and defence by CAE Inc. CAE's $714-million project, named "Falcon," will expand the company's technological capabilities by allowing it to develop new simulation tools and products for the civil aviation and defence markets. The project will help CAE to maintain its leadership position in full-flight simulation by increasing innovation and enhancing its competitiveness.

The Government of Canada is making a repayable investment of $250 million in the project, which will allow CAE to improve its existing modelling and simulation technologies to develop simulators for a wider range of aircraft.

"This repayable investment in CAE demonstrates our government's commitment to Canadian research, development and innovation in our aerospace and defence industries," said Minister Clement. "The use of virtual simulation technology increases safety for pilots in training. It also reduces air pollution and conserves fuel, protecting our environment."

"CAE has set the standards in modelling and simulation for the past sixty years, and its leadership is recognized by airlines, aircraft manufacturers and defence forces around the world," said Robert E. Brown, President and CEO of CAE. "Innovation is essential for CAE to sustain its leadership position in modelling and simulation. This investment from the Government of Canada will allow CAE to expand its range of products and work to meet the future needs of our international client base."

This investment is being made through the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI), which supports strategic industrial research and pre-competitive development projects in the aerospace, defence, space and security industries. SADI is managed by the Industrial Technologies Office, a special operating agency of Industry Canada with a mandate to advance leading-edge research and development by Canadian industries.

BACKGROUNDER

Minister Clement Announces $250-Million Repayable Investment in Aerospace and Defence Project

The Government of Canada is investing $250 million over six years in the development of innovative aircraft simulator systems. CAE Inc., based in the Saint-Laurent district of Montreal, Quebec, will undertake a $714-million research and development project in modelling and simulation.

Flight simulators reduce the need for actual training flights, thereby increasing safety, lowering pilot/crew training costs and reducing environmental impacts. In addition to allowing CAE to invest further in its traditional training markets, this project will enable the company to address new markets such as new types of aircraft, unmanned vehicles and replacement models for current aircraft.

A world leader in simulation and training equipment technologies, CAE uses a collaborative model of technological development that benefits universities. For example, CAE supports Carleton University's Centre for Advanced Studies in Visualization, Simulation and Modelling; employs interns from universities, including Concordia University, McGill University, Universite de Montreal and Universite du Quebec a Montreal; and contributes annually to scholarship programs.

CAE has sites and training locations in 20 countries, has clients in more than 100 countries, and serves approximately 3500 airlines, aircraft operators and manufacturers around the world.

The Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI), launched in April 2007, supports private sector industrial research and pre-competitive development in Canada's aerospace, defence, security and space industries through repayable investments. For more information about SADI, please visit the Industrial Technologies Office website at ito.ic.gc.ca.