The equipment used by the Canadian Airborne Sensor for Search and Rescue (CASSAR) system detects the cell tower interrogation signals emitted by cell phones. The system has been installed in CC-130H aircraft that are dedicated to search and rescue response.

According to a summary released by Canada’s Department of National Defense, the system “essentially mimics a cell phone tower to capture location and other information from an operating cell phone.” Conversations cannot be monitored. Phones have to be on, with a live battery and not on airplane mode, and once detected it’s easy to home in and find the phone.

The gear has been available for several years, but the department did an exhaustive analysis of the privacy concerns that naturally arise from this kind of surveillance ability. Any operating cell phone can be tracked by the system from the air and that prompted a Privacy Impact Assessment under the country’s Privacy Act.

“Based on the results of the PIA, privacy risks arising from the collection, use, disclosure, and retention of personal information using the CASSAR system are expected to be low,” the report said.

In exchange, the system will save lives, say military commanders.

“With such a vast area [as Canada], an enabling technology like the CASSAR system augments the existing search and rescue capability, reduces search time, and improves outcomes, a positive addition to search and rescue operations,” said Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin of Canadian Joint Operations Command.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

The post Canadian Search and Rescue Can Now Track Cell Phones appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

For most of its first century the RCAF has generally punched above its weight in terms of capability and influence, playing a major role in World War II and in Cold War defense of North America. Although it has struggled with procurement and personnel issues in the last 20 years, the RCAF is currently on a massive rebuilding program. It has ordered 88 F-35s, 16 P-8 Poseidons and nine A330 transport/tankers and is overhauling its flight training division. It is also creating a drone squadron with 11 MQ-9B Reapers to be deployed at three bases.

• READ MORE: Canada Pledges $60 Million for Ukraine F-16s

“As we continue to face threats to global stability, the RCAF is more important than ever. That is why the Government of Canada has invested $44 billion over the past 16 months to provide the RCAF with 138 new or refurbished aircraft—from a new fleet of fighter jets to new multi-mission aircraft,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a statement. “This strategic investment is the largest recapitalization of the RCAF in a generation, and it will ensure that the RCAF is well positioned to contribute to operations at home and abroad for decades to come.”

The RCAF’s air demonstration teams, the Snowbirds, and the F-18 demo team are now training for the coming airshow season. The Snowbirds will perform at EAA AirVenture in July, and the F-18 is now being painted in commemorative livery for its shows across Canada and the U.S.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

The post Royal Canadian Air Force Celebrates 100 Years appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The Boeing 737-based Poseidon is used for submarine hunting, as well as anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

• READ MORE: Boeing Delivers First P-8A Poseidon Maritime Aircraft to New Zealand

The U.S. Navy award includes 14 P-8s for the Royal Canadian Air Force and three for the German Navy.

“We are proud to add Canada to the list of international P-8 partners as well as to Germany’s fleet of maritime patrol aircraft,” Philip June, vice president and program manager of Boeing’s P-8A program, said in a statement. “The Poseidon is a proven aircraft, with more than 600,000 flight hours, that will serve Canada and Germany well in today’s challenging security environment and for decades to come.”

• READ MORE: German Military Signs Deal for 82 H145M Helicopters

Boeing said that Canada, which announced in November it intended to purchase up to 16 P-8As to replace its current fleet of Lockheed CP-140 Auroras, will receive its first aircraft in 2026.

Germany’s order will increase its existing P-8A fleet to eight. Its navy will receive its first aircraft, which are set to replace its fleet of P-3 Orions, in 2025.

• READ MORE: Canada Awards $2.28B Contract for CH-146 Griffon Sustainment

According to Boeing, there are 200 P-8s in service or on contract in nine countries.

The post Boeing Nabs $3.4 Billion in Orders for 17 P-8A Poseidon Aircraft appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Under the contract, BTCL is to provide services including component repair and overhaul, procurement of spares, and heavy maintenance services on the utility tactical-transport helicopter. The award is expected to extend the life of the aircraft until at least the mid-2030s.

“The CH-146 Griffon provides crucial tactical aviation, special operations aviation, and search and rescue capabilities to the Royal Canadian Air Force, at home and abroad. This in-service support contract will be key in keeping this fleet going for the next 15 years,” Bill Blair, Canada’s national defense minister, said in a statement.

• READ MORE: Canadian Air Force Makes $2.49B MQ-9B Combat Drone Buy 

According to RCAF, its fleet of 82 CH-146 helicopters supports troop and materiel transport, search and rescue operations, as well as surveillance and reconnaissance. As of this year, the CH-146 operates out of 11 locations across the country, the government said.

“This in-service support contract with Bell Textron Canada Ltd. will help sustain the Canadian Armed Forces’ fleet of CH-146 Griffon helicopters, while also maintaining good jobs here in Canada,” Jean-Yves Duclos, minister of public services and procurement, said.

• READ MORE Chinese Fighters Accused of Intercepting Canadian Surveillance Aircraft

The contract is set to begin in April. The support work is expected to create or maintain 1,130 jobs and will primarily be completed in provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

The post Canada Awards $2.28B Contract for CH-146 Griffon Sustainment appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The $2.49 billion purchase of the fighter jet-sized drones will increase Canadian force interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces while also helping the country fulfill its North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) responsibilities, Canada’s Department of National Defense said. The aircraft will also be tasked with monitoring the country’s remote territories as part of civilian air operations during responses to wildfires and floods.

“At a time when defense and security needs are changing faster than ever, we must ensure Canada has a modern, adaptable military that is prepared to respond to evolving and emerging security challenges,” said Defense Minister Bill Blair. “Canada must meet the growing demand for domestic assistance while preserving our ability to defend Canada, protect North America, and support our allies.”

MQ-9B SkyGuardian

The MQ-9B boasts a 79-foot wingspan with a maximum external payload capacity of 4,750 pounds. It offers intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities with the ability to fly over the horizon via satellite for up to 40 hours, according to GA-ASI. The aircraft features Lynx multimode radar, advanced electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor, and the ability to take off and land automatically.

“Canada’s vast territory and complex terrains, including in the Arctic, require a cost-effective multimission RPAS [remotely piloted aircraft system] solution that can endure long periods on station, fly in harsh weather environments, and safely operate in all airspaces,” said Linden Blue, CEO of GA-ASI.

This past year, the Royal Air Force in the U.K. became the first military to operate the MQ-9B under its own designation, Protector RG Mk1.

• READ MORE: RAF Protector RG Mk1 Takes First Flight

CAF Upgrades

The investment is part of numerous military modernization initiatives that will have “tremendous impacts” on the country supporting its national defense interests, said Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants. “Investing in [RPAS] is but one of many planned upgrades for our Royal Canadian Air Force—in addition to the F-35 for fighter missions, the CC-295 for search and rescue missions, new and upgraded Cormorant helicopters, and the P8-A Poseidon multi-mission aircraft,”

• READ MORE: Canada Set to Buy 88 F-35 Fighters

In addition to the 11 remotely piloted aircraft systems, the CAF contract also includes six ground control stations, new ground control center in Ottawa, two aircraft hangars, weapons, sustainment services, and training support. The first deliveries are expected in 2028, with full operational capability projected by 2033.

The aircraft will be based at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) in Greenwood, Nova Scotia, and CFB Comox in British Columbia, and will also be operated from northern territories.

The post Canadian Air Force Makes $2.49B MQ-9B Combat Drone Buy appeared first on FLYING Magazine.