Canada's CMC Electronics -- a New Name Heralds New Technology

CMC Electronics is the new name for a familiar company at Paris this year. Perhaps best known as Canadian Marconi-a name that it held for 75 years until 2000-the company became BAE Systems Canada after the BAe/GEC-Marconi merger last year. In April 2001 the company was acquired by a Canadian investor group, becoming CMC Electronics-a name that echoes its Canadian Marconi roots.

CMC is currently developing a unique enhanced vision (EVS) system, and some of the technology involved is on show on its stand in the Canadian Pavilion. CMC believes it is the only company in the world to integrate both infra-red and radar systems into a 'fused' EVS. It is taking an existing millimeter-wave (MMW) radar system (from an unnamed supplier) and combining it with a forward-looking infra-red sensor to utilize the complementary capabilities of both systems.

CMC has full responsibility for system design and integration. While IR systems can be blocked by fog or water vapor, radar is an all-weather sensor. On the other hand, IR systems will detect runway lights and other significant heat sources. By combining the imagery of both in a modular EVS, CMC Electronics believes it will lead the field-with what is almost certainly the first civil application of MMW radar technology.

According to James Close, president and CEO of CMC, the basic IR system has already been flight tested in adverse conditions down to 100 feet. The company is now about to begin EVS flight trials with two business jet manufacturers, with the aim of certifying the system in 2002.

CMC is also becoming a significant player in the aircraft systems upgrade market, with two major programs in its portfolio-its 747 'Classic' cockpit upgrades and P-3 Orion systems upgrades.

The 747 upgrade adds a new digital cockpit fit, with a GPS-based CMA-900 FMS and color CRT displays. Customers to date include KLM, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Corsair and Hong Kong Dragon Airlines.

CMC is also contracted by the Canadian Department of National Defence to provide a cockpit systems and navigation upgrade for Canadian Forces CP-140 Auroras (license-built P-3 Orions). The CP-140s are being retrofitted with a new FMS and communication system as part of a staged upgrade program. CMC has also undertaken a similar upgrade for U.S. Customs Service P-3s. According to James Close, CMC will continue to bid for subsequent missions systems upgrades for the CP-140s, and the company is actively looking for other customers for its P-3 upgrade services.