Agreement expands aerospace research relationship

Ottawa, ON – The National Research council says it has signed a five-year memorandum of understanding with European Aeronautic Defence and Space (EADS) to cooperate on aerospace research and technology development, an agreement that expands an existing longstanding relationship.

The agreement builds on 20 years of research collaboration between NRC and EADS, which includes current projects involving Airbus and EADS Innovation Works. The agreement will allow NRC to begin collaborative work with other EADS business units, such as Eurocopter and EADS’s Military Transport Aircraft Division.

“Canadian researchers will collaborate on projects related to manufacturing and environmental technologies as well as aerodynamics and airborne tests that should help reduce fuel consumption and adverse environmental impacts,” said Dr Sherif Barakat, NRC’s vice-president of engineering.

EADS Canada has been an active participant in the Canadian aerospace industry across the country since it was created as a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS International in 1989. EADS is the sole shareholder of Ontario-based Eurocopter Canada and a 50% shareholder of Composites Atlantic with the province of Nova Scotia. The company also recently acquired Plant CML in Gatineau.

“Canada is a major player in aerospace and defence and has developed significant R&D capabilities in this field. Eurocopter, Composites Atlantic and Plant CML are all good examples of what Canada can offer in terms of high quality engineers and R&D,” said Dr Jean Botti, EADS’ chief technical officer.