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Canada, EADS sign agreement for research and technology development

June 6, 2008, Ottawa – Dr. Colin Carrie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for National Research Council Canada (NRC), on behalf of Minister Prentice, yesterday announced that NRC has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with European Aeronautic Defence and Space (EADS) to cooperate on aerospace research and technology development (R&TD). This agreement marks a new level of commitment in a long-standing relationship.

"This MOU broadens NRC's research and technology development relationship with a world-leading aerospace and defence company," said Dr. Carrie. "This relationship will, in turn, strengthen the aerospace innovation system, and benefit Canada's aerospace industry in Canada. The results of this collaboration will support the commitments made in Budget 2008 and in the federal Science and Technology Strategy to secure Canada's leadership in the global marketplace through research and innovation."

The agreement builds on 20 years of research collaboration between NRC and EADS, which includes current projects involving Airbus and EADS Innovation Works. This MOU 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 NRC Vice-President of Engineering, Dr. Sherif Barakat. "This MOU is a natural evolution of the relationship between NRC and EADS, and will enable us to leverage our combined experience to develop new technology in the lab and then transfer it to the marketplace."

EADS Canada Inc. 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 Ltd. and a 50 per cent shareholder of Composites Atlantic with the province of Nova Scotia. The company also recently acquired Plant CML in Gatineau, Quebec.

"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 EADS Chief Technical Officer Dr. Jean Botti. "EADS expects to benefit substantially from this R&TD cooperation, and Canada can expect the same as new Canadian aerospace technologies and products reach the market in the future."

For over 50 years, NRC has helped Canada adapt to the changing needs of the aerospace industry and gain world leadership in niche markets, such as regional and commuter aircraft, civilian helicopters, and small gas turbine engines.