Esterline CMC Electronics (CMC) recently said it would invest $149.4 million in research and development over the next five years following the Canadian government decision to support an initiative to develop an industry-leading commercial avionics and communications platform through a repayable investment for R&D.
“By undertaking the FronTier R&D initiative, CMC will continue its focus on innovation, knowledge and know-how and develop products and systems which will meet and exceed aircraft operators’ requirements,” Jean-Pierre Mortreux, president and CEO of CMC said. “We will be aiming at reducing the cost of aircraft ownership, improving safety, increasing capacity and reducing environmental impact of aircraft operations.”
Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, and Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, also said that Canada’s Innovation & Technology Office – Strategic Aerospace & Defense Initiative (ITO-SADI) would invest $52.3 million over the same period in support of CMC FronTier cockpit R&D initiative.
CMC said its investment would aim at innovative technologies for this commercial integrated cockpit and communication system destined for business jets as well as helicopters and air transport aircraft. FronTier will help position CMC as a major player in the field of avionics design and integration, the company added.