Nova Scotia firm gets $8.2M Industry Canada loan for sonar R&D
by Canadian Manufacturing Daily Staff
Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems Inc. developing next-generation towed sonar technologies
DARTMOUTH, N.S.—The federal government is loaning $8.2-million to a Nova Scotia firm for a research and development program aimed at developing next-generation sonar technologies.
The loan, provided through Industry Canada’s Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI), will be used by Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems Inc. (UEMS) to further develop its towed sonar systems.
A towed sonar system—also known as a towed array sonar—is a long cable that uses hydrophones to detect ships and submarines.
The company plans to collaborate with research institutes at Canadian universities in order to build smaller, lighter versions of existing sonar systems.
“The largest and arguably most prestigious source of R&D funding for companies like Maritime Systems is Industry Canada’s SADI,” UEMS president Ken Walker said in a statement.
“Today we are very happy to become the latest recipient, and first Atlantic Canadian company, to be awarded SADI funding from Industry Canada.”
SADI supports industrial research and pre-competitive development projects in the aerospace, defence, space and security industries.
“Our government is committed to promoting economic growth and prosperity through manufacturing across the country,” said Minister of Justice Peter MacKay.
“We will continue to work with innovative firms, such as (UEMS), that create high-quality jobs and foster partnerships between sectors to ensure Canada remains a global leader in aerospace and defence.”
