Canada upgrades CP-140 Aurora with ViaSat system

The Canadian Department of National Defence (CDND) is adding ViaSat VR-12 airborne satellite communication systems to its Lockheed CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft, ViaSat said on 26 February.

The CDND is upgrading its aircraft with ViaSat's in-flight communication systems in cooperation with L-3 Electronic System Services, an L-3 Aviation Products division. The three parties will also work with aircraft integrator IMP Aerospace on this quick reaction capability programme.

According to ViaSat, the first upgraded system was delivered for first flight in less than 90 days from the start of the project, with the rest of the fleet to be integrated with the communication systems and tested shortly.

ViaSat's in-flight communication systems will enable secure and high-speed data streaming via satellite on the company's global network.

John Hoffman, senior director, ISR broadband, ViaSat, said: 'We're able to meet this kind of urgent timeline because of the global reach of our ViaSat network and the maturity and reliability of our VR-12 mobile satellite system.'

Hoffman added: 'We had to make a number of modifications for the Aurora aircraft integration, but to serve this market our team is built for rapid response.'

The new systems will improve the CDND's ability to conduct ISR missions in support of Canadian military operations across the world. Over 600 VR-12 systems have been installed so far and are in operation on government and commercial aircraft.

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