2009

STL# DVD-816-24.tif joint-strike-fighterReplacing the Canadian Manned Fighter Capability – 03/2009.  There is no substitute, now or in the foreseeable future, for manned fighter aircraft, which have played an important role in the capabilities of the Canadian Forces. They have enabled air defence of Canadian airspace through partnership with the United States in NORAD (North American Aerospace Defence Command). As a deterrent during the Cold War, Canadian fighters were based in relatively large numbers in Europe with an ability to project force. They participated actively in the first Gulf campaign. Later in the 1990s, they were deployed to Aviano in Italy in conjunction with the Kosovo air-to-ground and air-to-air campaign. Since September 11, 2001 the need for air power to counter the potential terrorist threat has increased the importance for fighter protection of Canadian interests. Canada will continue to need a manned fighter fleet for the foreseeable future. They are an essential element to the sovereignty and defence of our vast country, a role which has taken on new importance since 9/11. They are our only means of projecting the full spectrum of air power abroad and have done so effectively in the past. The investment being made to update and extend the CF18 fleet is needed and appropriate. The Government must now address the need for a next-generation fighter, as stated in the Canada First Defence Strategy. A decision to proceed with acquisition of a new manned fighter should be considered soon to permit the process to proceed, ending in the timely signing of a contract and the orderly transition from the current fleet to a new one. Read the full position paper here.

787-flight-software-test_ip1Simulation et gérance environnementale – 02/2009. Le coût des carburants carbonés et leur impact négatif sur l’environnement exigent que toutes les mesures pratiques soient prises pour les utiliser de façon responsable. Bien que ces carburants soient essentiels aux opérations militaires, leur consommation doit, dans une certaine mesure, être régie en fonction de leur impact environnemental. Cela est réalisable en faisant particulièrement attention à l’efficience de leur utilisation, ainsi qu’en ayant recours à des solutions de rechange pour la formation et pour répondre aux exigences du maintien de la compétence de vol…Il y a plus de texte ici…

Flight Simulation and the EnvironmentSimulation and Environmental Stewardship – 02/2009
The need for large quantities of carbon fuels to operate military aircraft has traditionally driven the air force to exploit the benefits of simulation. The need for this has never been greater for a number of reasons. Stewardship of the environment and reducing the carbon footprint is a collective responsibility shared by everyone, including the air force. The leadership taken by the air force in employing simulators, wherever practical, should be applauded and encouraged for other areas as well. Appropriate resources to enable the provision of a full, leading edge simulation capability should be given serious consideration for all large equipment projects. (Read more here…)

Soutien aérien en AfghanistanSoutien aérien en Afghanistan – 01/2009. L’on s’attend à ce que l’engagement du Canada dans la mission de l’OTAN à Kandahar se termine en 2011. Pour l’instant, on ignore si cela signifie la fin de la présence des forces militaires canadiennes en Afghanistan. Ce qui est certain est que l’armée de terre, élément qui a déployé la majorité des effectifs à ce théâtre d’opérations, connaît des difficultés chroniques à fournir les forces devant être envoyées dans cette région. Les périodes de services répétées sont fréquentes, le personnel des réserves y est lourdement investi et le taux d’attrition des effectifs représente un problème constant…Il y a plus de text ici…

p-canadian_soldiers_afghanistanAir Force Support in Afghanistan – 01/2009 Canada’s commitment to the NATO military mission in Kandahar is expected to end in 2011. It is unclear whether this means an end to all Canadian military presence in Afghanistan. There exist within the air force many capabilities, including several new and recently modernized assets, which can be effectively employed in operations abroad. Should the Government wish to continue to make a military contribution in Afghanistan post-2011, the capabilities of the air force present a number of options for consideration. There is a need to ensure that these important capabilities are kept viable and deployed effectively through provision of the necessary funding and personnel resources. (Read more here…)