Canada maintains a large fleet of military aircraft. This defence platform includes transport aircraft, fighter jets, helicopters, patrol aircraft and other types of air flight vehicles used in a wide range of roles, both at home and abroad. While some of these vehicles are recent acquisitions with modern design elements and capabilities, many are older legacy aircraft. Sustainment of this defence platform is critical to ensure the operational readiness and longevity of Canada's aircraft fleet.
Our expertise
The NRC's Aerospace Research Centre unique R&D capabilities contribute to the sustainment of the Royal Canadian Air Force's aircraft fleet. Our work in these efforts is aimed at meeting the following objectives:
- Develop research and innovations in defence platform sustainment that are aligned with Department of National Defence priorities for national security and force development in these priority areas:
- Capabilities
- Maintenance
- Readiness
- Environmental footprint
- Affordability
- Develop and test technologies that will help support and improve sustainment of Canada's aircraft defence platform and ensure the country's air force assets remain available and ready for action
Our research in defence platform sustainment focuses on developing revolutionary technologies across these R&D and innovation pillars:
- Data analytics and failure investigations
- Materials processing for sustainment
- Sustainment support for new platforms
- Development of sustainment technologies
Cross-cutting themes for the innovation pillars:
- Additive manufacturing and repair for defence applications
- Advanced materials for hypersonic vehicles and weapons
- Component life management
- Enhancement of structural materials performance
- Modelling and simulation
- Sensors and advancement of non-destructive evaluation for aircraft structures, materials and propulsion systems
- Evaluation of defence aerostructures and technology demonstration
Related expertise and areas of focus
Discover other NRC programs that support Canada's goals in advanced defence platform sustainment:
- Defence operational capability
- Digital twin and virtual testing focus area
- Advanced manufacturing efficiency
Facilities and labs
These NRC's facilities and labs can help you develop, test and evaluate your technologies.
- Aerospace manufacturing technologies centre
- Structural full-scale aerospace testing facilities
- Structural integrity and non‑destructive evaluation facilities
- Aerospace structures and materials performance
Success stories
Learn more about our milestones and significant accomplishments in defence platform sustainment.
- Supporting the evolution of the defence and security industry through innovation
- New memorandum of understanding between the NRC and DND reinforces Canada's defence and security industry
Why work with us
With our experts and facilities dedicated to defence platform sustainment technologies, we can offer the services you need to help you reach your goals:
- Collaborative R&D: Our research expertise can help you advance your R&D projects
- Technical services: Our technical expertise can help you test and mature your technology and take it to the next level
Contact us
Business Development team
Aerospace Research Centre
Email: NRC.AERObdt-edaAERO.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca