Canadian Armed Forces Lockheed CP-140 Aurora. Photo: Arturus via Wikimedia

[Via Satellite 02-26-2015] The Canadian Department of National Defense is upgrading its Lockheed CP-140 Aurora aircraft with advanced airborne satellite communication systems from ViaSat in cooperation with L-3 Electronic System Services (ESS). The collaboration on the Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) program between the three parties, as well as Canadian aircraft integrator IMP Aerospace, delivered the first system, from project start to first flight, in just under three months. Integration and testing of the remaining fleet is scheduled to follow soon.

The in-flight communication systems enable secure data streaming from the aircraft via satellite on the ViaSat global network. The new system, which uses ViaSat’s VR-12 mobile satellite system, will improve the Canadian DND’s ability to conduct Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) for military operations.