Marine pollution surveillance aircraft

[MarkOttawa]

Emergency-related:
http://news.gc.ca/cfmx/view/en/index.jsp?articleid=259869&

ST. JOHN'S, NL - A newly equipped Transport Canada Dash 8 [actually Bombardier Q Series now--how odd Bombardier is not mentioned in the news release] pollution surveillance aircraft was officially launched in St. John's today by the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, along with the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Environment and the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador. The aircraft, equipped with state-of-the-art aerial surveillance equipment, will increase Transport Canada's ability to detect marine polluters better than ever before...

The installation of the Maritime Surveillance System 6000 (MSS 6000) represents an investment of $4.6 million.

The technology will enable the surveillance aircraft to cover a much broader area then before, day or night, and in more challenging weather conditions, such as low cloud cover...

..."This new technology is an excellent example of what Canada's New Government is doing to protect our environment. It is a perfect supplement to the existing RADARSAT satellite system."

RADARSAT is a satellite observation system that can be used in the detection of oil spilled on the ocean's surface. The use of the new aerial surveillance equipment, along with RADARSAT improves our ability to track and hold accountable those who pollute our waters...

Several federal agencies, including Transport Canada, Environment Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, Justice Canada and the Department of National Defence, work closely together to prevent incidents of ship-source marine pollution. Various initiatives in the last several years include an awareness campaign to inform the domestic and international marine industry on the negative impact of ship-source marine pollution, as well as the Government of Canada's firm commitment to hold these polluters accountable for their actions.

Additional information, including radar images taken from this week's first mission, can be found at www.marinepollution.gc.ca.

A similar version is used by the Swedish Coast Guard. Here they will be with Transport Canada rather than the Canadian Coast Guard as the CCG does not operate fixed-wing aircraft.
http://www.kustbevakningen.se/documents/Flyg/SCG%20MSA%20brochure-rev-1.pdf
https://www.tc.gc.ca/era_are/can_post/en/FlightOperations-RotaryWing.htm

Surely a few more such aircraft would be very helpful for general maritime surveillance (including sovereignty patrols in the Arctic) -- fisheries enforcement etc. A contract actually worth giving to Bombardier! Australia and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency also have chosen Q Series for maritime patrol.
http://toyoufromfailinghands.blogspot.com/2006/10/military-procurement-messpolitics-and.html
http://www.racs.bombardier.com/bag/custsite/brad/OpenSite.nsf/d942d4a81fc3bec685256cae0046b381/5f4ea20541b219568525713d0080c1b3?OpenDocument

More here.
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Canada/544548.html

For once I agree with "critics" and "experts" cited by the Globe:

Single plane to patrol eastern Canadian waters
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20061202.AIRCRAFT02/TPStory/National

Mark
Ottawa

 

[STONEY]

A typical Gov. dog and pony show trying to make political points.  This A/C has been around for years but as much of it's equipment fit was becoming outdated and requiring more & more maintenance hours (sound familar)  it was fitted with updated equipment after  getting several government dept's to share the cost as no one dept could afford it.  So don't hold your breath for any more A/C as this one was barely saved from the scrap heap. The A/C is in CG colors but is operated by Transport Canada as are also CG Helicopters which are in CG colors but flown by TC pilots & maintained by TC . Costs are shared by several gov. depts who benefit from the flights. The Dash-8 spends a couple days each on rotational basis between Ont.,Qbc,Maritimes & Nfld/Lab unless req by special circumstances or season.

Cheers