Magellan subsidiaries receive $8.8M from TPC to launch projects

Orenda Aerospace Corp has received $7.2 million in government assistance for two R&D projects in the areas of gas turbines engines and extended life expectancy of engine components. The Mississauga-based subsidiary of Magellan Aerospace Corp has committed to creating 46 new jobs over the next five years as a result of the funding from Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC).

The larger of the two projects will see Orenda collaborate with a major, unnamed OEM (original equipment manufacturer) to deliver a sub-system for a new gas turbine engine. The project includes the acquisition of certain technologies that will also play a role in future projects. Also participating is the NRC's Institute for Aerospace Research.

The second project involves advanced materials and includes other unnamed firms as well as a major sub-contract to the IAR. The R&D will focus on enhancing the durability of certain aircraft engine components used for coatings, specialized repairs and extending the life of applicable parts.

In the space of a few years, Magellan has undertaken an aggressive expansion strategy in a bid to become a significant player in the global aerospace industry. With the acquisition of firms like Orenda, Magellan is now Canada's third largest aerospace firm and is attracting the attention of global OEMs.

Another Magellan subsidiary - Bristol Aerospace Ltd, Winnipeg, has also secured $1.6 million in TPC financing for an ambitious project to develop a key satellite component to improve the precision and accuracy of satellite orientation. The GyroWheel is a light, attitude control device designed to replace existing multiple momentum wheels and gyros with applications in communications, remote sensing and atmospheric science. Bristol will develop the gyro in conjunction with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), Carleton Univ, the Department of National Defence and several small firms.

The project represents a new area of R&D for Bristol, which has a long history of rocketry dating back 40 years. It could lead to further work with the CSA, once the component is proven as a back-up system.

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