Hermes 900 StarLiner RPAS Is A New Addition To The Transport Canada National Aerial Surveillance Program

In order for Transport Canada to continue effectively delivering its National Aerial Surveillance Program, it is important that the department has the equipment it needs to keep Canadian waters safe, and to monitor pollution.

Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and the Minister of Transport, Marc Garneau, announced the Government of Canada has awarded a $36.16–million contract to Elbit Systems Ltd. for the acquisition of a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) or drone.

This contract was awarded through an open, transparent and competitive procurement process. This acquisition will play an integral role in the Government's effort to verify the practical potential of drone technology and to integrate it safely into Canadian airspace.

The Hermes 900 StarLiner RPAS is a new addition to the Transport Canada National Aerial Surveillance Program aircraft fleet, and is expected to be delivered by December 2022. The aircraft system is controlled from a remote location and also includes autopilot capabilities, such as automatic takeoff and landing. With a flying range of more than 1,400 nautical miles and the capability to operate beyond the visual line of sight, it will be used to detect oil spills, survey ice and marine habitats, and monitor activity on the ocean in Canada's Arctic.

This investment will allow Transport Canada to continue its critically important work to keep our waters clean and safe.

FMI: www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca