With this new partnership, Lockheed
Martin Canada is providing its VISTA™ training application as
part of a joint applied research and development initiative that
will result in innovative and advanced training tools for a wide
variety of technical professionals.
"Providing students and industry with
the best possible training tools is vital to growing the
aerospace and defence industry in Newfoundland and Labrador,"
said Minister Wiseman. "Acquiring VISTA will not only enhance
the Marine Institute's identity as a leader in simulation
training, but will also help generate new investment and
expertise and will aid in positioning the institute and the
province to attract prime military and defence contractors. This
project is further proof that the Government of Newfoundland and
Labrador is committed to growing this important sector and
helping the province become a world leader in training and
research and development."
The cost of the project is being
shared between the Provincial Government, Lockheed Martin Canada
and the Marine Institute. The Provincial Government is
contributing $125,000 under the Business Attraction Fund to
support the initial demonstration phase, which will see the
Marine Institute establish a dedicated laboratory to host the
new technology.
"The Marine Institute has positioned
itself as a world-leader in marine and ocean technology
training, producing highly-skilled professionals, ready to guide
our province's ocean technology sector into the future," said
Minister King. "This is an excellent model for how we and our
post-secondary institutions can work with private sector
companies such as Lockheed Martin Canada to strengthen our
programs and capabilities."
VISTA is a simulation and training
tool originally developed for the Canadian navy to train
technicians in the operations, maintenance and repair of complex
systems and equipment onboard Canadian vessels. It has been
adopted by navies in Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan and
the United States. In partnership with the Marine Institute,
students and faculty will work with Lockheed Martin engineers to
adopt the technology for use on non-military applications such
as marine engineering and remotely operated vehicles.
"The Marine Institute is very
fortunate to be recognized as having some of the best marine
simulation facilities and expertise in the world," said Dr. Gary
Kachanoski, President and Vice-chancellor of Memorial
University. "By adding the VISTA simulation technology, we are
advancing our capabilities once again to ensure we can respond
to the expanding expectations of technically savvy students and
industrial clients."
"Thanks to this new collaboration
between Lockheed Martin Canada and the Marine Institute, our
institute will significantly expand our suite of course
offerings and continue to attract high calibre students from
around the world who are seeking leading-edge training
techniques in the most advanced learning environment available,"
said Glenn Blackwood, Executive Director, Marine Institute.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland,
Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about
133,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the
research, design, development, manufacture, integration and
sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and
services. The corporation's 2009 sales from continuing
operations were $44 billion.
"This collaborative effort allows us
to work with a team of dedicated professionals to broaden not
only the curriculum of students but also the application of
VISTA to a commercial, non-defence oriented market," said Don
McClure, vice-president of business development for Lockheed
Martin Canada. "It's a win-win for the Marine Institute and
Lockheed Martin."
The Provincial Government's Business
Attraction Fund provides customized financial assistance for
start up or expansion activities by investors external to the
province. Budget 2010:
The Right Investments — for Our
Children and Our Future
allocated a total of $29 million
under the fund this fiscal year.
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