Announcements - The National Research Council of Canada and Bombardier Aerospace sign R&D cooperation agreement

December 2, 2011 — Ottawa, Ontario

On June 22, during the 2011 Paris Air Show, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and Bombardier Aerospace signed a multi-year Framework Agreement covering research, development and testing in areas of interest to both organizations. A Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2010 paved the way for this agreement.

This agreement sets the terms for both fee-for-service and collaborative research projects.  Bombardier aims to advance its research in areas including aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, structures and materials, acoustics, multi-disciplinary optimization, aircraft interiors and electromagnetic interference.

NRC and Bombardier Aerospace have previously collaborated on projects ranging from aerodynamic studies for several Bombardier aircraft concepts to the development of advanced manufacturing methods, including automated fabrication of composite aircraft fuselages. Today’s signing reinforces this mutually beneficial relationship.

At the Paris Air Show in June 2011, Bombardier and NRC signed a collaborative research agreement. At left is Ian Potter, NRC Vice President of Engineering. At right is Jean Séguin, Vice President, Quality, Achieving Excellence System, Engineering and Manufacturing, Bombardier Aerospace.

Down the road, this agreement will enable Canadian businesses to better compete in an increasingly global, competitive industry and to provide them with the potential to create good jobs and growth for Canadian businesses and workers.

“This agreement continues the long-standing relationship between our organizations, which will result in more innovative technology solutions for the aerospace industry,” says Jerzy Komorowski, Director General of NRC Aerospace. “It will also lead to business opportunities for the suppliers who support the larger players in the industry and who need to remain globally competitive.”

“Bombardier is built on a rich heritage of aircraft innovation that has driven many of our great accomplishments,” said Jean Séguin, Vice President, Quality, Achieving Excellence System, Engineering and Manufacturing, Bombardier Aerospace. “This agreement clears the way for a continued harmonious and productive collaboration between the National Research Council of Canada and Bombardier in areas of technology that are crucial for the aircraft of tomorrow.”

About the National Research Council Canada

Recognized globally for research and innovation, the National Research Council Canada is a leader in the development of an innovative, knowledge-based economy for Canada through science and technology. Its Institute for Aerospace Research is Canada's national aerospace laboratory, undertaking and promoting research and development in support of the Canadian aerospace community in matters affecting the design, manufacture, performance, use and safety of aerospace vehicles.

About Bombardier

A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2011, were $17.7 billion, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available on the Bombardier website.

For more information, visit the NRC Aerospace website or contact:

Manya Chadwick
Communications Officer
National Research Council Canada
Tel: 613-991-5738
manya.chadwick@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

To reach Bombardier, contact:
Haley Dunne
Communications Manager and Senior Spokesperson
Bombardier Aerospace
Tel: 514-855-7989
haley.dunne@aero.bombardier.com