General Dynamics Canada and Marport C-Tech Partner to Target Next Generation
Underwater Acoustics Market

    
    Agreement includes multi-year contract for development of new naval sonar
    products





    
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<p><location>OTTAWA</location> and <location>ST. JOHN'S</location>, Newfoundland, <chron>Nov. 24</chron> /CNW/ -- General Dynamics <location>Canada</location>, a pioneer in the development of military acoustics processing and display solutions, and Marport C-Tech Ltd., a leading sonar manufacturer for underwater defence, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) setting the stage for the joint development and marketing of a suite of next generation underwater acoustic products to support underwater military Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. This partnership will position General Dynamics <location>Canada</location> and Marport to address increasing global market demand for underwater ISR systems as militaries around the world rebuild and retool their fleets.</p>
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<p>Associated with today's announcement, General Dynamics <location>Canada</location> has awarded Marport a multi-year research and development contract for new naval sonar products that leverage Marport's Software Defined Sonar® (SDS) technology. Initially designed to address commercial fishing needs, SDS is an innovative, cost-effective and flexible sonar platform, offering a technically advanced alternative to traditional hardware-based sonar product development. The new sonar products developed with Marport's SDS technology will integrate into General Dynamics Canada's Open Architecture Acoustics Processing Application Suite to provide advanced processing capabilities on a tailored user interface designed by airborne and naval acoustics operators.</p>
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<p>"The tables have turned in the military market from a technology perspective. Where 20 years ago military development would filter into commercial applications, today we're seeing increasing military demand to leverage commercial technology for next generation military applications," said <person>Mike Greenley</person>, vice president of Business Development and Strategic Planning for General Dynamics <location>Canada</location>. "This type of dual-use technology enables us to offer very competitively priced products, and with this partnership, we are ideally positioned to address the sweet spot of a growing global market for cost-effective, easily upgradeable software-centric sonar and acoustic processing solutions."</p>
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<p>For more than 40 years, General Dynamics <location>Canada</location> has been providing underwater warfare solutions for both air and maritime platforms. Recognized by militaries around the world, the company's innovative solutions are in use by the air forces and navies of <location>Canada</location>, the <location>United States</location>, the <location>United Kingdom</location>, <location>Australia</location>, <location>New Zealand</location>, <location>Sweden</location>, <location>Japan</location> and Korea. The announcement today highlights a strategic step by General Dynamics <location>Canada</location>, further strengthening its market position.</p>
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<p><person>Karl Kenny</person>, CEO of Marport C-Tech, said, "Our agreement with General Dynamics <location>Canada</location> enables us to increase our focus on high-value, high-impact acoustic solutions for the underwater battlespace. We see the potential of our mutual synergies being realized with leading-edge products, increased revenues and new customers."</p>
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<p>The suite of new and existing products, targeted at naval surface vessels as well as maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters, will include:</p>
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    --  Hull-Mounted Sonar
    --  Variable Depth Sonar
    --  Underwater Navigation Systems
    --  Sonobuoy Processing Systems
    --  Harbour Surveillance Sonar
    --  Unmanned Underwater Vehicles
    --  Distributed Remote Sensing
    --  Undersea Acoustic Communications

    About Marport C-Tech Ltd.
    
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<p>Founded in 1969, Marport C-Tech is a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance underwater defence systems for the Canadian Navy, major defence contractors and international naval customers. The company is certified to ISO-9001 and includes electronic, software, mechanical and acoustic development, manufacturing and test capabilities. The company was acquired by Marport <location>Canada</location> Inc. in <chron>June 2009</chron>. For additional information visit: <a href="http://www.marport.com/defence">www.marport.com/defence</a></p>
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    About General Dynamics
    
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<p>General Dynamics <location>Canada</location>, headquartered in <location>Ottawa</location>, is a premier provider of defence electronic systems and a leading systems integrator of complete Command, Control, Communication, Computing, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) solutions. The company has established an international pedigree for excellence in the production of technology-based, integrated solutions for land, airborne and maritime applications. More information about the company is available at: <a href="http://www.gdcanada.com">www.gdcanada.com</a>.</p>
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<p>General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 92,300 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about General Dynamics is available online at <a href="http://www.generaldynamics.com">www.generaldynamics.com</a>.</p>
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For further information: Amy MacLeod of General Dynamics Canada, [phone], [email protected], or Glenda Leyte of Marport C-Tech Ltd., +-1-709-757-5757 x 242, [email protected] Web Site: http://www.gdcanada.com