Bombardier Aerospace announced today that a third Bombardier Dash 8 Q200 Multi-Role Surveillance Aircraft (MRSA) has been ordered by ATK Integrated Systems of Fort Worth, Texas on behalf of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Office. The first and second aircraft were ordered in 2003 and 2004.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is an agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). CBP's Office of Air and Marine Operation's three core competencies of air and marine interdiction, air and marine law enforcement, and airspace security, are critical to meeting some of the most challenging homeland security missions facing DHS. The multi-mission Bombardier Dash 8 Q200 aircraft will be invaluable in the performance of these missions.
ATK Integrated Systems is the prime contractor responsible for mission system integration and program management for the MRSA program. ATK provides all of the subsystems including surveillance radar, avionics equipment and communications suite.
Field Aviation Company, inc. of Toronto is the primary subcontractor to ATK for the structural modifications and the sensor provisions required to convert the Bombardier Dash 8 Q200 aircraft into an MRSA. Field is scheduled to deliver the third aircraft to ATK in approximately two years.
In choosing the Bombardier Dash 8 Q200 turboprop, CBP took many factors into consideration including reviewing the successes the Q200 aircraft was having with the Australian Customs Service COASTWATCH operation. The Australian aircraft, the first of which entered service in 1995, have flown approximately 60,000 operational hours, the highest utilization of any modern surveillance aircraft in this class. The COASTWATCH experience was also a prime factor in the selection of the Bombardier Dash 8 Q300 for the maritime surveillance mission of the Swedish Coast Guard.
"The proven performance and economics of the Bombardier Dash 8 Q200 MRSA as witnessed by its COASTWATCH experience, and its selection for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, are further evidence that the aircraft is a cost-effective solution for the multi-role patrol task," said Derek Gilmour, Vice-President, Government and Special Mission Sales, Bombardier Aerospace. "Compared to more expensive military aircraft, the simplified maintenance procedures of the Dash 8, the easy access to latest technology flight crew training simulators, the proven rugged structure and the worldwide availability of spares make support easier and more economical."
With a long-range fuel capacity of 10,200 pounds (4,631 kg) and Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123D engines, the Bombardier Dash 8 Q200 MRSA on a typical mission can transit 200 nm (370 km) at 289 knots (535 km/h), fly a low-level search track of about 1,000 nm (1,851 km) at 2,000 feet (610 m), including a number of target identifications, and return to base with IFR reserve fuel.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2005, were $15.8 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
Bombardier, Dash 8 and Q200 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For information:
Bert Cruickshank
Bombardier Aerospace
(416) 375-3030
www.bombardier.com