Bell Featured in Canadian Defence Review Magazine

Bell Textron Canada has been prominently featured in the December 2024 issue of Canadian Defence Review (CDR) magazine. Here’s an overview of the key highlights.

In its annual report on the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) helicopter fleet, CDR interviewed Marc Bigaouette, Director of Canadian Government Programs at Bell Textron Canada, about two significant contracts for the support and modernization of the RCAF's Griffon fleet.

The article details two major items: the Griffon Limited Life Extension (GLLE) project and the CH-146 Griffon In-Service Support (ISS). The CH-146 ISS contract is designed to ensure continuous capability sustainment, providing regular maintenance and updates to maintain the Griffon helicopters' performance and operational readiness. This is essential for maintaining sovereign military and industrial capabilities. Additionally, the contract supports the local economy and creates jobs in the defence sector.

Marc Bigaouette also discussed the extensive scope of the GLLE program, noting that almost everything except the airframe and dynamic components will be new on the Griffon MK II. He expressed how this collaboration between industry and the Canadian government sets a nice example.

GLLE represents more than 50% Canadian content value, ensuring supply security for the Canadian Armed Forces. Additionally, it serves as a bridge until the introduction of the Next Tactical Aviation Capability Set (nTACS) program.

In the opening pages of CDR, Bell presented the advantages of its tiltrotor technology to meet the future needs of the Canadian Armed Forces under the nTACS program. The Bell V-280 is a solution to provide the speed and airlift capabilities necessary to support Canadian sovereignty, respond to natural disasters and emergencies nationwide, and contribute to international operations with allies.

Patrick Demers Stoddart, Director for the GLLE project at Bell Textron Canada, has been selected for the prestigious "Top Aerospace & Defence Professionals Under 40" list by CDR. This recognition highlights the exceptional achievements and significant contributions of leaders under 40 in the aerospace and defence sectors in Canada.

Patrick holds a mechanical engineering degree from Concordia University and a master's degree in aerospace engineering from École Polytechnique de Montréal. He joined Bell Textron Canada in 2008 and has since held various leadership positions, contributing to significant projects such as the IFR certification of the Bell 407 GXi and enhancements to the Bell 407 platform.

In February 2024, Patrick was promoted to Director for the GLLE project. Under his leadership, the Griffon MK II helicopter completed its maiden flight in June 2024. His team is currently focused on testing and evaluation leading up to certification.

Bell extends its congratulations to Patrick for this well-deserved recognition and acknowledges the support of his colleagues who contribute to the company's ongoing success.