The U.S. Joint Cargo Aircaft Program
A Global Opportunity for Canadian Aerospace
The United States Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program provides a unique opportunity for Canadian industry - due to the potential to link the JCA program with an upcoming Canadian fixed-wing search and rescue (FWSAR) program.
Alenia North America and its partners hold the contract to manufacture the C-27J for the U.S. Army-Air Force JCA program. The Vice Chiefs of both services have set a minimum JCA program quantity requirement of 145 aircraft: 75 aircraft designated for the Army and 70 dedicated to the Air Force with an initial buy of 78 aircraft. The President’s budget for fiscal year 2010 sets the quantity at 38 through fiscal year 2012. The C-27J was, in fact, selected as the JCA aircraft on the basis of the same critical operational criteria as FWSAR - speed, range, cockpit visibility, and maneuverability. The first of these aircraft, manufactured in Italy, was just delivered to the U.S. this fall – on schedule and on budget.
The JCA program creates an opportunity for industrial participation by Canadian companies in the full C-27J program, not simply on a relatively smaller Canadian fleet of FWSAR aircraft: production and in-service support of a rapidly expanding worldwide fleet through the North American supply chain and production facility planned for Jacksonville, Florida by Alenia North America. The launch of a FWSAR program in a timely fashion makes substantial linkages between the two programs possible; Alenia is currently establishing a supplier base for the production line.
Alenia is committed to expanding its industrial presence in North America, and Canada is a significant portion of that strategy. Consistent with the themes laid out in the Government of Canada’s “Advantage Canada” initiative, such as a focus on research and development and high-tech jobs, Canadian industry is being included in planning for the new production line.
Alenia has sent Requests for Information (RFIs) to a number of Canadian companies from all regions of the country for participation in various aspects of the JCA supply chain. Alenia has also negotiated Memoranda of Understanding with a number of Canadian companies - in the event that a FWSAR program is launched while the JCA production line is being established – and continues to reach out to Canadian industry from all regions of the country. In addition to the JCA program, Canadian industry would be have access to a range of opportunities through the activities of Alenia North America-Canada’s parent company, Finmeccanica, one of the largest defence firms in the world.
Due to the volume of the JCA program, Alenia has the ability to offer uniquely high-quality aerospace work and industrial and regional benefits (IRBs) on a scale greater than others in the industry. The quality of the IRBs and the innovation involved in the work would be consistent with the objectives for Canadian industry laid out in the Canada First defence strategy. Alenia North America-Canada looks forward to continuing its discussions with Canadian industry and to working with the Canadian aerospace sector for many years to come.
