Mission

As a working definition for the Committee the term UAS stands as an acronym for Unmanned Autonomous Systems. Thus, the term UAS includes all air, ground, and marine vehicles and devices.
Development of this technology is an emerging field encompassing a broad range of important and high value activities. The Atlantic Provinces, and Nova Scotia in particular, can, and should, be playing a prominent role in, what has been termed, a technological and commercial revolution. Taking proactive action now will ensure that Atlantic Canada and Nova Scotia has a place in this field. It will enable us to provide leadership in an industry sub-sector that is expected to grow exponentially going forward, and to offer value to current initiatives taking place in Alberta, Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia.

The prime motivation behind the formation of this committee is to ensure that ADIANS members are in a good position to benefit from these developments. Our potential involvement in this area could take the form of joining in with national activities, forming partnerships with companies abroad or, indeed, leveraging specific Nova Scotian technological and geographic advantages in such a way as to create growth opportunities for our companies and for research and commercialisation initiatives.

Mobilisation

Unmanned Autonomous Systems come in all shapes and sizes and operate in all mediums. They range from free-drifting blimps and static surveillance devices to sub-sonic jet powered craft and missile seekers. The growth in the UAS sector over the past several years has been phenomenal. It is currently a multi-billion dollar global industry. Huge amounts of human and financial resources continue to be funnelled into research and development. Every major aerospace and defence company, and a legion of minor league players and newcomers, are now directly or indirectly involved in doing significant work in the field. The UAS sector is expected to continue to grow at an exponential rate during the next decade.

Within Canada, the West, and particularly Alberta, has taken the lead in research and development initiatives related to UAS technology. There are pockets of activity in Atlantic Canada including an Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) initiative involving Memorial University and Provincial Airlines (PAL).

UAS technology is a growth opportunity now and into the future and it is important that Nova Scotia, within an Atlantic context, fully understands this opportunity and positions the province and the region to advantage our companies.

Mandate

The aim of the Committee is to promote the development and commercialisation of autonomous devices, systems, and associated enabling technologies within the Atlantic Provinces.

Objectives:

1. Provide a dynamic working forum and establish a local network for UAS related initiatives.
2. Promote strategic partnerships and technical and commercial alliances between members.
3. Create business opportunities for companies associated with this industry sub-sector.
4. Advocate Atlantic UAS capability and expertise.
5. Provide UAS specific information and guidance to the Atlantic aerospace industry.
6. Expand ADIANS membership by attracting companies not normally considered A&D.
7. Expand activities by forging links with other UAS agencies and organisations.
8. Liaise with Provincial, Federal, and international governments and their agencies to promote Nova Scotia as a UAS technology hub and to enhance our research and development and innovation performance in this important sub-sector.
9. Become a gathering point and a promotional vehicle for companies with capabilities and technologies that align with this activity.

Guiding Principles

The development and operation of the Partnership is based on a collaborative and consultative process open to all organizations and individuals which/who are, may wish or have the potential to participate in commercial and industrial economic activity in the aerospace and defence sector, and contribute to economic growth within the provincial and regional environment.

Steering Committee

Within the policy guidelines and direction of the ADIANS Board of Directors, a Steering Committee (functioning as an Executive Committee) will provide overall management direction. The Chair of the Steering Committee will be elected from the members.
Members will include:

1. A senior staff member of a Canadian military research establishment,
2. A senior member of a Canadian Provincial development organisation,
3. A senior member of a Canadian International development organisation
4. A senior academic or staff member of a Provincial university or academic institute,
5. Two management leaders from Industry,
6. A senior member, or former member, of the Canadian Military,
7. A consultant active in the provincial aerospace and defence sector, and
8. Such other members (maximum two) as the Committee shall decide.

Activities and Expertise

The capability requirements for UAS development are extensive. Examples include:

• Sensor Development
• Sensor Exploitation
• Communications and Control
• Artificial Intelligence
• Robotics
• Electro-optics
• Mechanics
• Aeronautics
• Composite Materials
• Embedded Systems

There are many others, and many more sub-categories. Membership from organisations who are are working in these fields, will be in the near future, or are interested in expanding into them, is strongly encouraged.

Eligibility

Must be, or be eligible to become, full members of the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Nova Scotia.

Summary

The establishment of the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Nova Scotia's UAS Committee provides the means for ensuring that Nova Scotians and Nova Scotian Industry plays a full part in this new and evolving field, thereby increasing the economic prosperity of the Province and the Atlantic region. Through collaborative effort and a dynamic methodology the full potential of the Province and its people can, and will, be realised.


Document History

Issued 23rd October 2006
Revised 1st February, 2010