Ottawa-based W.R. Davis Engineering has received a supply chain contract to support the development of Canada’s future River-class guided missile destroyers.
The 30-million Canadian dollar ($21.6-million) deal stipulates the design and implementation of the warships’ full engine intake and exhaust system and its corresponding infrared suppression capabilities.
The system will aid the vessel in maintaining the air cycle in and out of a destroyer’s engine, while the suppression devices will normalize the engine’s temperature to decrease the vessel’s overall infrared signature, protecting its crew from heat-seeking threats.
Work for the contract will be facilitated for the first three River ships.
W.R. Davis will conduct operations in partnership with Irving Shipbuilding, the primary contractor on Canada’s latest destroyer program.
“One of Irving Shipbuilding’s priority objectives is to add Canadian suppliers and content to the River-class program, consequently, the selection of a family-run Ottawa based business for such an important piece of work is great to see,” Irving Shipbuilding Supply Chain VP Lee Fromson remarked.
Boosting Ottawa’s Defense Sector
Throughout the effort, W.R. Davis is projected to produce new opportunities for Ottawa’s local community and industrial base.
Part of this goal is the employment of seasoned technicians and new personnel with less experience who will undergo the training required for tasks such as welding and fitting, Irving noted.
“Davis has been providing this technology to navies around the world for over 35 years,” W.R. Davis Vice President Courtney Wagner stated.
“Now, our Ottawa facility has the rare opportunity to support the important revitalization work of the Canadian fleet with our state-of-art technology.”
“This Irving Shipbuilding project will provide steady work for our marine fabrication group for the next 20 years. It’s an exciting time to be part of Canada’s defence sector.”
The Canadian Surface Combatant
The River-class destroyer, also known as the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC), is a 151.4-meter (497-foot) vessel that will replace the Royal Canadian Navy’s aging Halifax frigates and Iroquois destroyers.
It will be equipped with weapons such as naval and machine guns, autocannons, missiles, and torpedoes. It can accomodate about 210 people, drones, helicopters, support boats, and a sea-based medical center.
The ship will incorporate diesel-electric and gas engines for a top speed of 50 kilometers (31 miles) per hour and a range of up to 7,000 nautical miles (8,055 miles/13,000 kilometers).
In late June, the Canadian Department of Defence and Irving announced the start of construction for the initial CSC ships.
The first destroyer, HMCS Fraser, is scheduled for completion by the 2030s, with the final ship by the 2050s.
