TORONTO, May 27 2016 /CNW/ - ATLAS ELEKTRONIK and Magellan Aerospace signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Thursday, May 26, 2016, sealing intent to collaborate on the development of the rocket motor and warhead sections of the SeaSpider^® Anti-Torpedo-Torpedo.

SeaSpider^® will combine the best technology and decades of experiences of two worlds – the expertise of ATLAS ELEKTRONIK in naval systems like the SeaHake^® mod4 heavyweight torpedo and the leading rocket technology of Magellan Aerospace as chosen by NASA. This pairing will leverage Canadian and German innovation and technology to develop effective "hard-kill" torpedo defence with the world's leading Anti-Torpedo-Torpedo. Magellan Aerospace and ATLAS ELEKTRONIK Canada will enter the global market of naval defence with a revolutionary underwater rocket motor for SeaSpider^® that will define the world standard and support diversity in a key Canadian aerospace capability. This industrial effort seeks to secure and create long-term Canadian employment in the naval defence space.

ATLAS ELEKTRONIK CANADA, located in Victoria, BC, will build up capability in project management, research and development and work with Magellan Aerospace out of their facilities in Winnipeg and Rockwood, MB. ATLAS ELEKTRONIK Naval Weapons Division in Wedel, Germany will provide ongoing support.

With the SeaSpider^® system at technology readiness level 6 the system concept as well as the novel underwater rocket propulsion is proven in multiple firings at sea and the transition to production maturity through development and qualification can now be achieved in collaboration across the Atlantic. The common goal is the concurrent certification for NATO and Allied forces deployment and the establishment of a new standard in torpedo defence.

SeaSpider^® is designed to provide hard-kill defence capability against all torpedo threats for surface vessels and submarines. As the key enabler for torpedo defence, SeaSpider^® will be integrated with sonar and acoustic sensors to counter these underwater warfare threats.

Rick Gerbrecht, President and CEO of ATLAS ELEKTRONIK CANADA Ltd states "We are pleased to be working with Magellan Aerospace, a proven supplier of solid rocket propellant systems to NASA where quality and dependability to operate in harsh conditions is mandatory. The SeaSpider^® represents an unprecedented resurgence in the excellence in Canadian Anti-Submarine Warfare capability. We are proud to be part of this effort that will offer the RCN, in time for the construction of the Canadian Surface Combatant, the leading integrated UWW solution to protect ships and sailors".

"Magellan welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with Atlas Elektronik, a recognized world-leader in naval systems", said Phil Underwood, President and CEO of Magellan Aerospace. "Magellan has a proven record of launching globally successful propulsion products, and looks forward to participating in this new endeavour with Atlas", he concluded.

ATLAS ELEKTRONIK CANADA Ltd
ATLAS ELEKTRONIK CANADA Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of ATLAS ELEKTRONIK GmbH of Bremen, Germany and serves the Canadian market with a specific focus on Command & Control, sonar, and unmanned vehicles. ATLAS ELEKTRONIK CANADA is strategically located in proximity to the Royal Canadian Navy's Pacific Fleet and a NSPS Shipyard and is capable of providing any of the ATLAS Group products as well as a broad range of associated technical and logistics support services for the entire product life cycle.

For further information please contact:

ATLAS ELEKTRONIK CANADA Ltd
Rick Gerbrecht
President & CEO
Suite 2202D-4464 Markham St
Victoria BC, V8Z 7X8
Tel: 1-778-224-1010
Mobile: 1-250-812-9897
Email:  [email protected]
www.canada.atlas-elektronik.com

ATLAS ELEKTRONIK
The ATLAS ELEKTRONIK Group stands for maritime and naval solutions above and below the ocean surface. The company holds a leading position in all fields of maritime high technology, from command & control systems including radio & communication systems for submarines, surface combatants and mine warfare systems and ranging to heavyweight torpedoes, coastal surveillance systems and in-service support. ATLAS has established a worldwide customer portfolio. The electronics specialist is a joint company of ThyssenKrupp and Airbus DS.

ATLAS ELEKTRONIK GmbH
Steffen Leuthold
Head of Political Affairs and Corporate Communications
Sebaldsbrücker Heerstrasse 235
28309 Bremen / Germany
Tel.:  +49-(0)421-457 3932
Fax:  +49-(0)421-457 3737
Email: [email protected]

MAGELLAN AEROSPACE
Magellan Aerospace is a global, integrated aerospace company that provides complex assemblies and systems solutions to aircraft and engine manufacturers, and defense and space agencies worldwide. Magellan designs, engineers, and manufactures aero engine and aero structure assemblies and components for aerospace markets, advanced products for military and space markets, industrial power generation, and specialty products. Magellan is a public company whose shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MAL), with operating units throughout Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and Poland.

SOURCE Magellan Aerospace Corporation