While the F-35 fighter jet is celebrated for its stealth and power, critical components that enable its performance are forged far from the runway. A key piece of this advanced technology is being manufactured right here in Canada, playing a vital role in preparing pilots for complex missions.
Kitchener's LED Innovation Creates Realistic Flight Experience
In Kitchener, Ontario, engineers at Christie are producing the cutting-edge LED technology behind an advanced pilot-training simulator. This system leverages Lockheed Martin's AMorphic Appearance Zero-Projector (AMAZE), a fully domed visual environment that wraps around pilots to create a true-to-life training experience. Christie supplies the MicroTiles LED video display system used within AMAZE, designed to replicate the sensations of flying an aircraft—from basic instrument training to high-risk combat scenarios.
"Christie has extensive experience in simulation and visualization dating back many years," says Harminder Banwait, the company's director of business development. He notes that their innovative LED video wall technology, with its superior brightness and near-seamless image, allows Christie to serve this global market effectively.
Beyond Projectors: A Sharper, More Reliable Training Tool
The AMAZE dome system contains more than 1,300 LED modules and 24 mechanical structures, creating an uninterrupted, high-resolution training environment. This immersion is crucial for mission preparation. "Pilots and aircrew can train in a realistic environment, which increases their capabilities and confidence," explains Marc Lemieux, principal product developer for electrical systems at Christie.
Christie's LED technology solves several problems associated with older projector-based systems. The MicroTiles system requires substantially less maintenance, offers greater reliability, and has a longer lifespan. The screens maintain alignment automatically, eliminating pixel distortion and warping to deliver what Lemieux describes as a "razor sharp image in perfect focus."
Economic Soar: Billions in Value and Skilled Jobs for Canada
The impact of this technology extends well beyond the training dome. Through the AMAZE project and the broader F-35 program, Christie is driving economic growth and creating high-skilled jobs. In the Kitchener-Waterloo region, the company has hired engineers and specialized technicians to design and manufacture the MicroTiles system.
James Post, director of Lockheed Martin F-35 Customer Programs, highlights the scale of Canadian involvement. More than 110 Canadian companies have participated in the F-35 supply chain. "There are $3.2-million in Canadian components in each jet in the current fleet of more than 1,270 aircraft," Post states. With a projected global need for over 3,600 aircraft, the program is expected to generate a staggering $15.5-billion in industrial value for Canada.
"As a partner, Canadian companies have contributed to the development, production and training of every single F-35 already flying and in production today," Post adds. With F-35 production running five times faster than any other allied fighter, this represents a significant source of national pride and a showcase of Canadian innovation on the global aerospace stage.
