Volatus Aerospace, Calian Group, and Instrumar have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to evaluate integrated ice detection, de-icing, and Arctic-hardening technologies for uncrewed aircraft systems.
Severe icing and extreme environmental conditions present significant operational barriers in northern regions, frequently constraining aircraft availability and mission execution. Addressing these environmental challenges is intended to expand the utility of uncrewed aircraft systems across defence, surveillance, and infrastructure inspection operations where dependable performance in low temperatures is vital.
“Reliable uncrewed operations in the Arctic require technology that is designed for the realities of extreme environments,” said Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus. “By bringing together Volatus’ operational and aircraft integration expertise with Calian’s de-icing technology and Instrumar’s icing detection capabilities, we have an opportunity to explore an integrated approach to improving UAS performance in cold-weather conditions. This collaboration brings together complementary Canadian expertise to advance technologies that could strengthen sovereign capability and support safe, reliable operations in the Arctic.”
Under the collaborative framework, Canadian aerospace and defence company Volatus serves as the industry partner for uncrewed aircraft systems, contributing operational requirements, aircraft integration expertise, user needs, Arctic-hardening considerations, and demonstration pathways.
Calian will contribute technical knowledge related to its electrically heated de-icing laminate technology, a system currently deployed on Arctic antenna installations in support of industry and Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces applications. Through the partnership, the companies plan to explore how this heating technology can be adapted, tested, and integrated directly into uncrewed aircraft systems.
“Operating in the Arctic and cold-weather environments requires technologies that are resilient, reliable and purpose-built for demanding missions,” said Russ Beaudin, Vice President, Defence. “Calian developed de-icing technology to enable reliable operations of antenna systems in extreme conditions. This collaboration gives us an opportunity to explore how that proven Canadian technology, already in use, could be adapted for UAS platforms, operating in some of the harshest environments.”
Instrumar provides technical capabilities focused on integrated icing detection, addressing sensor integration, real-time monitoring, and related requirements for smart-skin applications.
“You cannot protect against ice you cannot sense,” said Leigh Puddester, CEO of Instrumar. “Our collective vision is an UAV that can detect and measure ice as soon as it forms, activate the protection it needs and shed what remains. Bringing those capabilities together on an uncrewed aircraft would represent an important step forward for reliable operations in Arctic and cold-weather environments. Volatus brings the aircraft and operational expertise, Calian brings the ice-protection technology, and Instrumar brings the detection capability. Together, we have an opportunity to explore an integrated system where the aircraft can sense what is happening on its surface and respond accordingly.”
The agreement establishes a non-financial and non-binding framework for an initial term of one year, with provisions for renewal by mutual written consent. Specific demonstrations, testing, platform integration, development programs, funding applications, and commercial initiatives remain subject to technical feasibility, regulatory compliance, applicable approvals, and separate scopes of work.
