At first glance it sounds as if it is a combination thinktank/research and developement organization. Of course, if there is anything else to it, they would hardly announce it on their website. Canadien and US military have a long history of working together. I am sure it continues even with the cooling trend between the two nations that is only now lifting.

Personally, I would say carry on.

and the Canadians are producing and exporting to MASS areas of the US DOD. I find this intriguing and a bit worrisome...as in Canada, news archives, media, budget analysis etc there is virtually no mention of this Umbrella Program.

Currently there are something like 6 Cannucks serving on the board and the rest are Big Wigs from within the US DOD and camparable agencies.

Everything from, Aerospace technologies to

Radiation Hardened Microelectronics
DoD satellite and missile systems have unique radiation and electrical requirements that
commercial systems need not meet. These defense systems are designed to survive extreme
weapons-produced nuclear radiation environments (for example, neutrons, radiation dose rate,
high total radiation dose) and ensure the nation's survival through uninterrupted autonomous
operation of defense unique functions (threat detection, tracking, engagement, and assured
command and control communications). In order to meet these unique requirements many
defense systems utilize specially manufactured microelectronic devices. Commercial off-the-
shelf-electronics are not designed to survive in these environments and each new generation of
commercial electronics displays greater radiation vulnerabilities.
Radiation hardened
microelectronics are designed to withstand the deleterious effects of extremely high radiation
levels that might occur as the result of a nuclear weapon burst or long-term radiation exposure.

I have collected so far a hefty 89 pages of stuff that these guys are heavy into and it is primarily DOD stuff.

I have a lot of reading to do, if anyone with some Military background or knowledge wants to assist with some let me know...It's a HUGE program...why isn't it discussed?

Canada sets aside upwards of 2 BILLION dollars toward this program...Harper made no mention of DND or DOD in his recent budget stuff...but I'm willing to bet NATIBO gets a hefty raise in funds ASAP.

The US is NATIBOs PRIMARY recipient of services and goods and informations - like 86%!!

Hmmmm


[edit on 5/3/2006 by justgeneric]