QinetiQ Target Systems hosts media open house to show off local facility
By Tim Kalinowski on September 14, 2017.
tkalinowski@medicinehatnews.com @MHNTimKal QinetiQ Target Systems (formerly Meggitt) hosted a VIP tour Wednesday of its facility in Medicine Hat, giving media representatives and invitees unprecedented access to help create a better understanding of what the company does as one of the world’s leading defence contractors. During the facility tour, attendees were shown examples of some of the target drones the company creates, such as the Vindicator and Banshee aerial drones, the Badger ground vehicle, the Mosquito helicopter drone and the Hammerhead boat naval target. QinetiQ representatives spoke about the company’s international profile and history, gave some details of its work with world’s militaries, and updated attendees on some of its ongoing projects. Over the years the number of products QinetiQ offers has expanded from aerial drones to cover drones custom made to act in all environments, air, land and sea. QinetiQ Target Systems director of operations Dave Sabados told guests on Wednesday his company’s adaptability and deep talent pool of technical expertise have been key to its ongoing track record of success under various past names and owners here in Medicine Hat. “Making sure we are changing with the potential threats, and changing with the times, is super important,” confirmed Sabados. “The ‘bad guys’ out there, so to speak, are always changing … We are always working with the customer to ensure they get what they need from us. The Hammerhead, for example, was a direct result of the U.S.S. Cole attack in Yemen where a speedboat full of explosives struck the side of a ship, killing 17 sailors. That made navies realize while they may be able to shoot a missile at another ship, or shoot down a jetfighter, there were really no defences for a boat like this coming in at 50 miles an hour. “We listen to our customers and we are happy to work with them to solve those types of issues,” said Sabados. “Continued innovation is crucial.” After the facility tour, attendees were invited to regroup in Elkwater Lake for a live demonstration of the capabilities of QinetiQ’s Hammerhead boats. 8
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