Lockheed Puts C$11.7 Million of Offset Money Behind a $5 Million Hologram Table
The next funding phase moves Avalon Holographics toward an OLED flat panel, the cost cut that decides whether its mission-planning display ever leaves the operations center.
The next funding phase moves Avalon Holographics toward an OLED flat panel, the cost cut that decides whether its mission-planning display ever leaves the operations center.
Lockheed Martin Canada has committed C$11.7 million to Avalon Holographics of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, the company announced Sept. 9. The total combines a new C$5.6 million contract with an earlier C$6.1 million Phase 1 investment. The two companies have worked together since 2020.
The spending counts toward Lockheed's obligations under Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits policy. Those commitments stem from the River-class destroyer program and the Victoria-class Submarine Command and Control System contract, Lockheed stated. The policy requires a contractor to undertake business activity in Canada equal to the value of the contracts it wins, SaltWire noted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Lockheed Martin Canada putting into Avalon Holographics?
C$11.7 million in total, per Lockheed Martin Canada's Sept. 9 release: a new C$5.6 million contract on top of an initial C$6.1 million Phase 1 investment. The companies have worked together since 2020.
Why is Lockheed funding a display company in Newfoundland?
Lockheed said the spending helps meet its Industrial and Technological Benefits commitments tied to the River-class destroyer program and the Victoria-class Submarine Command and Control System contract. The policy obliges a contractor to undertake business activity in Canada equal to the value of contracts it wins, SaltWire noted.
What does the NOVAC display do?
It is a light-field table that reproduces the rays of light a real object would emit, giving a 3D image with real depth and no glasses or headset, according to Vanguard. The unit is about three feet square with roughly 40 inches of hologram depth.
How is it used in defense today?
A unit is installed at Lockheed Martin's Center for Innovation in Suffolk, Virginia, where it is used for mission planning and wargaming, per Vanguard. Sightlines, weapons ranges, electronic warfare envelopes and radio coverage can be layered onto a holographic terrain map.
What stands between the display and deployed units?
Price and size. Founder Wally Haas told Vanguard a single unit runs in the range of $5 million. Phase 2 funds a move to an OLED flat panel with a lower price point, Avalon's Heather Noseworthy told Postmedia. Neither company has given a date for the prototypes.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.