Aerospace and Telecommunications Engineering Support Squadron

The Aerospace and Telecommunications Engineering Support Squadron (ATESS) provides specialized aerospace and telecommunications engineering, training, and production services in support of worldwide air force operations.

Home to engineering, manufacturing, workshop facilities, ATESS is a one stop-shop capable of taking a project from the idea stage through the drawing, prototyping, testing and production phases.

ATESS’s services are extended to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and beyond. In addition to aerospace engineering and manufacturing, ATESS installs, repairs, and overhauls communications and electronics equipment for airfields at bases across Canada, providing expert advice on airfield equipment and maintenance, and designs and maintains unique RCAF software systems.

Along with the core mandate to provide aerospace and telecommunications engineering, ATESS is a recognized training establishment which provides trade qualifications and specialty skills training for Non-Destructive Testing Technicians, Aerospace Telecommunications and Information Systems Technicians, and other Air Maintenance occupations within the RCAF.

ATESS also provides storage facilities for retired aircraft fleets and is home to the Canadian Forces Tool Control Centre.

ATESS has an operational focus enabling ongoing RCAF missions with trained personnel ready to deploy for aircraft Recovery and Salvage tasks and Integrated Health Monitoring for operational aircraft.

The Aerospace and Telecommunications Engineering Support Squadron (ATESS) was formed on June 29, 1995 by the amalgamation of the Aerospace Maintenance Development Unit (AMDU) and the Terminal Radar and Control Systems Support and Training Unit (TRACS STU).

Originally called 6 Repair Depot (6RD), the unit was established on March 18, 1940 at RCAF Station Trenton to assemble, repair and overhaul aircraft and to provide a training facility for several technical trades. Following the Second World War, 6RD was tasked with modifying aircraft to new roles and with operating a storage depot for aircraft and ancillary equipment.

In October 1967, 6RD was reorganized as AMDU and assigned the role of providing third-level engineering, maintenance, and supply services in support of aerospace operations. The unit undertook a variety of projects involving design, development, production, installation, evaluation, repair, overhaul and storage of aircraft, aircraft systems and telecommunications equipment. In addition, the unit developed maintenance schedules for aircraft techniques for their non-destructive inspection. AMDU had been a part of the Trenton community for over 50 years.

TRACS STU, originally referred to as the Training and Support Centre, became an integral unit of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Trenton in the summer of 1979. The unit provided technical training for radar and radio technicians, operational training for air traffic controllers, software development support, and engineering as well as materiel support for Air Command wings and units. TRACS STU evolved as the center of expertise for technical training on the air traffic management systems used in the Canadian Forces.

The current role of the ATESS encompasses the historical roles of both AMDU and TRACS STU, with the addition of providing personnel and equipment to support global contingency and flying operations.

To be recognized as the Canadian Forces centre of expertise for operational and tactical level support to domestic and expeditionary air force operations.

Through the customized application of technology, ATESS supports Canadian Forces operations by delivering quality aerospace and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities safely, responsively, and cost-effectively.

Aerospace and Telecommunications Engineering Support Squadron

8 Wing Trenton
Box 1000 Stn Forces
ASTRA, Ontario
K0K 3W0

ATESS Tasking Requests

Engineering Projects Office (EPO)
Email: ATESSEPO@forces.gc.ca