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The federal government has awarded 15 contracts, valued at more than $28 million, to Australian small businesses to develop “cutting-edge technologies aimed at providing the Australian Defence Force with a capability edge”.
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One such technology is the development of the world’s first lightweight carbon fibre wheels for the Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopter, which aims to improve the efficiency and performance of the rotorcraft.
Victorian-based company Carbon Revolution was awarded the $2.4 million contract to develop the technology, which is all part of the Defence Innovation Hub’s $640 million overall investment to develop innovative technologies.
“This tranche of investments includes initial concept exploration and technology demonstration, through to prototyping and integrated capability demonstration and evaluation,” Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said.
“Every time the Defence Innovation Hub invests in a local company, it supports local jobs and gives Australian companies the opportunity to develop world-class capabilities.”
One of the other major investments is the $5.8 million contract awarded to Brisbane-based company EM Solutions to develop and test a satellite communications system for maritime vessels, while a $5.7 million contract has also been awarded to Adelaide-based company Inovor Technologies to deliver a prototype nanosatellite that will enhance space situational awareness.
Below is the full list of the Defence Innovation Hub contracts announced:
|
Organisation |
Contract value (GST inclusive) |
Description of innovation |
|
EM Solutions |
$5.8 million |
To continue the development of a satellite communications systems for potential deployment in current and future Royal Australian Navy vessels. This projects aims to deliver a prototype communications antenna for testing and demonstration on Navy vessels. |
|
Inovor Technologies |
$5.7 million |
To deliver a prototype nanosatellite that will enhance space situational awareness. This investment will continue to expand Australia’s growing space capability and has potential to contribute to supporting the global space surveillance network. |
|
SiNAB |
$4.4 million |
To develop a prototype Joint Terminal Attack Controller training solution that seeks to enhance the training capability of the Royal Australian Air Force. The training solution aims to improve operational agility by enhancing communications across multiple aircraft. |
|
Solinnov
|
$2.3 million |
To develop a software defined radio system with applications across electronic warfare, communications and sensing domains. This technology has the potential to replace multiple pieces of equipment with one lightweight, portable solution. |
|
Carbon Revolution |
$2.4 million |
To develop the world’s first lightweight carbon fibre wheels for the Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopter. If successful, this technology could improve the efficiency and performance of the CH-47F Chinook. |
|
TAE Gas Turbines |
$2.1 million |
To develop an autonomous software system capable of monitoring the health and performance of M1 Abrams Tank engines. This technology has the potential to deliver efficiencies in vehicle maintenance and availability. |
|
EM Solutions |
$1.9 million |
To develop a low-profile, flat panel antenna system. If successful, this system could increase communication capacity from land, air or sea platforms to satellites. |
|
GPSAT Systems Australia |
$1.1 million |
To develop GPS jamming and spoofing countermeasures. This technology seeks to deliver rapid threat detection and geolocation capabilities. |
|
Clearbox Systems |
$831,000 |
To develop a standalone software tool for the generation and management of cryptographic keys. This technology could deliver significant operational efficiencies across Defence. |
|
Exablaze |
$306,000 |
To explore the development of an automated object detection system with the capacity to operate in a range of light-based conditions. This technology offers the potential to improve threat detection and surveillance capabilities. |
|
QinetiQ |
$280,000 |
To develop an alternative electrical power micro-grid solution for deployed forces. If successful, this technology will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of in-field power generation systems and could be adapted to other power systems, such as those on vehicles, ships and aircraft. |
|
Macquarie University |
$264,000 |
To conduct a program definition study examining laser technology that seeks to show how to overcome performance problems of existing lasers and to optimise applications. |
|
J3 Seven |
$257,000 |
To explore the development of an unmanned aerial system prototype capable of detecting, sampling and analysing chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear substances. If successful, this technology could be used to reduce risks by enhancing the capacity to identify and analyse environmental threats from a safe distance. |
|
Techventure |
$229,000 |
To develop an alternative small and light arm projectile system that seeks to provide the Australian Army with ammunition that is more accurate and more lethal with a longer effective range. |
|
Consunet |
$180,000 |
To develop a software capability to enable electromagnetic battle management that integrates existing technologies. |
