QinetiQ is helping the ADF achieve significant savings on major platforms compared to other nations.
The company works in partnership with the Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA) across structural integrity management, airframe life extension, design of repairs and modifications, stress and fatigue analysis, software development and non-destructive testing.
“We work on virtually every aircraft the ADF operates and our work is critical to delivering safe, cost-effective and capable outcomes to the current and future fleet,” managing director Greg Barsby told ADM. “We hold a unique status as the only company approved to provide certified designs, including related software and advice, for all military fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft.”
Barsby said that QinetiQ’s success in Australia is partly due to the cost savings that the company offers, including $400 million in savings on the F-18 centre barrel remediation program and six years of added time on C-130s.
“We’re currently working with DST Group on the C130 wing fatigue test inspection program, which again has the potential to deliver significant savings compared with the wing replacement program being carried out by other nations – and at least 6 years of aircraft availability if the wing was to be replaced,” Barsby said.
“AP3C is a similar example. Even after a long service life, Australia has been able to use science and advanced engineering analysis to avoid a costly wing replacement program that most other user nations undertook.
“Our customers recognise us as a top three supplier through their standardised panel procurement system; we are a Part 21 Subpart-J accredited Military Design Organisation under their Defence Aviation Safety Regulations (DASR). With our accreditations we can provide authoritative designs and advice, independent of the original equipment manufacturer, enabling objectivity and efficiency in defence decision-making.”
Yet Barsby ultimately attributes Australia’s leading performance in aircraft maintenance to local knowledge.
The company is seeking to expand further afield following its success in managing the structural integrity of the ADF’s aircraft.
“We see a unique opportunity for QinetiQ to export some of its specialist capabilities, such as our structural integrity and integrated logistics expertise, into the broader Asian market. This journey is only just beginning, as we are in the process of opening our first office in Malaysia.”