Patrick Durrant | Sydney
The specialist defence equipment supplier Owen International has established a laser aiming repair, maintenance and test facility in Sydney.
The depot level maintenance capability, including a computer controlled optical bench for test, repair and calibration of the in-service LA-5 PEQ Laser Aiming Illuminator Device (LAID), was commissioned by L-3 and Owen, the Australian Distributor for L-3 Warrior Systems, Insight Technology Division (L-3) laser aiming, thermal and weapon mounted illumination products.
Owen personnel have undergone training in the US and undertaken repair of an initial batch of Advanced Target Pointer Illuminator Aiming Light (ATPIAL) systems in the US to gain Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) accreditation. An initial batch of systems for local repair is now undergoing inspection, repair and testing to fully accredit the Australian capability.
In country support for ADF in-service equipment and systems is a key element of efficient maintenance and logistics effort, in order to maximise availability. Night vision and targeting systems are critically important force multipliers and an important area of ADF interest in maintaining a leading capability edge.
The maintenance capability can support various other L-3 laser illumination systems and will be expanded to maintain the L-3 range of laser rangefinders, plus provide initial support for thermal products. The new L-3 Squad Rangefinder (SRF) represents the next generation of lightweight, miniaturised laser rangefinders. Specifically designed for squad level operations and improved mission effectiveness, the SRF combines laser aiming and ranging devices in one package, at significant savings in size, weight and power.
The establishment of this maintenance test facility has involved technology transfer between Owen and L-3 in commissioning technically advanced calibration equipment, test benches and tooling. Owen and L-3 will continue to invest in up skilling technical staff and provide the ADF with in country support capability and a strengthened technical knowledge base.