The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, announced that five projects were selected out of 119 submissions received under Round 15 of the Defence Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) Program.
Representing an investment of $13 million, they are:
- Nanoparticle-Hydrophone
Development (Phoenix Engineering with Thales Australia)
This proposal has the potential to improve underwater sonar sensing for ships, submarines and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV). The small pad-like devices could be installed in large numbers on the hulls of vessels, reducing the overall size of the vessel by eliminating the need for bulky sonar structures and taking the place of sonar array cables. - Active
Pulse Analysis System (APAS) (Sonartech Atlas)
This proposal aims to develop an advanced underwater detection and analysis system as well as innovative displays to enhance a vessel’s sonar sensing capability. The APAS would allow automatic scans of the large amounts of information collected by a ship’s sonar to detect targets and to asses the type of detection, allowing the operator to decide which signals need further attention. - Integrated
Power System for Dismounted Combat (Tectonica Australia with ANU and CSIRO)
This technology seeks to reduce the weight of batteries a soldier needs to carry to power equipment such as GPS systems and radios for communication. It also aims to reduce the complexity of the power system. Foot soldiers are increasingly reliant on electronic devices which require battery power but they increase the weight a soldier has to carry. The proposal would integrate flexible lightweight power generating solar cells, more efficient power storage technology and power generating electronic textiles, and apply smarter techniques for managing the power requirement. - Pegasus
Aircraft Buoyancy System (L-3 Nautronix with AADI Defence)
This proposal will demonstrate a lightweight, detachable emergency floating device for the Australian Army’s fleet of helicopters. With the introduction of new LHD (Landing Helicopter Dock) ships, Army will operate helicopters from naval platforms. Therefore a capability to enable a helicopter to remain afloat after ditching in the sea is vital for the survival of the crew. The Pegasus concept aims to keep an aircraft up to 10 tonnes in weight afloat. The system will weigh less than 50 kg and provide quick and easy attachment. It will have the capability to lift the aircraft to the sea’s surface from a depth of up to 10 metres and will operate automatically or under pilot control with no wired connection to the aircraft. - Integration
of EO/Laser Space Object Tracking Capability (EOS Space Systems with Northrop
Grumman)
In this concept it is proposed to develop a system that can significantly improve the ability to track objects in space. It would provide considerable improvements to existing and planned space surveillance systems. Better accuracy and reliability will mean greater protection of operational satellites from colliding in space.
Since the program began in 1997, Defence has invested $237 million in 99 projects. Of these, 72 projects have been completed successfully, 11 projects have transitioned either into service or as a contender for a major project, and a further 11 have transitioned into funded CTD Extension or CTD Transition Projects.
These are very good results for high-risk research and development projects that benefit Defence and Australian industry.