Best of the week — the five most popular stories among @AuManufacturing’s readers, October 23 – 27, 2023

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to this site were reading.

5) Boeing and Ferra to develop longer range gliding munition

Boeing and Australian manufacturer Ferra Engineering have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to continue production of Joint Direct Attack Munition Extended Range (JDAM ER) wing kits for local and export markets.

The companies also plan explore applications for Powered JDAM — a long-range, low-cost and mass-producible JDAM derivative capable of travelling upwards of 300 nautical miles.

Brisbane-based Ferra is Boeing’s global supplier of the 500-pound JDAM ER wing kits, with the partnership being extended through 2028.

4) Mitsubishi’s first in landmark Australian defence deal

Mitsubishi Electric has made history in a new deal with Australia’s Department of Defence, becoming the first Japanese company to sign a defence contract with a foreign government.

Not only will Australia access Japanese defence technologies, but the deal opens the way for Australian technologies to be adopted in Japan.

The federal government announced that Defence and Mitsubishi Electric Australia (MEA) signed an agreement to develop a cutting-edge laser capability for the Australian Defence Force to enhance surveillance and survivability of defence platforms.

3) Infinitus Aero reveals E22 Spark electric aircraft

Adelaide manufacturer Infinitus Aero has secured access to leading edge battery technology for its planned E22 Spark electric light sport aircraft and plans to be ready for flight within 90 days.

Infinitus Aero, formerly known as Bader Aero, secured battery technology from US-based Amprius Technologies and has partnered with Australian based battery integrator Prohelion to configure the E22 Spark.

Amprius Technologies are a leader in battery technology who use an exclusive battery manufacturing process that improves life cycle and increases energy density.

2) First look at upcoming trams to be made at Dandenong

A life-sized mock-up of the upcoming Melbourne G-class trams, to be built by Alstom, was on display at an event at Tullamarine on Monday morning.

Transport minister Gabrielle Williams visited the unveiling of the model, which is being used for testing and evaluation before production ramps up.

Testing on the network is scheduled for 2025 before the vehicles begin serving passengers on Routes 57, 59 and 82.

1) ATCO and BOC Linde to build world first hydrogen power station

ATCO and global gas giant BOC Linde have been selected by the South Australian government to construct a world-first hydrogen power station at Port Bonython, near the industrial city of Whyalla on Spencer Gulf, writes Peter Roberts.

BOC Linde was seen by many as the front runner among the 29 companies competing to build the plant which is the centrepiece of the Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub.

The company already delivers green hydrogen produced at a small electrolyser located at the Tonsley Innovation Precinct in Adelaide to the Liberty OneSteel steelworks at Whyalla.

Picture: credit ALPSA