Analysis by Peter Roberts It seems the federal government push to involve our typical SME manufacturers with major defence projects is paying off in all sorts of unexpected ways. Australia has been quietly progressing research into flight at hypersonic speeds – faster than five times the speed of sound – for decades. It is the…
Details
Automation system builder Andrew Donald Design Engineering have shipped the second of three specialist inspection machines (pictured) to a US manufacturer building systems to accelerate the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines. Part of the US Trump administration’s Operation Warp Speed program, the systems are designed to overcome significant constraints in the supply and filling of vials…
Details
Quickstep unsuccessful in flare housing manufacturing bid Composites manufacturer Quickstep Holdings has been informed its bid to manufacture MJU-6B flare housing for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter for Chemring in the next two financial years has been unsuccessful. Quickstep said the grounds for Chemring’s decision are contestable, with the company initiating a formal…
Details
AGL has today announced construction will get underway this year on its planned nationwide network of grid-scale storage batteries. The company announced a start to a 250-megawatt (MW), one-hour duration grid-scale battery at Torrens Island power station in Adelaide (pictured), following AGL’s final investment decision (FID) on the project. AGL CEO Brett Redman said South…
Details
Australian startup Hypersonix has announced an agreement with aerospace giant Boeing to investigate the design of a reusable, hydrogen-powered, hypersonic vehicle to take satellites into low-earth orbit.
Details
Cairns marine engineers Tropical Reef Shipyards and BME NQ will build seven new watercraft to strengthen the Australian Army’s amphibious capability. The 7.5 metre vessels will be built in Cairns under a $4 million contract. The two companies will also provide spares and trailers, as well as operator and maintainer training. Founded in 1977, Tropical…
Details
Air Liquide is to build and operate a new CO2 purification and production plant to supply industry in Gippsland Victoria. The company has come to an agreement with the Gippsland Basin Joint Venture, made up of BHP and Esso, to build the facility alongside the Longford Gas Conditioning plant which processes Bass Strait’s oil and…
Details
Welding technology company K-TIG will develop advanced keyhole welding techniques for major South Korean defence manufacturer Hanwha Defence Corporation and its local arm Hanwha Defence Australia. Hanwha is the preferred supplier for self-propelled artillery being manufactured for the Army and is shortlisted to supply infantry fighting vehicles under Australia’s Land 400 phase 3 project. Under…
Details
Australian National University spin-out Quantum Brilliance is to add elements of quantum computing capabilities to one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers housed at Pawsey Supercomputing Centre in Perth. Quantum Brilliance will install what it says is the world’s first diamond quantum computing accelerator at the Centre. Accelerators do not require near absolute zero temperatures…
Details
The shortlist has been announced for Block One of SEA129 Phase 5 maritime unmanned aerial system (UAS) program.
Details