Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

EOS test launches Javelin missile from remote weapons station

EOS Defense Systems USA has successfully fired anti-tank missiles and a 30mm cannon from an EOS remote weapon station mounted on a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV, pictured). The firings, conducted at the Redstone Test Center, Ala., utilised U.S. Army-supplied Javelin missiles and the Northrop Grumman M230LF Bushmaster gun. During the test, the team launched two Javelin missiles in between M230LF Bushmaster gun 30mm cannon fire volleys. Both systems were mounted on an EOS R400S Mk2 Remote Weapon Station and validated that neither weapons’ employment adversely affected the other’s performance. EOS USA is a subsidiary of Canberra defence, space and communications group Electro Optic Systems.

Applied EV formalises autonomous electric vehicle agreement

Building on its success, autonomous vehicle technology specialist Applied EV has formalised its partnership with Oxbotica in a landmark agreement to further enhance the companies’ respective technologies. Oxbotica’s Universal Autonomy vehicle platform, seamlessly integrated into Applied EV’s software defined vehicles, created a turnkey autonomous transport solution for customers, according to a statement. Appl;ied EV said: “A true partnership on every level – all in the spirit of achieving our joint pledge, in bringing the benefits of autonomous vehicles to our day to day lives.”

Innovaero to develop loitering munition for Defence

Innovaero has been awarded a contract by the Australian Department of Defence to develop an entirely sovereign loitering munition with a range of 200km and a choice of payloads. Well before Russia invaded the Ukraine, the Australian Army was seeking sovereign capability to develop and supply loitering munitions, which are UAV’s equipped with a warhead. They are launched with the intention of loitering in enemy territory waiting for a ground-based target to be identified. The Innovaero OWL (One Way Loitering) munition’s maiden flight was in May this year, just five months after design work began.

Quickstep awarded hydrogen storage research grant

Advanced composites manufacturer Quickstep has secured an $803,000 R&D grant from the NSW state government to develop ‘intelligent hydrogen storage solutions’. The award, from the government’s Clean Technology Innovation R&D Program, is part of a $1.6 million effort to enhance filament winding processes, select and test materials and develop new tank designs. The new designs are aimed at integration with hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems. Quickstep has partnered with Omni Tanker, of Smeaton Grange, NSW a leading supplier of advanced composite tanks to industry.

Codan mourns loss of Ian Wall

HF radio and metal detector manufacturer Codan Limited has announced ‘with considerable sadness’ the death of Ian Wall OAM, Co-Founder and former Director, aged 91. Codan’s Chairman David Simmons said: “On behalf of the Codan Board and all its employees, I extend my deepest condolences to Ian’s wife Pam, his family and friends. The Codan family are deeply saddened by the passing of our last surviving Co-Founder — one of the true icons of the Company. Through his drive, dedication and passion for engineering, Ian helped shape Codan into the company it is today.”

Picture: Electro Optic Systems/Javelin missile launch