Marand’s launcher ramp system passes FAT
Marand Precision Engineering has announced successful passing of Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for production of first of type Launcher Ramp System for the KONGSBERG Naval Strike Missile NSM. KONGSBERG’s NSM were selected last year to replace Harpoon Anti-Ship Missiles on the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) ANZAC Class Frigates and HOBART Class Destroyers. Last month Marand welcomed visitors from Defence and representatives from both KONGSBERG in Norway and Australia to their Moorabbin facility to complete the FAT. They inspected the first unit and reviewed all documentation including manufacturing and test data. After the declaration of a successful FAT milestone achievement, the group witnessed a trial assembly and disassembly sequence. Rohan Stocker, Marand’s CEO said in a statement on Monday: “This milestone is a credit to the contribution and hard work of the Marand team, and also to the support and partnership we have built with KONGSBERG.”
Indo Pacific 2023 commences
The Indo Pacific 2023 International Maritime Exposition opened its doors on Tuesday morning, with a record number of defence industry businesses and international delegations. This year’s theme is “Fleet 2035: Sea Power and the Future of Maritime Warfare”, and will be visited by delegations from over 40 nations and 700 defence industry organisations, according to a statement from defence. “Billions of people across the world rely upon the natural resources drawn from or transported on the oceans for their livelihood, and take for granted the seabed cables, which connect the modern world and enable our prosperity,” said Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond. “Indo Pacific Sea Power Conference 2023 provides an opportunity for Navy to discuss shared maritime challenges, which impact our national security and economic prosperity.”
New circular economy initiative in Townsville
The Queensland government is partnering with Smart Precinct NQ to deliver a new circular economy initiative in Townsville, with the organisation to provide information and support to local businesses looking to embed circular economy principles in their operations. The precinct is one regional centre involved in the $4 million Queensland Circular Economy (Industry-Research) Program, along with the Resources Centre of Excellence in Mackay and Agribusiness Connect in Toowoomba. If the concept proves to be successful, it will be rolled out to other locations, according to a statement from state environment minister Leanne Linard. “We simply have to do a better job of conserving our precious resources and reducing waste to landfill,” said Linard. “That’s why all Australian environment ministers have committed their governments to transitioning to a circular economy by 2030.”
Three UQ researchers to lead new LEIF-sponsored facility projects
Three University of Queensland projects were awarded $3.3 million through the Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) scheme, announced last week. Professor David Fairlie will lead research to develop a molecular analysis platform to accelerate biological and molecular research in Australia and create new training and collaborative opportunities. Dr Glen Harris will lead research to develop an open-access cryogenic facility in the only deep-underground physics laboratory in the southern hemisphere to enable ultra-precise experiments by protecting them from noise. And Professor Mehdi Mobli will lead research to advance diagnostic imaging and establish a national network for advanced studies in chemistry, drug design, materials science, and environmental sciences.
ANSTO equipment assists in antibiotic-resistant bacteria-beating research
A large Australian team led by Monash University has devised a new approach to killing antibiotic-resistant bacteria using lipid nanoparticles targeting specific layers on the surface of the bacterial cell. The team’s research was published in the journal Small, and demonstrates antibacterial lipids successfully used in combination with nanocarrier lipids to form nanoparticles that kill gram-negative bacteria, according to a statement from ANSTO on Tuesday. The research team was led by Prof Jian Li, Prof Anton Peleg, and A/Prof Hsin-Hui Shen of Monash University. Instrument scientist and co-author Dr Anton Le Brun contributed to the research with measurements on ANSTO’s Platypus neutron reflectometer and analysis of the data. “Neutron reflectometry is a useful tool for understanding the structure of cell membranes at the nanometre length scale,” explained Le Brun. The paper can be accessed here.
Ampcontrol uses mine safety expo to unveil two new products
Electrical engineering firm Ampcontrol is showcasing two new products, both designed for use in hard rock mines, at the 2023 Mine Electrical Safety Conference Western Australia (MESC WA) in Perth. The two products are the new IPM3, a multifunction, multi-voltage, integrated protection relay, and the company’s Conveyor Safety System. “Electrical safety is key to everything we do at Ampcontrol,” said Managing Director Rod Henderson. “We’re excited to bring these new products to MESC WA. This event is in its second year in Western Australia following many successful years in Queensland and one we hope continues to be an ongoing success.” The conference runs on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Picture: credit Marand
