By Adam Bartley, RMIT University and Matthew Warren, RMIT University A 12-tonne fishing boat weighs anchor three kilometres off the port of Adelaide. A small crew huddles over a miniature submarine, activates the controls, primes the explosives, and releases it into the water. The underwater drone uses sensors and sonar to navigate towards its pre-programmed…
A new strategy to support the continued growth of the quantum technology industry has been launched by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk during her CEDA State of the State address. The strategy leverages Queensland’s research and fabrication capabilities across quantum and other related technologies such as semiconductors, superconductors, photonics, and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), for industry sectors…
KBR and QinetiQ have signed a teaming agreement to work collaboratively to deliver test and evaluation services for the Australian Defence Force, opening up greater competition in the underserved space. Under the agreement KBR and QinetiQ will share skills and experiences to build on both companies’ respective test and evaluation solutions, drawing on both global…
The Northern Territory government has said that building will be underway soon, after awarding the head construction contract for the Ship Lift Facility to the Clough-BMD Joint Venture. The facility at Darwin’s East Arm will be 26 metres wide and 103 metres in length. It will have four wet berths for in-water maintenance, and 20…
Australian-listed IperionX has signed an agreement with the US Army to produce high-strength titanium plate components for testing on its ground vehicles. The Test Services Agreement and Statement of Work with the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Centre (DEVCOM GVSC) will focus on the ballistic testing properties of IperionX’s materials. Following…
Australian ship builder Austal has won a $143 million contract with the US Navy to build three Landing Craft Utility vessels, with the potential to expand the work. The win follows a previous contract for the detail design of the vessels and also includes the option for the construction of an additional nine vessels as…
Universities can apply for AUKUS funding for 4,000 more places Universities can now apply for additional Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) targeted at graduates in STEM courses, the federal government announced on Friday. The additional CSPs are designed to attract more students to train in engineering, mathematics, chemistry and physics and meet the needs of the AUKUS…
Ballistic armour and drone technology manufacturer XTEK continues to ride rising global insecurity, reporting another big jump in revenue in FY23. XTEK reported profit after tax of $6.1 million, up seven percent, on revenue up 54 percent to $89.4 million for the year. EBITDA profit was $10.9 million with the company ending the year with…
Austin powers ahead on benefits from revamped manufacturing Perth mining equipment manufacturer Austin Engineering has reported an EBITDA of $31 million for FY23 on revenue up 27 percent on the previous year to $258 million. Operating cash flow for the year was $15.8 million, up 236 percent, with the company ending the year with an…
Wirra Wirra in US export breakthrough McLaren Vale, South Australia winery, Wirra Wirra, has secured a landmark, exclusive deal with the world’s largest family-owned wine company, E. & J. Gallo Winery (Gallo) to export its range of wines across all 50 US states. Under the agreement, Wirra Wirra will be Gallo’s exclusive McLaren Vale supplier,…
