City Council and Swinburne University of Technology collaborate on future of clean, green air mobility
Working collaboratively to co-design the future of advanced air mobility (AAM) will be the focus of a new partnership between Latrobe City Council and Swinburne University of Technology.
The partnership, announced today, will explore how advanced air mobility can be established at the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct to drive economic growth in the region.
Researchers from Swinburne’s Aerostructures Innovation Research Hub (AIR Hub) will work with Latrobe City Council, local research and industry partners, and certification organisations such as CASA, to pioneer new technologies in AAM for the region and develop green aviation solutions to address real-world problems.
Latrobe City Council and Swinburne have a shared vision to position and develop Victoria as a national and global leader of advanced air mobility, creating innovative new economic, socialand environmental opportunities for Australia.
The partnership supports future economic growth through the creation of new industry as the local economy transitions from a reliance on energy and manufacturing industries.
The Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct is located at Latrobe Regional Airport in Morwell. The partnership will re-energise the established capabilities, facilities, and space to enable advanced air mobility technologies and craft.
Swinburne’s AIR Hub is one of Australia’s largest and most active industry-research collaborations, driving the future of air mobility and developing the next generation of aerostructures in Australia.
Quotes attributable to Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Kellie O’Callaghan
“Advanced air mobility is at the forefront of innovation. Through this collaborative arrangement, with one of Australia’s leading education and research institutions in Swinburne University of Technology, we can create a pathway to design the new technologies of the future in Latrobe City region.
“As our region transitions from the traditional industries that have underpinned our economy, we need to look towards new industry and be innovative in our thinking of what the jobs of the future look like.
“The Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct presents an opportunity to position Latrobe Regional Airport at the forefront of the emerging aviation sector.”
Quotes attributable to Director of Swinburne University of Technology’s Aerostructures Innovation Research Hub (AIR Hub), Dr Adriano Di Pietro
“Advanced air mobility represents a massive economic, environmental and quality-of-life opportunity for Australia, especially in regional areas.
“We are excited to be partnering with a forward-thinking community like Latrobe City and focusing on a community-led approach to people and technology with the Council
“Utilising the world-leading expertise of AIR Hub, this partnership will see the Latrobe City community become active partners in the creation of a new sustainable future for aviation and advanced air mobility, delivering real social benefits as well as creating jobs, building capability and driving economic growth.”
Defence leader MBDA lands at Lot Fourteen
Leading European defence company MBDA has joined the growing defence ecosystem at South Australia’s Lot Fourteen innovation district.
The company has taken up residence at the Defence and Space Landing Pad at LotFourteen, a one-stop-shop that supports the relocation of international companies to South Australia.
A world-leader in the field of guided weapons and missile systems, establishing alocal presence in South Australia is part of MBDA’s commitment to supporting Australia’s development of sovereign guided weapons capabilities.
The company’s South Australian presence will act as a focal point for MBDA’s engagement with Australian industry in support of the Guided Weapons and
Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise for Defence.
MBDA has a long history of involvement in Australian defence projects, having supported the Advanced Short Range Air to Air Missile (ASRAAM) program for the Royal Australian Air Force.
MBDA joins a high calibre list of companies that have accessed the Defence and Space Landing Pad to help secure a foothold in the Australian defence industry, that includes L3 Harris, Bureau Veritas and Saber Astronautics.
OFFICIAL
The welcome addition of MBDA to our growing defence ecosystem will build on the strong record of collaboration and innovation that our state is renowned for.
Quotes attributable to Nick Champion South Australia is already home to many global companies specialising in defence, and that confidence is only attracting more international investment.
Our State is increasingly becoming known for its leadership in building the country’s-defence capabilities and a smart investment choice for companies across the world.
Quotes attributable to MBDA Group Business Development Director Paul Mead. This new local presence in South Australia is an exciting step for MBDA supporting the growth and sustainment of Australia’s GWEO industrial capability.
We look forward to engagement across the Australian government and industry on development of future weapon systems, and delivery of increased sovereign capability, manufacture and support of guided weapons.
Boeing Expands AH-64E Apache Supply Chain to Australia
For the first time, Boeing [NYSE: BA] will hire Australian companies to supply parts for its AH-64E Apache Suppliers will provide components for new Apaches including Australia’s future fleet of 29 Apaches.
Australian companies Cablex and Thomas Global Systems respectively will manufacture cabling, and design and manufacture cockpit avionics components for the global fleet of Apaches.
For the Australian fleet of Apaches, four companies – Cablex, Ferra, Axiom Precision Manufacturing and Mincham – were selected to supply wire harnesses, electrical panels, vertical spar box, machined parts, fairings and composites.
“By partnering with the Australian government and investing in local businesses including small-and-medium enterprises, this agreement will help create jobs, develop Australia’s aerospace and manufacturing capability, and grow the local economy,” said Kathleen Jolivette, vice president and general manager of Boeing Vertical Lift.
The supplier contracts are part of an agreement signed by Boeing and Defence Australia at the Avalon 2023 Australian International Airshow. The agreement also acknowledges the benefit of the Australian Global Supply Chain (GSC) Program that delivers export opportunities into Boeing’s supply chain.
“Defence has worked diligently with US Army, Boeing and local industry to ensure we are providing the best capability for the Australian Defence Force,” said Major General Jeremy King, Head of Defence’s Joint Aviation Systems Division.
“We look forward to continuing to work together through this agreement signed today to seek further opportunities for local industry involvement in both the production of Australia’s Apaches and the broader global fleet product and support activities.”
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.
HONEYWELL APPOINTS ROSEBANK ENGINEERING AS AUTHORISED SERVICE CENTRE FOR F-35 WHEELS AND BRAKES
At Avalon 2023, Honeywell signs three agreements with Rosebank Engineering as part of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Wheels and Brakes APAC program
Honeywell and Rosebank Engineering have signed three agreements to appoint Rosebank Engineering as a Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) Authorised Service Centre for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Wheels and Brakes program in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. As the Product Support Provider for Honeywell-manufactured F-35 Wheels and Brakes, this will strengthen the sovereign capability of Rosebank Engineering and its ability to deliver on customer requirements.
“We are thrilled to partner with Rosebank Engineering to provide depot capabilities for the F-35 fleet,” said Sathesh Ramiah, vice president, Defense APAC, Honeywell Aerospace. “Due to Honeywell’s robust APAC presence and experience, we are well-positioned to support Rosebank Engineering’s MRO needs. The region is becoming a global aerospace hub, and the launch of this Authorised Service Centre in APAC will further strengthen the industry’s capabilities and developmental achievements for years to come.”
After receiving Authority to Proceed from the F-35 Joint Program Office, the establishment of the Honeywell MRO Authorised Service Centre will be exclusive to Rosebank Engineering in the APAC region. This will support ongoing maintenance and sustainment of the wheels and brakes for the fifth-generation F-35 fleet. This is the first of several F-35 sustainment assignments to be awarded to Rosebank Engineering and activated.
Rosebank Engineering will transition its highly skilled and experienced defence and aerospace technical staff from current legacy programs into the F-35 Global Support Systems. Rosebank Engineering has a longstanding history of partnering with Honeywell on various Defence platforms and programs.
Lockheed Martin enters Long-Term Agreement with Ronson Gears
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) Space has entered into its first-ever international Long-Term Agreement with Melbourne-based manufacturer Ronson Gears under its Global Supply Chain (GSC) Program agreement with the Commonwealth of Australia. This Long-Term Agreement will supply multiple gear and gear sets across various Space programs to enhance lead times while decreasing administrative burdens.
The Long-Term Agreement showcases Lockheed Martin’s dedication to growing partnership alliances in Australia. Lockheed Martin is dedicated to building an Australian supply chain, with procurement executives from our Space Business Area having undertaken five visits to Australia since 2018 to assess and qualify world-class Australian capability.
Ronson Gears was awarded its first GSC Program contract by Lockheed Martin in 2019, becoming the first-ever Australian company to supply gear components that will be carried into space. Since then, Ronson Gears has secured a total of fourteen GSC export contracts with Lockheed Martin to supply a range of precision gear components and assemblies for both military and commercial satellite platforms. More opportunities are on the horizon for Ronson Gears as they continue to deliver exceptional quality and performance.
Lockheed Martin Australia’s Chief Executive, Warren McDonald, congratulated Ronson Gears on securing the international Long-Term Agreement.
“Ronson Gears is an example of the outstanding Australian Industrial Capability available to our nation and the global space industry,” he said.
“It has been a privilege to support the development and transformation of this business, and we look forward to partnering with them well into the future.”
Lockheed Martin Australia’s Head of Industrial Development, Christopher Hess, said he was delighted to be continuing to work with Ronson Gears under the GSC Program.
“The global strategic environment is constantly evolving, and Lockheed Martin Space is committed to working with industry to deliver a world-leading space capability,” he said.
“Since commencing our partnership in 2019, Ronson Gears has demonstrated its commitment to investing in the people, technology and capabilities required to compete internationally.”
Mr. Gavin New, Ronson Gears’ Managing Director, is also a graduate of Lockheed Martin’s Program Management Institute held at Corporate Headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland. This training is designed for only a selected number of external candidates each year that have a direct export opportunity link to Lockheed Martin’s Global Supply Chain.
“Lockheed Martin Space brings an unparalleled legacy in military and commercial satellite programs,” said Mr New.
“Ronson Gears is grateful for the support Lockheed Martin has shown our business to date and the trust they have shown in offering this Long-Term Agreement.
“Through our work under the GSC program, we have been provided access to global networks and the ability to contribute to space programs that will shape international defence capabilities.
“This would not have been possible without the opportunities Lockheed Martin has provided and, with this Agreement in place, we are excited about the opportunities that are to come.”
Frequentis´ multimedia communication, incident and resource management solution will modernise fire and rescue operations across 27 airport control centres
- The solution will be assembled and integrated at the Frequentis Australasia premises in Brisbane and Melbourne
Airservices Australia, the nation’s Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP), has selected Frequentis for a continent-wide solution for its Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service (ARFFS). The solution will be made up of two components: the Frequentis’ multimedia collaboration and communication platform LifeX, extended by the messenger, incident and resource management module, OnSite.
“Emergency service organisations must have the most effective tools available to process critical data and information to manage incidents when every second counts. This programme will enable Airservices Australia to use the extensive features of the cutting edge Frequentis solution to enhance and optimise emergency communication and incident resolution, as well as reducing control room operators’ workload,” says Martin Rampl, Managing Director Frequentis Australasia. “As a long-term partner of Airservices Australia, we are pleased to be working with Airservices Australia’s ARFFS on this very important project to upgrade its airport fire control centres with the latest technology.”
The solution will be assembled and finalised at the Frequentis Australasia premises in Brisbane and Melbourne. Frequentis will supply hardware and software for the 27 airport control centre sites across the continent and a future one, central control centre operated out of two data centres. The project also includes migration from the existing C4i AlarmOn, in operation at Airservices for over 10 years.
Airservices Australia Chief Service Delivery Officer, Michelle Bennetts welcomed the ongoing partnership with Frequentis stating: “Airservices is pleased to be working with Frequentis to modernise our ARFFS stations across 27 of Australia’s busiest airports,” Ms Bennetts said. “Our ability to deliver services to a standard of excellence, while enhancing safety and efficiency outcomes for all airspace users, rests on our capacity to leverage technology to evolve, adapt and innovate our services.”
LifeX is a multimedia communication and collaboration platform which focusses on increasing operator performance, reducing manual tasks and maximising emergency communication channels. OnSite is a multimedia messenger in the Frequentis MissionX portfolio, explicitly designed to meet the demands of
the emergency service organisations, allowing voice communication, messaging, group calls, as well as images, videos, and location data to be processed on the same platform.
Frequentis has been deploying LifeX solutions across Europe for many years, with installations in the United Kingdom (including London Metropolitan Police, as well as Fire & Rescue Authorities and Ambulance services), Austria, Germany, as well as in Qatar.
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