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AsianScientist (Aug. 27, 2011) – The Australian Minister for Defense Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, announced this Wednesday AU$13 million (US$13.7 million) in research funding for innovative Australian research projects involving helicopters, objects in space, sonar analysis, and solar energy.

Five projects were selected out of 119 submissions received under Round 15 of the Defense Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) Program.

Projects included the Pegasus Aircraft Buoyancy System, which is a lightweight, detachable emergency floating device, that enables a helicopter of up to 10 tons to remain afloat after ditching in the sea. The system was developed by L-3 Nautronix and AADI Defence Pty. Ltd.

Another project is the Nanoparticle-Hydrophone Development system, to improve underwater sonar sensing for ships, submarines, and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), using small pad-like devices installed on the hulls of vessels. The device was developed by Phoenix Engineering Systems Pty. Ltd. with Thales Australia.

“In supporting these proposals we have the potential to advance defense capability, produce innovative products for defense and civilian use and stimulate Australian industry growth,” Mr. Snowdon said.

“Defense is proud to be supporting Australian business in developing these innovative products, which range from a light-weight energy system for powering a soldier’s combat equipment to a detachable device that can keep helicopters afloat during maritime emergencies,” he said.

The minister said he was pleased to note that the five successful proposals have come from small and medium enterprises, and congratulated the five companies for their innovative R&D technology.

The CTD Program, managed by the Defense Science and Technology Organization (DSTO) and sponsored by the Capability Development Group, supports Australian industry in demonstrating new technologies that have the potential to contribute to defense capability.

Since the program began in 1997, DSTO has invested AU$237 million (US$250 million) in 99 projects. Of these, 72 projects have been completed successfully, 11 projects have transitioned either into service or as a contender for a major project, and a further 11 have transitioned into funded CTD Extension or CTD Transition Projects.

The full list can be found here: CTD Round 15 projects (PDF, 16 KB).

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Source: Australian Defense Science and Technology Organization.
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