Page 8 - Defence Directory #52

EM SOLUTIONS SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH SPACE AGENCY
THE Australian Space Agency has signed a Statement of Strategic Intent and Cooperation with Brisbane-based EM Solutions.
The statement aligns with areas of strategic growth outlined in the Australian Civil Space Strategy. EM Solutions will leverage their experience in delivering radiofrequency and SATCOM systems into the emerging Australian space industry.
Dr Megan Clark AC, Head of the Australian Space Agency said the signing highlights the importance of aligning business with the National Civil Space Priority Areas to grow Australia’s space industry.
“EM solutions is building on its experience in land and marine satellite terminals to expand its capabilities in space communica- tions,” Dr Clark said. “Australia can play a lead role in emerging technologies that will enable tracking and communicating across these applications in both traditional geostationary satellites, and
new space satellites in low and medium Earth orbits.”
Dr Rowan Gilmore, CEO of EM Solutions, spoke about the
company’s plan to grow the Australian skill base through the design, testing and assembly of new space hardware.
“EM Solutions is a proud supporter of the Australian Space Agency as it works to grow the space sector,” Dr Gilmore said.
“I am delighted that our work in space communications is recognised by signing this Joint Statement of Strategic Intent and Cooperation with the Australian Space Agency.”
Dr Gilmore recently told ADM about his company’s journey as November’s From the Source interviewee.
“We’ve come up the value chain in a big way,” Gilmore said. “Terrestrial radios became commoditised and so our focus has shifted to higher value products where we can be competitive in customised products, in particular for the defence sector.” ■
AN ADF AND SME COLLABORATION SUCCESS STORY: PROTECTING THE WAR FIGHTER
OVER the last 20 years, Craig International Ballistics (CIB) has become the leading Australian manufacturer of combat-proven armour systems. This was publicly recognized by the Minister for Defence Industry in awarding the 2019 ADM Essington Lewis Award to CIB and its Australian Defence Department project office partner (Land 125-3B).
“Our whole team is stunned with the announcement that our small family business has won the Essington Lewis Best ADF and SME Team of the Year, along with the CASG Land 125 Phase 3B project team,” James Craig, CEO of Craig International Ballistics, said. “I believe this project really was a perfect example of collabo- ration between Defence and industry, where both parties worked tirelessly together to ensure the ultimate success of the project.”
With company and customer working closely together, over 21,000 innovative leading-edge body armour sets were designed, manufactured and delivered on time and on budget.
Craig International has now supplied more than 350,000 soft armour inserts, hard ballistic plates and training products to the ADF, including to its Special Operations Command units.
CIB’s winning of large orders, frequently from repeat custom- ers, reflects the deep expertise the company has in high-quality composite ballistic panel manufacture and its specialist skills in onsite armour plate pressing, water jet cutting and plate coatings. Using these skills, the company has expanded beyond personal protection into developing armour for land force protected mobility vehicles, naval frigates and aircraft.
Such diverse applications means new customised designs are often necessary. When devising ballistic protection for the Australian Army’s CH-47F medium-lift helicopters, CIB devel- oped an advanced innovative armour design that is considerably lighter, thinner and more robust than comparable panels fitted previously.
The close integration of research, development, fabrication and testing allows CIB to quickly exploit new materials, fabrics or production techniques. This in-house capability is actively supported through the company’s strong relationships with the Department of Defence’s CASG, SAS’s development cell and the Army’s Diggerworks.
In this, CIB takes a whole-of-life perspective. The company has invested in advanced robotic x-ray equipment suitable for non-destructive testing of body armour. CIB can now inspect, refurbish and re-certify ADF in-service body armour, returning these to an as-new state at a cost significantly less than purchas- ing a replacement body armour set.
CIB provides Australia with a sovereign capability in a
key area of individual and force protection. CIB’s on-going investment in R&D and fourth industrial revolution advanced manufacturing capabilities continues this history of success. ■
ABOVE: The ADM Essington Lewis Awards: CIB and Land 125 3B Team – Winner of Best SME and ADF Team of the Year.
PAGE 8 ADM’s Directory of Defence Suppliers 2020 | Edition 52 | www.defencesuppliers.com.au
DEFENCE/CASG VIA CIB
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