Page 12 - ADM Directory of Defence Suppliers #49

Homegrown tech for F-35 support delivered
JULIAN KERR | TOMAGO
LOCKHEED Martin Australia (LMA) has taken delivery from the Varley Group of the first two of 29 specialist deploy- able facilities that will support the RAAF’s F-35A Joint Strike Fighters and also have significant export potential.
Under a three year, $37.5 million contract signed with LMA in June 2017, Tomago-based Varley is producing 22 De- ployable Duty Facilities and seven Deployable Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Facilities.
Designed and built to demanding RAAF specifications, these will not only provide the RAAF with a unique resource to enhance the F-35As’ operational capabilities from bare bases in Australia’s north, but may also play an expanded role in oper- ating deployable information support systems for the RAAF’s F/A-18F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers and P-8A Poseidons.
LMA CEO Vince Di Pietro told an official handover cer- emony that the two facilities represented a world-first capabil- ity that would transform support and maintenance activities for F-35A aircraft in the field.
The ICT shelter will provide secure communications including a link to the F-35’s vital ALIS (Autonomic Logistic Information System) that facilitates predictive prognostic maintenance support. Up to six Duty shel- ters, each providing an acoustically and electronically- secure environment for mission planners, pilot briefings and post-mission analysis, can be expanded and linked to a single ICT facility.
If necessary the basic structure can be delivered in ‘flat- pack’ form.
Over the next two months LMA will complete a technology fitout of the first two shelters, each the size of a standard ISO IC container.
Once completed and accepted by the RAAF, both will be deployed to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. There they will be used to support all operations and mainte- nance of the first two RAAF F-35As planned for deliv- ery to RAAF Williamtown late this year, and will return to Australia with those aircraft.
Neale Prescott, LMA’s Business Development Man- ager, confirmed interest from the UK “and other coun- tries” in the deployable facilities.
He also disclosed that further talks with the RAAF were imminent on the possibility of the facilities, when appropriately equipped, supporting other RAAF plat- forms, particularly ISR (Intelligence Surveillance Re- connaissance) assets.
Varley Chairman and Managing Director Jeff Phillips confirmed that the innovative IP created for the deploy- able shelters would create defence export opportunities.
Disclosing the company now employed 150 staff in the US in addition to the 800-strong workforce in Australia, Phillips envisaged a rapid rise for Varley on its current 41st place in ADM’s defence contractor rankings.
SVT is a Specialists in Providing solution to meet Military Vibration and Shock Standards.
Shock and Vibration Technologies specialises in high deflection Naval Shock Mount, High performance elastomeric Anti-Vibration mounts, Wire Rope
Cable mounts, Shock mounting 19” racks as well as consoles and Milex 19” aluminium transport cases.
SVT is the Australian representative for Stop-Choc UK, Barry Controls UK and US, Desapro, IDC and South midlands Communications.
SHOCK AND VIBRATIONS TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD
Unit 14/9 Ladbroke Street Milperra 2214 Phone: (02) 9771 0444
svt.net.au
09056 DPFAD SGHOECK1.i2ndd
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ADM’s Directory of Defe21n/0c5e/18Su2:p51pPliMers 2018 | Edition 49 | www.defencesuppliers.com.au
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