Page 42 - AAPT March 2019

Defence
Women inspired to pursue “Talented women are also part of the and Boeing will produce a concept
Defence careers team of technicians keeping the first two demonstrator called the Loyal Wingman
F35-A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft in our – Advanced Development Program
The Australian Government is committed skies,” Mr Chester said. that will provide key learnings toward
to encouraging young Australian “These are just some of the exciting the production of the Boeing Airpower
women to pursue their interests in and challenging career opportunities Teaming System.
Science, Technology, Engineering and the ADF has to offer to technologically Ministers Pyne and Ciobo said the
Mathematics (STEM) both at school and minded individuals.” research and development opportunity
in the workforce. The ADF is an equal opportunity was a further demonstration of the
To celebrate International Day of employer, offering both full-time and Australian government’s collaborative
Women and Girls in Science (11 Feb), part-time opportunities with salary, and maturing relationship with
Minister for Defence Personnel Darren training, vocational development and Australia’s defence industry as well as
Chester has launched three videos promotion opportunities aligning with international recognition of the nation's
demonstrating the possibilities on offer peers delivering the same capabilities. strength and capabilities.
at Defence for women who are results- "The partnership will produce a
oriented problem solvers. The videos are available at: concept demonstrator of a low cost,
“Women account for 51 per cent Navy - www.youtube.com/ unmanned ‘Loyal Wingman’ aircraft,
of Australia’s population and are a watch?v=lcok02_-pPM capable of operating in concert with
critical talent pool within the areas of Army - www.youtube.com/ Air Force’s fifth-generation air combat
science, technology, engineering and watch?v=UD9D8sn-VK4 capability," Minister Pyne said.
mathematics,” Mr Chester said. Air Force - www.youtube.com/ Minister Pyne said this was a major
“The Australian Defence Force watch?v=weFtKNjMqvo milestone for Australia's agenda to
(ADF) is working to attract and retain develop a competitive and sustainable
more women to set up Defence and our defence industry, with high-end
nation for the future. industrial, manufacturing, research
“The servicewomen featured in and development capabilities.
these videos hope to inspire girls in "This will be Boeing’s first unmanned
science, mathematics and technology aircraft designed and engineered in
classrooms across the nation to stay Australia and represents the company’s
engaged and reach their potential.” largest investment of its kind outside of
Women in the ADF are operating the United States," he said.
and maintaining advanced technology The Boeing Airpower Teaming
on Australia’s submarines, operating System is expected to:
remote-controlled drones to keep our New era for Australian • Provide fighter-like performance,
troops on the ground safe and flying air combat and industrial measuring 38-feet long (11.7 metres)
and maintaining the fastest and most capabilities and able to fly more than 2,000
manoeuvrable aircraft in Australian nautical miles;
skies. Outgoing Defence Minister Christopher • Integrate sensor packages onboard
With Defence acquiring 12 Pyne and Defence Industry Minister to support intelligence, surveillance
submarines in the future, Australia Steven Ciobo have announced a major and reconnaissance missions and
is set to double its submarine fleet step-change for Australia’s air combat electronic warfare; and
which will require people with the and defence industrial capabilities with • Use artificial intelligence to fly
right combination of skills, resilience, the unveiling of the Boeing Airpower independently or in support of
personal discipline and teamwork to Teaming System. manned aircraft while maintaining
form the submarine workforce. Designed for global defence safe distance between other aircraft.
“With Australia’s advanced customers by Boeing Australia, it is the Marc Allen, president of Boeing
submarines entering service from the company’s largest investment in a new International, welcomed the
early 2030s, girls currently studying unmanned aircraft program outside the announcement, saying, "This aircraft
STEM subjects at high school could US. The aircraft will complement and is a historic endeavour for Boeing. Not
become the future commanding officers extend airborne missions through smart only is it developed outside the United
of these vessels,” Mr Chester said. teaming with existing military aircraft. States, it is also designed so that our
Defence is also one of Australia’s A model of the Boeing Airpower global customers can integrate local
most prolific and experienced users of Teaming System was unveiled at the content to meet their country-specific
drones. Multi-skilled team players with Australian International Airshow by requirements."
excellent problem solving skills will be Minister Pyne and Australia’s Chief of These comments were echoed
needed to fly the latest generation of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies, AO, by Kristin Robertson, vice president
uninhabited surveillance aircrafts and CSC. As a research and development and general manager for Boeing's
be the eyes and ears of the battlefield. activity, the Australian government autonomous systems division, who said,

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