Defence & Aero News

Helimods closes the loop with Siemens

Australian aerospace technology manufacturer HeliMods, with assistance from the Federal Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC), has partnered with Siemens to leverage its Xcelerator software portfolio to fully digitalise its entire product design and manufacturing process, making it the first company of its size in the Australian aerospace sector to do so.

The implementation of Closed-Loop Manufacturing (CLM) across its manufacturing capability using Siemens’ Manufacturing Execution System (MES) will enable HeliMods to achieve development and production of high complexity, high value, scalable solutions using a single digital thread across the entire product lifecycle. The implementation of the software was enabled by a $350,000 co-investment grant from the Federal Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) and will support HeliMods’ global and local growth trajectory in aerospace, defence, air ambulance and other key industries. In total, the project will see an investment of $808,543 from combined AMGC, industry and in-kind contributions. The MES solution will also help HeliMods reduce development timeframe and cost and increase efficiency while also allowing increased levels of product innovation. HeliMods was recently approved by the Australian Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA) as one of only two active organisations in Australia to receive DASR 21, Section A, Subpart G – Military Production Organisation Approval (MPOA) status, establishing HeliMods as the only Australian business with Defence Production Approval that is leveraging this unique combination of digital technologies. Dr. Jens Goennemann, Managing Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, acknowledged that an increasing number of Australian manufacturers are looking for new ways to drive innovation, productivity, and competitiveness and that funding plays a key role in supporting this intention. For further information regarding Helimods Closed-Loop Manufacturing project, visit https://www.amgc.org.au/project/ closed-loop-manufacturing/

CSIRO opens space to SMEs

CSIRO’s ‘Innovate to Grow: Space’ program will support 20-25 small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with mentoring from some of Australia’s leading space experts, including from CSIRO and the Space Agency, access to world-class research facilities and infrastructure, and support to navigate grant application processes.

Innovate to Grow is a free 10-week training program designed to boost the innovation and take-up of research and development (R&D) by Australian small businesses in industries with high innovation potential, like space. CSIRO Space Research Program Director Dr Kimberley Clayfield said collaboration was key to growing Australia’s space industry. “CSIRO works with leading global companies, international space agencies and small-tomedium businesses on a variety of spacerelated activities,” Dr Clayfield said. “SMEs have a lot to contribute and when combined with our strong capabilities in Earth observation, robotics, advanced manufacturing and communications, the sky is no limit to what we can achieve together.” Dr George Feast, CSIRO SME Collaboration Lead said the program built on rich foundations. “Innovate to Grow: Space is another example of how we’re working to develop innovative technologies and capabilities and support the growth of the Australian space industry,” Dr Feast said. “With so many incredible opportunities on offer here and globally, we’re committed to helping SMEs understand how to best engage with a R&D partner and understand how to get the most benefit for their needs.” CSIRO has more than 75 years of spacerelated experience and operates a range of facilities, research programs and industry development activities contributing to the Australian space sector. The Australian Space Agency aims to support Australia to significantly grow its domestic sector from around 10,000 jobs and a market size of $3.9 billion to up to another 20,000 jobs and $12 billion by 2030, with further jobs and economy growth from spill over effects.

Briefs

Businesses selected to support frigate program

BAE Systems Maritime Australia has announced businesses in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia will deliver and supply products into the prototyping phase of the Hunter Class Frigate Program, the nation’s largest surface shipbuilding project. The three companies selected will supply a range of manufactured parts for prototyping blocks which are now under construction at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide. The Hunter frigate program will deliver nine warships to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

Punks introduced into space

Lockheed Martin will partner with STEM Punks the Australian Science Technology Engineering and Math Education provider to develop and implement a 10-year space focused curriculum that ranges from high school to career through workshops, classes and activities. It will be rolled out to 80 schools in Australia. At the tertiary level, Lockheed Martin Australia is working with STEM Punks to define requirements for a national Space Industry STEM program that enables university students to advance into areas of critical need for the Australian space industry.

ODIS replaces Centre for Defence Industry Capability

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price has launched a new organisation that will operate as the ‘one-stop shop’ for SMEs doing business with Defence. The Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS) replaces the Centre for Defence Industry Capability and will be used by Defence and major contractors to find Australian solutions to capability challenges. ODIS will have a dedicated regional support team that will seek out regional SMEs with the capability to enter the Defence market.