Capability and Technology Demonstrator Program

CO L L A B O RA T ION

Date: 7 May, 2010

Results of Round 14 have been announced.

Australian companies will receive up to $13 million to research and develop technology for future defence application. Eight innovative proposals have been selected this year to be developed through Round 14 of the Capability and Technology Demonstrator Program.

The successful projects include: a fibre optic towed array to improve sonar data collection in the maritime environment (Thales Australia); lightweight fibre-reinforced ceramic inserts for body armour (CSIRO); an adaptive exhaust silencer for submarines (University of Adelaide); a system to help Navy measure the acoustic vulnerability of its submarines and surface ships (L3 Nautronix); a device that will enable classified material to be used on any computer system, regardless of its location (Secure Systems); an airborne radio transponder that will extend the range of UHF radios deployed with ground troops (RF Industries); an enhancement to imagery analysis on the basis of content (University of Adelaide); and a non contact instrument to detect and classify explosives (CSIRO).

The Capability and Technology Demonstrator Program, managed by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, supports Australian industry in demonstrating new technologies that have the potential to contribute to Defence capability. Since the program began in 1998, Defence has invested $224 million in 91 projects.

Project information

Fibre Optic Towed Array – Thales Australia

The aim of the Thales project is to demonstrate and anti-submarine warfare capability using a thin, lightweight fibre optic towed array system able to be fitted rapidly to all types of manned and unmanned surface vessels, including patrol boats and frigates.

Lightweight Fibre Reinforced Ceramic Inserts for Ballistic Armour – CSIRO Future Manufacturing Flagship

The aim of this CSIRO project is to demonstrate potential applications of advanced nanoceramic particle reinforced fibrous matrix for improved body armour. Current body armour based on ceramic inserts, Kevlar and other materials is heavy and hinders soldiers’ mobility and performance during combat operations. Nano-ceramic materials reinforced with high performance fibres have the potential to reduce the mass of ceramic inserts by 50 per cent and more.

Adaptive Exhaust Silencer for Submarine Engines – University of Adelaide

The aim of the University of Adelaide project is to develop and adaptive quarter-wave tube exhaust silencer that will tune itself automatically to attenuate tonal noise in the exhaust of a diesel generator.

Acoustic Vulnerability Assessment Command Tool (AVCAT) – L3 Nautronix

The aim of the L3 Nautronix project is to provide a system that will utilise acoustic signature measurements made for Defence maritime platforms and process them in conjunction with platform state, geographic, environmental and threat data to provide an assessment of the acoustic vulnerability of submarines and surface ships. The system has the potential to enhance operational planning and tactical development.

Secure Portable Application Device to Support Network Centric Warfare – Secure Systems

The aim of the Secure Systems project is to demonstrate a security assurance system that could deliver a hardware-based security device to fixed secure and hastily formed locations. It could provide Defence personnel with the ability to work on any systems with any classification of information.

Airborne UHF Transponder for Radio relaY (AUTRY) – RF Industries

The aim of the RF Industries project is to develop an enhanced UHF repeater, based on the existing AUTRY repeater, to provide range extension for Australian ground forces. By providing a radio relay repeater at altitude, communications ranges can be extended significantly, no longer limited by terrain and other physical obstacles.

Content Based Image Search – Australian Centre for Visual Technologies

The aim of this University of Adelaide project is to demonstrate an application that recovers targets of similar appearance from a large imagery database once a target has been identified in an image. It could ensure that limited human image search resources are applied more effectively.

Opto-Electronic Explosive Detection Unit (Cybernose) – CSIRO Entomology

The aim of this CSIRO project is to demonstrate an instrument that could perform noncontact, sensitive chemical detection and classification of explosives using signature chemical vapours. Combined with existing engineering solutions, it could provide an effective standoff capability for Australian ground forces.