Capability and Technology Demonstrator Program

CTD Project Name

Demonstrator Description

Company Name

2011 – 1

Nanoparticle-Hydrophone Development

This proposal has the potential to improve underwater sonar sensing for ships, submarines and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV). The small pad-like devices could be installed in large numbers on the hulls of vessels, reducing the overall size of the vessel by eliminating the need for bulky sonar structures and taking the place of sonar array cables.

Phoenix Engineering
Systems Pty Ltd
(Engineering and business consulting company offering practical solutions for the Defence industry)

With Thales Australia
(A prime Australian Defence contractor)

2011 – 2

Active Pulse Analysis System (APAS)

This proposal aims to develop an advanced underwater detection and analysis system as well as innovative displays to enhance a vessel’s sonar sensing capability. The APAS would allow automatic scans of the large amounts of information collected by a ship’s sonar to detect targets and to asses the type of detection, allowing the operator to decide which signals need further attention.

Sonartech Atlas
(Leading submarine sonar house specialising in design, manufacture and support of underwater sonars)

2011 – 3

Integrated Power System for Dismounted Combat

This technology seeks to reduce the weight of batteries a soldier needs to carry to power equipment such as GPS systems and radios for communication. It also aims to reduce the complexity of the power system. Foot soldiers are increasingly reliant on electronic devices which require battery power but they increase the weight a soldier has to carry. The proposal would integrate flexible lightweight power generating solar cells, more efficient power storage technology and power generating electronic textiles, and apply smarter techniques for managing the power requirement.

Tectonica Australia Pty Ltd
(Defence and security systems integrator specialising in developing fully integrated systems for soldiers, armoured vehicles and related capabilities).

With Australian National University and CSIRO.

2011 – 4

Pegasus Aircraft Buoyancy System

This proposal will demonstrate a lightweight, detachable emergency floating device for the Australian Army’s fleet of helicopters. With the introduction of new LHD (Landing Helicopter Dock) ships, Army will operate helicopters from naval platforms. Therefore a capability to enable a helicopter to remain afloat after ditching in the sea is vital for the survival of the crew. The Pegasus concept aims to keep an aircraft up to 10 tonnes in weight afloat. The system will weigh less than 50 kg and provide quick and easy attachment. It will have the capability to lift the aircraft to the sea’s surface from a depth of up to 10 metres and will operate automatically or under pilot control with no wired connection to the aircraft.

L-3 Nautronix
(specialist provider of maritime systems and solutions for surface and undersea defence applications, including acoustic and through-water communications)

With AADI Defence Pty Ltd
(Consortium of experts
providing strategic, technical and commercial advice,
facilitation and advocacy for defence companies)

2011 – 5 

Integration of EO/Laser Space Object Tracking Capability

In this concept it is proposed to develop a system that can significantly improve the ability to track objects in space. It would provide considerable improvements to existing and planned space surveillance systems. Better accuracy and reliability will mean greater protection of operational satellites from colliding in space.

EOS Space Systems Pty Ltd
(Specialises in the design, development and production of electro-optic technology systems for the space and defence sector).

With Northrop Grumman International.

Round 13 (FY 2009/10)

CTD Project Name

Demonstrator Description

Company Name

2009-1 - ADF C4I Connector

The Widely Integrated Systems Environment (WISE) from Saab is an innovative software technology that rapidly connects systems together into a common environment and creates information flows between them, regardless of architecture, communication standards and protocols. WISE also offers a comprehensive overview of all the information flows taking place within it—allowing users to monitor and view entities and events in real or near-real time.

Saab Systems Pty Ltd

2009-2 - Network Centric GIIS

This CTD will demonstrate the intelligent caching of data, processing and meta services in three escalating capability demonstrations.

SMS Defence Solutions Pty Ltd

2009-3 - Enhanced UAV ISR Operations

The Enhanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Operations will demonstrate how recent advances in technology have enhanced ISR operations performed by a UAV.

BAE Systems Aust

2009-4 - Infrasonic Advanced Acoustic Generator (IAAG)

This CTD proposal addresses the capability gap of a high power low frequency underwater acoustic generator able to be used to sweep for mines targeting the acoustic signature of large naval ships like oilers, and LHDs; and large high-value merchant vessels that frequent Australian ports.

Thales Aust Ltd

2009-5 - Securing Top Secret Data in a Mobile Environment

To develop a capability to enable Defence to secure Top Secret data at rest on a laptop computer and allow the laptop to be handled as an In-Confidence/Restricted device.

Secure Systems

2009-6 - Monitoring and Comm. Diver's Vital Signs

This CTD aims to deliver improved safety and enhanced operational capability for underwater divers.

Blue Glue Pty Ltd

2009-7 - Close-in Situational Awareness Analysis System for Ground Vehicles

Will demonstrate the ability of the system to detect and highlight the following potential threats from both moving and static vehicles. The system will be able to direct a 3-axis camera turret to capture high-resolution images of nearby personnel and vehicles.  The high-resolution video will be used for increased detailed analysis, target tracking and to assist the user with identification of individuals, vehicles or other threats.

Sentient Vision Systems Pty Ltd

Round 12 (FY 2008/09)

CTD Project Name

Demonstrator Description

Company Name

2008 – 1 Ka Band Satellite On-The-Move Communications System

An indigenous mounted battle command-on-the-move X- and Ka-band communications. The proposed system is designed to be able to be integrated on to a variety of military platforms and could provide the ADF with enhanced mobile situational awareness.

EM Solutions Pty Ltd

2008 – 2 Field Portable Supersonic Particle Deposition Unit

A compact field-portable Supersonic Particle Deposition machine for use at ADF facilities (e.g. air and naval bases). The machine is used to apply corrosion protective coatings to metallic surfaces and to reclaim surface-damaged components, currently only available in large-scale facilities. A field-portable machine would improve the reliability, availability and maintenance of ADF equipment.

Rosebank Engineering Pty Ltd

2008 – 3 Special Sonar for Submarines

A new submarine sonar that can detect and track close-in contacts. This has the potential to greatly increase the Australian submarine’s ability to detect other close submarines and unmanned underwater vehicles.

Sonartech Atlas Pty Ltd

2008 – 4 Elongate Solar Cells for Energy Generation

Wearable solar panels with high efficiency under both normal and high power-to-weight ratios. The wearable solar cells would allow soldiers to generate power in the field and reduce the need for batteries. The technology may be suitable for incorporation into wearable textiles. The proposal builds on extensive solar research undertaken by the Australian National University.

ANU / Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems

2008 – 5  Miniaturised GPS Anti-Jam Module

A number of ADF craft are unable to be fitted with current GPS anti-jamming units due to size, weight and/or power limitations. This CTD is designed to develop a miniaturised GPS anti-jam device that could allow small craft to continue to employ GPS when subjected to jamming.  It could also allow the identification, location and direction of the jamming.

Tenix Systems Pty Ltd

2008 – 6 Adaptive Tuned Mass Damper for Submarine Engines

Improved vibration absorbers for submarine engines to reduce vibration from engines – vital to reducing the acoustic signature of Australian submarines.

Uni of Adelaide - School of Mech Eng

2008 – 7 Low Band DF Sub-System using Scanning Architecture to make Phase & Amplitude Measurements

Enhance existing electronic support measures (ESM) used on naval vessels to determine the angle of arrival of signals from external sources. This assists the operational effectiveness and safety of the vessels. If successful, the project will improve the low band ESM system and assist in the development of indigenous electronic warfare capabilities.

Jenkins Engineering Defence Systems (JEDS)

2008 – 8 Tactical EW System Open Architecture RF Subsystem

A study by a number of Australian companies to develop the requirement for an open architecture radio frequency (RF) sub-system for electronic warfare. An open architecture subsystem would enable the easy upgrade of RF antennas as electronic warfare threats evolve.

BAE Systems Australia - EW Systems

2008 – 9 Rifle Fired 2008 – 10 High Velocity Grenade Launcher

An improved grenade launcher with a unique recoil mitigation system to enable the launch of 40mm grenades from the Austeyr rifle. The weapon has the potential to provide Australian soldiers with the ability to fire both 40mm as well as high velocity munitions from the same weapon.

Intelligent Sensing Pty Ltd

2008 – 10 Low Cost On-Store Telemetry

A new low-cost system for measuring the trajectory of a store (e.g. bomb, missile or fuel tank) released from Royal Australian Air Force aircraft. If successful, the project could produce significant savings and improved information from aircraft flight tests.

Tenix Systems Pty Ltd

2008 – 11 Battlefield Integrated Tactical Exploitation of Sensors

A surveillance system that can produce a consolidated picture to an operator from a range of disparate sensors (i.e. radar, thermal imagery, video, electronic surveillance). This CTD is designed to increase the awareness of commanders in the field and fill a gap in the integration of unconnected sensors.

Tenix Systems Pty Ltd

2008 – 12 Helicopter Aid for Maritime Operations

A system to provide flight crews and deck crews with direct measures of the real-time motion of ships. The system has the potential to increase operating envelopes for helicopters and improve safety for flight and deck crews, as well as maximise effectiveness of helicopter operations.

Advanced VTOL Technologies Pty Ltd

Round 11 (FY 2007/08)

CTD Project Name

Demonstrator Description

Company Name

2007 – 1 Corrosion Prognostic Health Management System for Aircraft

Development and demonstration a system that can be fitted to aircraft that could automatically monitor a range of factors relevant to the health and maintenance of airframes.  The system has the potential to provide a continuous assessment of airframe health and the actions required to maintain its integrity. In the longer term it could replace the present method of aircraft inspections which are costly and result in significant aircraft down time.

BAE Systems Australia Ltd - (Adelaide)

2007 – 2 Carbon Nanotubes for Ballistic Protection

The development and demonstration of antiballistic materials based on innovative carbon tubule technology. Various properties of the material will be explored during the demonstrator, including the material's ability to provide protection against a range of ballistic threats.

CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology

2007 – 3 Infrared Detection and Situational Awareness for Land Vehicles

Development and demonstration of a thermal detection sensor system for military vehicles that can provide warning of attack by small arms, as well as an ability to localise the position of the threat and the trajectories of the projectiles.  This information can then be passed to other vehicles and assets to enhance the defensive stance and/or threat neutralisation.

Thales Australia - Land Systems

2007 – 4 Flexible Integrated Energy Device

Demonstration of new battery technology that could be used to develop and build a wearable rechargeable battery system. This will then be coupled to a device designed to turn a soldier's movement into electrical power, which could be used to recharge the battery.  The battery could then be used to power a range of soldier equipment such as radios, computers and night-vision devices. If successful, the technology might reduce the number and range of batteries a soldier must carry and the cost of providing battery usage.

CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology

2007 – 5 Autonomous Underwater Surveillance Sensor Network

Demonstration of a re-usable underwater surveillance system based on a series of sonars that can link themselves into an array to provide surveillance of an area of ocean.  Unlike existing systems, the sonar units would not require connecting links or highly accurate placement. The array could provide surveillance of an area of water and covertly communicate the types of activity it detects.  At the end of the task the array could be recovered for use on other operations.

L-3 Communications Nautronix Ltd (L-3 Nautronix)

2007 – 6 Spherion Sonar Broadband Processing Capability Enhancement

Enhancements to the sonar system fitted to ANZAC Class frigates to demonstrate the additional capability and performance that could be obtained from the sonar through enhancements to the signal processing system. These enhancements could improve the frigate’s ability to detect and counter underwater threats.

Thales Underwater Systems Pty Ltd

2007 – 7 Ceramic Membrane Oxygen Generator

Demonstration of a novel mechanism for the production of oxygen from ambient air.   The ceramic membrane technology is sourced from recent developmental work at CSIRO and it will be integrated with various Tectonica subsystems to create a deployable source of in-situ oxygen.   This system could potentially reduce or eliminate the need to deploy cumbersome and dangerous pressurised oxygen cylinders.

Tectonica Australia Pty Ltd

2007 – 8 Millimetre Wave Digital Receiver

Development and demonstration of a digital receiver incorporating advanced photonic components recently researched and developed in DSTO and under another CTD.   The receiver incorporates an open architecture and operates in the millimetre wave range to address a number of emerging threats in the maritime environment.  

Tenix Defence - Electronics Systems Div.

Round 10 (FY 2006/07)

CTD Project Name

Demonstrator Description

Company Name

2006 – 1 SCRANNEL

An enhanced missile detection system that could provide ships under attack with additional warning time and thus increase their chances of surviving an attack.

Avalon Systems

2006 – 2 Directed Infrared Countermeasures

This technology is aimed at improving the ADF's ability to protect its
aircraft from attack by shoulder launched, heat-seeking missiles. This CTD develops, builds and demonstrates a test system based on high-powered laser and fibre-optic technologies.

Tenix Defence - Electronics Systems Div

2006 – 3 Integrated Electronic Warfare System

Development and demonstration of a system that fuses electronic surveillance data and video information in near-real time to detect and track moving objects; provide size and geo-location information to support targeting and enhance detection probabilities.

BAE Systems Australia - EW Systems & Saab Systems Pty Ltd

2006 – 4 Haptically Operated Counter-explosive Platform

Demonstrating how a radio-controlled robot working on an explosive device is able to provide a remote operator with tactile feedback during its manipulations of the device. This would increase the probability that bombs can be made safe without injury to people and damage to property.

Deakin University

2006 – 5 Removable Armour for Land Vehicles

A removable armour that could be applied to the outside of lightly armoured vehicles without requiring any permanent modifications. This type of technology could provide increased protection for the crews.

SEAL Solutions Pty Ltd

2006 – 6 RASSPUTIN Sonobuoys

Demonstrating how using a directionally sensitive receiver could increase the detection range of current RAN and RAAF sonobuoys against submarines.

Thales Underwater Systems Pty Ltd & Acoustic Technologies Pty Ltd

2006 – 7 Segmented Rubber Track

This CTD proposes to design and manufacture a track system which uses rubber segments instead of discrete steel links. The system has the potential to deliver improved operational performance with reduced maintenance and support costs.

Mackay Consolidated Industries

2006 – 8 Personnel Location Device

This CTD demonstrated a position reporting systems for troops and a monitoring system that could inject this information into the ADF networked reporting system. This type of system could reduce the chances of friendly forces engaging each other in battle.

Compucat Research Pty Ltd

2006 – 9 Automated Personnel Tracking

This CTD demonstrated how smart card and radio-frequency identification technologies could be applied to monitoring and controlling personnel in constrained environments such as amphibious ships and headquarters.

Blue Glue Pty Ltd

2006 – 10 Airborne Bathymetry

Based on a mining exploration technology, this project is demonstrating the technology for charting water depths and seafloor characteristics down to 100m. It allows more accurate and complete coverage of shallow water areas than present ship-based methods.

Geosolutions & KAYAR Pty Ltd

2006 – 11 Smart Power Pack

Demonstrating a smart management power pack for soldiers, reducing the load carried by soldiers by replacing a diverse range of batteries with one lighter all-purpose power source.

Tectonica Australia Pty Ltd

2006 – 12 Machine Translation and Terminology Manager System

A computer-based system that could assist Defence personnel translate languages, and an application that could provide a database of specialised words and phrases used any language. This system could be used to support intelligence work and overseas deployments.

ToggleText Pty Ltd

2006 – 13 Sentient Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Vision

A high-definition, real-time vision system for UAV that acquire and track small moving targets on the ground. No current system can do this effectively.

Sentient Vision Systems Pty Ltd & Aerosonde Pty Ltd & NICTA

2006 – 14 Demountable Combat Armour

Demonstrating a portable armoured shelter to better protect personnel from small arms fire while manning temporary check points and gun positions from small arms fire.

Combat Armor International Pty Ltd

Round 9 (FY 2005/06)

CTD Project Name

Demonstrator Description

Company Name

AIR 5437 Helicopter Landing Aid

This CTD would demonstrate a sensor system that would fuse sensor, processing and display technologies to provide a landing aid for pilots of helicopters operating in limited visibility situations.

BAE Systems Australia Ltd - (Adelaide)

JP 2106 Geospatial Information to the Field

This proposal would demonstrate a system based on commercially available technology to allow deployed forces access through hand held devices to a wide range of geospatial information relevant to their mission.

ADI Limited

JP 2107 Geospatial Software Agents

This proposal would demonstrate the use of intelligent software agents and commercially available search engines to help users find and access the geospatial information they are seeking.

URS Australia

JP 2108 Integrated Data Services

Variable Message Format (VMF) is a new type of tactical data link to be used where Link 16 or Link 22 are not available.  This CTD proposal would deliver a VMF test-bed capability and provide a migration plan for the replacement of legacy link systems presently used by the ADF.

ADI Limited

JP 2109 Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Video Processing

This proposal would demonstrate an advanced ISR Video Processing and Geo-registration System.   The new system would significantly enhance the ADF’s target detection and tracking capability utilising existing video surveillance sensors and be applicable to future systems.

Mediaware International Pty Ltd

LAND 151 Blast Resistant Protection

This proposal would demonstrate a fibre reinforced plastic, bullet and blast resistant material that could be used in place of steel as armour and for protection of vehicle flooring. 

Armor Australia Pty Ltd

LAND 152 Flexible Solar Panels

This proposal would demonstrate flexible solar panels based on Australian Solar Cell technology applied to a flexible substrate to provide energy in the field.

Sustainable Technologies International Pty Ltd & Smart Technologies Australia Pty Ltd & Dyesol Ltd

SEA 1657 Cuttlefish

Adversary surveillance aircraft can typically use their advanced imaging radars to detect, identify and track surface ships and coordinate attacks.   This CTD aims to demonstrate a significantly enhanced ability to defeat such surveillance.

Tenix Defence - Electronics Systems Div

SEA 1658 Diver’s Sonar

This proposal would demonstrate the integration of an advanced sonar with the new ADF diver’s combat system to allow a diver to automatically map an area, detect and classify mines and communicate this information back to the supporting ship

Daronmont Technologies Pty Ltd & Mostyn Enterprises & MSI

SEA 1659 Fibre Laser Sensors

Current towed acoustic arrays are very long, bulky, heavy and difficult to handle.  They pose a hazard to ships and submarines because they can tangle in propellers and control surfaces.  This CTD seeks to demonstrate a lightweight, compact towed array based on fibre optic cable and small lasers.

Thales Underwater Systems Pty Ltd

SEA 1660 Navy Tactical Trunk

This proposal would demonstrate a very high bandwidth, continuous, ultra-high frequency (UHF) line-of-sight communication link to support littoral operations (ship to shore). 

ADI Limited

SEA 1661 Transforming Naval Combat Systems

This proposal would demonstrate the ability for common interfaces and links to allow the combat systems of the ADF’s major surface combatant ships and submarines to work more effectively together and for the ships to fight as a unit.

SAAB Systems

Round 8 (FY 2004/05)

CTD Project Name

Demonstrator Description

Company Name

AIR 5434 Bioseeker

This CTD proposes the development of an autonomous guidance system, based on insect vision. It assists with navigation and detection of moving targets.  The system could provide a solution to the difficult problem of how to track and strike at small moving targets. It could be applied to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and current and future weapons. 

ADI Limited - Electronic Systems & Global UAV Organization Pty Ltd

AIR 5436 JANDU

This CTD aims to design and build a high speed, medium range, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, using a very small turbo fan engine. It will have a much higher capacity for carrying payloads, up to 50 kg compared to conventional UAVs.

ADI Limited - Electronic Systems & Global UAV Organization Pty Ltd

LAND 149 Lightweight Ballistic Armour

This CTD will develop improved lightweight body armour and helmets, to provide Australian troops with improved protection against ballistic threats such as bullets and shrapnel.

ADA Composite Armour & CMIT & VCAMM

JP 2105 Quantitative Phased Imaging

This is an advanced form of imaging, developed from microscopy applications, to assist the ADF in the field.    The technology promises superior ability to see through fog, smoke and sandstorms, as well as into some camouflage.

IATIA

AIR 5435 FURI

This CTD proposes the development and evaluation of advanced technologies for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, including electronic warfare and stealth communications. It will enable groups of UAVs to work together and improve situational awareness of the battlefield.

BAE Systems Australia Ltd

LAND 150 Perimeter Surveillance Equipment

This CTD will demonstrate to the ADF advanced modular sensors, networked together to provide surveillance of important battlefield perimeters.   These unattended sensors will include multiple methods of detection  (including detection by sound or movement) and will utilise advanced low power communications

NR Pty Ltd

Round 7 (FY 2003/04)

CTD Project Name

Demonstrator Description

Company name

JP 2101 Decentralised Data Fusion

This CTD seeks to demonstrate in the field and on a simulator, the benefits of linking sensors into a distributed network. Each node of the network passes its information to other nodes that then integrate their data into a total sensor picture before passing the information onto the next node.  In this way, low-bandwidth communications can be used to create a robust network of nodes that build an integrated surveillance picture of the area of operations.

BAE Systems Australia

LAND 148 Acoustic Threat Localisation

This CTD will seek to develop and evaluate a man-portable, acoustic-detection system. The system needs wearable acoustic detectors and computers, signal processing software and communications. The system will provide range and azimuth information against small arms fire.

Pacific Noise and Vibration

JP 2103 Aerosonde Radio Relay

This CTD seeks to develop a communications relay using a low-cost, high-endurance UAV.  This could allow the range of tactical data systems, such as Battlefield Command Support System (BCSS) to be extended, especially in difficult terrain.

SAAB Systems

AIR 5501 Airborne Magnetic Gradiometer

Submarines can be detected by their local magnetic effects.  In recent decades, this has become more difficult as submarines have been able to lower their magnetic signatures.  This CTD will use gradiometers based on SQUID technology to develop very sensitive gradiometers that will greatly increase the range at which de-magnetised submarines can be detected. 

CSIRO

SEA 1701 Tactical Command and Control Framework

This CTD seeks to provide an interface between an existing proprietary tactical command and support system and new sensors and data sources.  The pluggable command and control system uses an ‘open architecture’ interface that could allow any number of third party vendors to trial and/or deploy advanced capabilities on the existing combat support system.

Innovation Science

JP 2101 Decentralised Data Fusion

This CTD seeks to demonstrate in the field and on a simulator, the benefits of linking sensors into a distributed network. Each node of the network passes its information to other nodes that then integrate their data into a total sensor picture before passing the information onto the next node.  In this way, low-bandwidth communications can be used to create a robust network of nodes that build an integrated surveillance picture of the area of operations.

BAE Systems Australia

LAND 148 Acoustic Threat Localisation

This CTD will seek to develop and evaluate a man-portable, acoustic-detection system. The system needs wearable acoustic detectors and computers, signal processing software and communications. The system will provide range and azimuth information against small arms fire.

Pacific Noise and Vibration

JP 2103 Aerosonde Radio Relay

This CTD seeks to develop a communications relay using a low-cost, high-endurance UAV.  This could allow the range of tactical data systems, such as Battlefield Command Support System (BCSS) to be extended, especially in difficult terrain.

SAAB Systems

Round 6 (FY 2002/03)

CTD Project Name

Demonstrator Description

Company Name

SEA 1656 Network Enabled Undersea Warfare

The CTD aims to integrate data from different sensors on-board a ship to produce a common tactical undersea warfare picture.  The system will improve processing capabilities for detection, classification, localisation and targeting. If successful, this CTD will have applications across the ADF fleet.

Thales, Acacia Research, Acoustic Technologies

DEF 222

Classified

Daintree Systems

JP 2093 Personal Radar Warning Receiver

This CTD will demonstrate a credit card sized device capable of detecting battlefield/group surveillance radars (GSRs). This capability is a very high priority for our Australian Special Forces.  The development of this technology will consolidate Australian leadership in niche areas such as Radio Frequency micro-technologies and could lead to export opportunities.

Tenix

JP 2094 Multi-Band Satellite Antenna