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Defence Minister opens world-class aircraft test facility

Defence Minister Robert Hill today officially opened a state-of-the-art facility where Defence scientists will undertake behind-the-scenes-work to ensure the aircraft used to train our fighter pilots of the future are safe.

The Hawk Lead-in Fighter test article

The aircraft structural test centre at the Defence Science and Technology Organisation in Melbourne will be used to conduct fatigue tests on the Royal Australian Air Force's new Hawk Lead-in Fighter aircraft.

"The Hawk Lead-in Fighter which is used to train Australia's future fighter pilots will be the first aircraft to undergo a full-scale fatigue test in the new facility," Senator Hill said.

"The testing allows us to establish when and where structural failures are likely to occur in the aircraft so that we can put in place a proactive repair and maintenance program that will allow the aircraft to keep flying safely.

"DSTO has won a $11.7 million contract with BAE Systems UK, manufacturers of the aircraft, to do the fatigue testing in Australia rather than overseas. This is not only a tribute to DSTO's expertise but is expected to generate more than $10 million worth of contracted work for Australian industry.

"The aeronautical technology and expertise at DSTO is world class. It has been developed over years of test programs on aircraft including the F/A-18 and F-111. This expertise will position Australia well to bid for similar work on the Joint Strike Fighter."

The official opening of the H.A.Wills Structures and Materials Test Centre marks the first milestone in a $56 million project to redevelop DSTO's Melbourne-based research facilities at one site in Fishermans Bend.

The centre is named after the former Australian Defence scientist Arthur Wills who pioneered the theory and practice of aircraft structural testing that is now followed by aircraft manufacturers worldwide.

It houses two laboratories which will undertake fatigue and fracture tests in addition to structural tests on large articles, such as aircraft wings and airframes, as well as large maritime components. It will also assist in accident investigations resulting from structural failures.

Further information:

Ministerial Media Adviser

Ms Catherine Fitzpatrick
Minister's office

Phone:

(02) 6277 7800

Mobile:

0405 351 245

Manager, Defence Science Communications (Melbourne)

Mrs Edwina Callus
Defence Science Communications

506 Lorimer Street
Fishermans Bend
Victoria
AUSTRALIA 3207

Phone:

03 9626 7131

Email:

edwina.callus@dsto.defence.gov.au

Mobile:

0419 98 44 88

Defence Media Liaison

Phone:

(02) 6265 3343

Mobile:

0408 498 664

The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is part of Australia's Department of Defence. DSTO's role is to ensure the expert, impartial and innovative application of science and technology to the defence of Australia and its national interests.

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