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Defence Minister to fly pilotless aircraft to explore new capability

Remote controlled aircraft that are capable of electronic warfare, radar jamming, surveillance and intelligence gathering without risking human life will be trialled today to demonstrate their potential use for Defence.

Defence Minister Robert Hill will remotely 'fly' one of three aircraft from a ground station at Hamilton, Victoria.

The aircraft designed by Aerosonde Australia Pty Ltd are small, robotic and able to fly long distances. They weigh less than 15kg and have a wing span of 2.9 metres.

One of the aircraft will be fitted with a video camera, one with a radio frequency repeater and the third with a radar jamming device to show how the aircraft could be used to improve Defence capabilities.

"The miniature devices fitted to the aircraft could assist in target detection, target tracking, battle damage assessment, artillery spotting, extending the communications range of deployed forces and even detecting chemical or biological agents," Senator Hill said.

"Because they are so small, the aircraft are also difficult to detect by radar - an inherent stealth capability that could one day see them working in the field with other Defence assets such as armoured vehicles, ships or helicopters."

Today's trials are one of a series under the Defence Science & Technology Organisation's (DSTO) Autonomous Vehicle Advanced Tactical Applications Research program, which is attracting international attention and requests from several countries for research collaboration with DSTO.

The Aerosonde UAV was originally developed for meteorological and environmental reconnaissance. Now Aerosonde has a $2.4 million research and development contract with DSTO to provide the airframes, payload installation, ground support infrastructure, and engineering support for the trials.

"This is another excellent example of Defence and industry working together to investigate a new capability for the ADF," Senator Hill said.

Further information:

Minister's Media Advisor

Sascha Meldrum

Phone:

08 8237 7920

Mobile:

0409 034 241

Manager, Defence Science Communications (Edinburgh)

Mr Steve Butler
Defence Science Communications

DSTO Edinburgh
PO BOX 1500
Edinburgh
South Australia 5111

Phone:

(08) 8259 6923

Fax:

08 8259 6191

Email:

stephen.butler@dsto.defence.gov.au

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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