DSTO News

New system has a grip on improvised explosives

Date: 30 April, 2013

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A prototype bomb disposal system providing operators a realistic grasp and feel of remote objects could become a vital capability to protect Australian troops during operations.

Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, said the new robotic arm to counter improvised explosive devices relies on haptics (or touch feedback) and could potentially be employed by the ADF to safeguard troops or perform battlefield surveillance.

The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and Deakin University signed a licence agreement today to further develop the technology to a standard suitable for future Australian Defence Force consideration.

"The haptic arm system allows operators to remotely grasp and feel the weight and texture of objects in real time and improves their awareness of the situation to take appropriate action," Minister Snowdon said.

"Remotely operated robots fitted with the haptic arm system could also be employed in civilian environments to safely remove or neutralise hazardous materials."

Chief Defence Scientist Dr Alex Zelinsky said the licence agreement allows Deakin University to engage commercial partners to manufacture and distribute the technology and other haptic systems.

"This licence agreement is the capstone of a thorough development and evaluation process that has produced technology of potential benefit to Defence.

"Our collaboration provides another opportunity to showcase how DSTO and universities can jointly mature new technologies in support of Defence," Dr Zelinsky said.

The mobile robotic platform incorporating the haptically enabled arm was adapted from an existing chassis design developed by Deakin University.

The technology was further developed as part of the DSTO administered Defence Capability and Technology Demonstrator extension program to increase fidelity and reduce potential for operator fatigue.

Media contacts:

Minister Snowdon's Office - Lidija Ivanovski (02) 6277 7820 or 0407 108 935
Defence Media Operations - (02) 6127 1999

JSF model to study electromagnetic effects

Date: 19 April, 2013

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On 17 April the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, unveiled a full-scale model of the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) which the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) will use to study the effects of electromagnetic compatibility and interference on the aircraft.

Called Iron Bird, the Australian-built model will be tested under simulated electromagnetic conditions during the acquisition and through-life sustainment of the JSF.

�This study is a significant part of ensuring the protection of the JSF against electromagnetic environmental effects such as lightning and static discharge which can impair the performance and safety of aircraft,� Mr Snowdon said during a visit to the DSTO laboratory in Adelaide.

The JSF is a fifth-generation aircraft with highly complex electronics, sophisticated software and a structural airframe made of composite materials. This exposes the aircraft to electromagnetic interference from both naturally occurring phenomena and man-made sources, including telecommunication transmissions and radar.

"The impact of these interferences needs to be well understood and appropriately managed," Mr Snowdon said.

�DSTO has developed world-class expertise in the investigation of electromagnetic radiation impact on aircraft and is engaged directly with the United States JSF Joint Project Office to undertake this study using the Iron Bird model.

�The data captured will help in providing potential reductions in the cost of owning the JSF fleet and enhancing the aircraft�s capability.�

The DSTO test methods provide a rapid, cost-effective means of assessing and monitoring the JSF�s ability to withstand electromagnetic exposure and minimise any impact on its systems and performance.

Mr Snowdon said DSTO�s research would support the verification for compliance and airworthiness certification for the JSF aircraft.

Australia�s first two F-35As are due to be delivered to a United States-based training facility during 2014‑15 when Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilot and maintainer training will commence on the aircraft.

Imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery.

Media contacts:

Minister Snowdon�s Office: Lidija Ivanovski (02) 6277 7820 or 0407 108 935

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

Research driving a new fleet of Army vehicles

Date: 17 April, 2013

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Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, today joined the Member for Wakefield, Nick Champion to launch a new high-tech military vehicle simulator designed to replicate field conditions across different terrain.

The Land Motion Platform has been developed by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) to study the simulated movement of military vehicles.

Mr Snowdon said the primary function of the simulator would be to provide advice on how to best integrate technology with Army vehicles.

'This research represents a shift away from Army vehicles being viewed as just a means for transport and logistics � advances in technology will see our next fleet of Army vehicles operate as fully networked state-of-the-art technology hubs,' Mr Snowdon said.

The simulator will allow researchers to better understand human performance in a range of battle-like conditions, including a feature that can track the operator�s eye state.

'The DSTO research will provide answers on how our soldiers can operate effectively and safely in these unstable conditions while using sensitive electronic equipment,' Mr Snowdon added.

Mr Champion said the technology being developed by DSTO was world-class.

'We have an outstanding range of extremely talented men and women working hard here in South Australia to make sure our deployed Defence personnel are armed with the latest in technology,' Mr Champion said.

'This is about giving our troops the best technology possible to keep them safe and support them in doing their tough jobs.'

Media contacts:

Minister Snowdon�s Office: Lidija Ivanovski 0407 108 935

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

Plaque acknowledges traditional land owners

Date: 17 April, 2013

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, has unveiled a plaque acknowledging the Kaurna people, the traditional custodians of the land now occupied by DSTO north of Adelaide.

Mr Snowdon unveiled the commemorative plaque with Auntie Josie Agius, an Elder of the Kaurna people and 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award winner from the Port Adelaide Enfield Council.

Also part of the ceremony was the local Member for Wakefield, Mr Nick Champion.

Defence has an extensive geographic footprint of bases and establishments across Australia and acknowledging the traditional land custodians of these sites in an important part of the Department's Reconciliation Action Plan.

The DSTO Edinburgh site is traditionally part of the lands of the Kaurna people.

Defence and Health sign agreement on medical countermeasures

Date: 15 April, 2013

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In November 2012, Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon and Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek announced an agreement which would enable the Department of Defence and the Department of Health and Ageing to prepare for the establishment of a Medical Countermeasures Consortium involving Australia, USA, UK and Canada.

"The proposed Consortium will coordinate scientific research in developing medical responses across the defence, national security and public health sectors in our four countries," Minister Snowdon said.

"This initiative will augment Australia�s ability to manage the consequences of pandemics, emerging infectious diseases, extreme natural hazards and incidents involving Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR) threats."

Medical countermeasures include drugs, vaccines and diagnostic devices to protect against and treat diseases such as Ebola or Dengue, and deal with injuries caused by CBR incidents.

"Medical countermeasures are required in areas where diseases, chemicals and other hazards may impact ADF personnel as well as the local population or the Australian public."

Minister Snowdon said a Whole-of-Government approach with international health and defence partners would help deliver this protection as few alternatives were available through private sector investment in countering the effects of CBR events.

Participation in the Consortium will enable Australia to stay abreast of diagnostic and therapeutic developments, act quickly on deploying appropriate treatments, and achieve significant cost savings by accessing the results of joint research and development with the other countries.

"The proposed Consortium will give Australia an excellent opportunity for harnessing the expertise and resources of our Allies across the civilian and military domains to develop an effective capability in medical countermeasures," Minister Snowdon said.

The agreement between the Department of Defence and the Department of Health and Ageing was signed by Chief Defence Scientist Dr Alex Zelinsky and Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Baggoley.

Media contacts:

Minister Snowdon's Office: Carly Olsen (02) 6277 7820 or 0477 758 200

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999