The Defence Materials Technology Centre (DMTC) has signed a research agreement to conduct a new $200,000 project on personnel protection.
DMTC develops and delivers new materials technologies and manufacturing processes to enhance Australia’s defence capability by adopting a collaborative approach between Defence, defence industries and the research sector.
The new research project will investigate protective attire and equipment for Defence personnel, including protection from ballistics.
Participants will include the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), which will contribute $120,000, the Victorian Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing (VCAMM) and Australian Defence Apparel (ADA).
Robert Peile, Business Development Manager, DSTO Business & Commercialisation Office said DMTC provided an excellent vehicle for collaboration.
“From our perspective, the DMTC provides scope for us to access to both know-how and background IP that we would not otherwise be able to access,” he said.
“It allows us to manage IP on a project by project basis,” added Tom Radtke, DSTO (insert position).
“The benefit of undertaking this project within DMTC is that it leverages the full range of partners’ skills, competencies and capabilities. And we’re able to link the industry partner into the defence opportunities that are available through DSTO.”
The new research will establish the technical direction of a more comprehensive supplementary program in Personnel Survivability which is expected to evolve from the new project.
Research activity will be driven by existing defence capability requirements as articulated in the 2009 Defence White Paper.
More specifically, DMTC sees opportunities to develop new materials, manufacturing technologies and systems that will enhance or maintain individual protection while improving on weight, bulk and utility. Such solutions would also seek to maintain or reduce life cycle cost and improve modularity and upgradability.
DMTC currently has four primary research programs – Air Platforms, Maritime Platforms, Propulsion Systems and Armour Applications.
About DMTC: DMTC is a joint venture between defence industry, universities and government research agencies focused on enhancing Australia’s defence capability through the development of new materials and manufacturing technologies. www.dmtc.com.au
About DSTO: The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is the Australian government’s lead agency charged with applying science and technology to protect and defend Australia and its national interests. DSTO delivers expert, impartial advice and innovative solutions for Defence and other elements of national security. www.dsto.defence.gov.au
About VCAMM: The Victorian Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing (VCAMM) is a one-stop-shop interface which allows industry to maximise the potential for knowledge and technology transfer from and to the research community. www.vcamm.com.au
About Australian Defence Apparel: Victorian-based ADA creates and delivers superior apparel and sophisticated armour to military and civilian authorities. www.ada.com.au
Please contact Jasmine Smith, DMTC Communications Manager, for further information or interview requests. Email jasmine.smith@dmtc.com.au or phone: (03) 9214 4775 (direct) / 0439 034 562 (mobile).
Posted by DMTC on February 4th, 2010 Bruck Textiles has joined the Defence Materials Technology (DMTC) as an Associate Member to collaborate on the development of personnel ballistic protection and enhanced comfort for soldier uniforms.
Founded in 1946, Bruck Textiles Pty Ltd is 100% Australian-owned and employs up to 400 people. Bruck manufactures industrial, corporate and uniform apparel fabrics and a wide range of interior window furnishings.
Bruck has been the major supplier of combat and non combat uniform fabrics for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for the past 20 years, covering all areas of uniform requirements from ballistics to rain wear. In recent years Bruck has, in conjunction with DSTO and DMO, developed new fabric capabilities in the following areas:
- Near Infra Red Signature Management for Khaki AUSCAM
- Desert Print AUSCAM
- Next generation personal CBRN protection
- Flame retardant waterproof/breathable fabric for cold weather combat jackets for the Army.
In addition to the ADF, Rural Fire Authorities, State Emergency Services and state police departments wear a variety of garments made from Bruck fabric.
Bruck’s recent acquisition of the assets of Melba Industries has added capability in a broad range of high performance technical fabrics, with a focus on personal protection. The addition of this product range confirms Bruck as the leading manufacturer in Australia of woven and knitted fabrics.
DMTC’s Associate Membership Program provides a new level of involvement for companies interested in DMTC’s development of new materials and manufacturing technologies for use in defence industries.
Associate Members may renew their membership each year or elect to upgrade their membership in the Centre, subject to the approval by DMTC Board.
Associate Members will receive a regular review of the DMTC technical program and activities, an invitation to DMTC’s annual conference and workshop and many other benefits including rights to participate in short-term SME focused projects partially funded by DMTC.
Please contact Jasmine Smith, DMTC Communications Manager, for further information or interview requests. Email jasmine.smith@dmtc.com.au or phone: (03) 9214 4775 (direct) / 0439 034 562 (mobile).
Posted by DMTC on February 1st, 2010 Exel Composites will join the Defence Material Technology Centre’s (DMTC) Associate Membership Program in January 2010, becoming DMTC’s first Associate Member.
Exel Composites is a global fibre composites manufacturer using leading pultrusion and pull-winding technologies with manufacturing sites in seven countries. Thousands of carbon and glass fibre profiles have been developed for its customers worldwide, with solutions based on focused product development.
The Associate Membership Program provides a new level of involvement for companies interested in DMTC’s development of new materials and manufacturing technologies for use in defence industries.
Associate Members may renew their membership each year or elect to upgrade their membership in the Centre, subject to the approval by DMTC Board.
Associate Members will receive a regular review of the DMTC technical program and activities, an invitation to DMTC’s annual conference and workshop and many other benefits including rights to participate in short-term SME focused projects partially funded by DMTC.
For further information please contact Viktor Verijenko, DMTC Operations & Education Manager, on (03) 9214 4447 or email viktor.verijenko@dmtc.com.au
Posted by DMTC on December 3rd, 2009 Dr John Best has been elected to the Board of DMTC Ltd at the company’s recent Annual General Meeting.
Dr Best is the Vice President of Technology, Research & Development at Thales Australia (formerly ADI Ltd), which is a Core Participant of DMTC.
DMTC’s Chairman, Dr Peter Preston, welcomed Dr Best to the Board, saying his extensive technology development experience in defence industry and the broader defence sector would provide valuable strategic input to the Board of Directors.
Dr Preston also paid tribute to retiring Board Member, Mr Fred Eske, AM, for his strategic leadership not only on the Board of Directors, but also during the process of developing the DMTC concept and throughout its establishment in 2008. Mr Eske will continue to be intimately involved in DMTC activities through project activities.
Dr Best is the Vice President of Technology, Research & Development at Thales Australia (formerly ADI Ltd). Dr Best joined ADI Limited in 2003 and was appointed to his current role upon the formation of Thales Australia. He has overall responsibility for the technical capability of the company, which encompasses technical strategy, research and development, innovation, engineering process, engineering development and technical audits. Dr Best joined ADI following a 15-year career with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree with First Class Honours in Physics from the University of Queensland, a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Wollongong and an MBA from the University of Adelaide.
Posted by DMTC on December 3rd, 2009