Australia and NZ to Benefit from European Sat Nav Tech

25 Desember 2019

Australia and NZ are positioned to gain the benefits of major advances in Europe’s satellite navigation SBAS system EGNOS (image : Rockwell Collins)

Australia and NZ are positioned to gain the benefits of major advances in Europe’s satellite navigation SBAS (Satellite-based Augmentation System) system EGNOS following the announcement of a significant upgrade to be delivered by Thales Alenia Space.

The $127million upgrade will expand the EGNOS SBAS coverage zone, see the installation of a new generation of reference stations (RIMS), improved algorithms in the computation centre (CPF) to boost performance and enhanced system security.
Certification and commissioning of the new service is slated for 2023.

Thales Alenia Space VP Navigation Benoit Broudy said the company was committed to delivering the latest generation system to Australia should it be selected to deliver Australia & NZ’s SBAS (Satellite-based Augmentation System) for enhanced global positioning.

“The new version will bring significant benefits for regional aviation in Australia and NZ along with broader industry benefits across many sectors, from mining and resources to agriculture and transport," Broudy said.

The EGNOS system “Safety of Life” service enables aircraft to make precision approaches for landing without requiring ground-based landing aids.

In addition to providing the service in Europe, Thales Alenia Space is delivering the SBAS Korean Augmentation Satellite System (KASS) and SBAS for parts of Africa.

“Our record is one of long term investment in Australia’s advanced technology sector through technology transfer, collaboration with research agencies and Australian SMEs," Thales Australia CEO Chris Jenkins said. "We are excited about the opportunities to help build Australia’s space industry capability through world leading SBAS technology in line with the Statement of Strategic Intent signed with the Australian Space Agency.”

(ADM)

Thales Australia to Supply NZ Munitions to 2037

15 Desember 2019

5.56mm training round F262T (photo : Australian Munitions)

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and Thales Australia’s Australian Munitions (AM) business have signed an agreement to continue the supply of Small Arms Ammunition and Explosive Ordnance to the NZDF to 2037.

The new agreement includes the design and manufacture of bespoke small arms munitions including the 5.56mm training round F262T, a new product designed by AM in collaboration with the NZDF as a low cost training cartridge tuned for optimal performance, and the NZDF Lewis Machine Tool MARS-L platform.

The 5.56mm training cartridge and others have been designed by AM to meet the NZDF’s evolving capability requirements, suitable to meet littoral and amphibious needs for a full range of training situations.

“I am delighted that the NZDF has chosen to continue our decade long partnership. We will continue working to deliver high quality products for the NZDF well into the future,” Dion Haber, Managing Director AM, said.

(ADM)

Ōhakea Air Base to Home Four P-8A Aircraft, Infrastructure Upgrade Begins

03 Desember 2019

P-8 Poseidon aircraft (image : NZ MoD)

Upgrades at Ōhakea air base are under way as it prepares to home four maritime surveillance aircraft. 

Groundwork will begin before Christmas and Defence Minister Ron Mark was at the base on Friday for a brief ground blessing ceremony.

The Government announced last year in July it would buy four Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft, along with two flight training simulators, at a cost of $2.34 billion. The project requires a revamp at Ōhakea, with two hangars, an operations centre, warehousing, and training and maintenance facilities planned.

The four aircraft are armed with torpedoes, harpoon anti-ship missiles and other weapons, and are able to drop and monitor sonobuoys.

The fleet will monitor the marine environment, hunt for drug smugglers and illegal whalers, respond to natural disasters, and help with search and rescue missions. It will also monitor North Korea's agreement to maintain peace.

Closer to home, the existing fleet had responded to the Kaikoura earthquake.

Mark said the first phase, which costs $64.5 million, consists of new roads constructed at the base and installation of power, lighting and drainage. Aircraft parking facilities and washdown areas will also be built. 

Construction of the buildings will begin next year and should be finished in 2022.

Mark said the arrival of the Poseidons and No 5 Squadron, which will operate the planes, from Whenuapai in Auckland would have a big influence on the region. 

A crew of trainers from New Zealand will be sent to Jacksonville, Florida, for 2½ years to learn how to fly the new aircraft and other pilots will go over in 2022 for transition courses. 

"We have a responsibility to prepare the future for these service people and the ones that come after them," Mark said of the Government's decision to buy the fleet.

"Basing the P-8A fleet at Ōhakea will be a boost for the economy and vitality of Manawatū. The works I am starting today will feed into the region in the form of engagement of local services, manufacturing, equipment and materials industries.

"At its peak, the construction project will be employing around 300 people, many of whom will be recruited from the local area."

Chief of air force Andrew Clark said the Poseidons would replace an aging fleet of P-3K2 Orions and increase New Zealand's ability to contribute in an increasingly tense security environment. 

"It is a challenging and exciting time to be part of the air force. There's much for us to do in the next three years." 

The fleet would bring about 200 families to Manawatū, which Clark said was one of the best places in New Zealand. "But I went to Palmerston North Boys' High School, so I might be biased." 

(Stuff)