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CSIRO Media Release |
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28 October 1998 |
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CSIRO and British Aerospace Australia have signed a research relationship agreement worth up to $20 million to develop advanced materials and processes for the global aircraft industry of the early 21st century.
Research to be carried out under the new agreement will involve the development of tougher composite materials for building lighter aircraft structures, and devising more effective and environmentally-friendly ways to monitor and extend the life of aerospace parts.
The relationship agreement was signed by BAe Australia Operations Director Mr Barry Murphy and CSIRO Deputy Chief Executive Dr Colin Adam.
"This is a move that will keep Australia at the cutting edge of international aerospace science into the 21st century," Dr Adam says.
"The first five research contracts under this agreement are due to commence this month and will be completed over the coming three to four years."
BAe Australia's Barry Murphy said "British Aerospace Australia is committed to building valuable skills, capabilities and expertise to assist in the long-term development of high technology industry within Australia.
"We believe these research contracts will play an important role in developing Australia's competitive technological edge within the aerospace and defence industry. They will also enhance the partnerships British Aerospace Australia already has in place with both CSIRO and DSTO."
The initial research contracts will focus on developing new ultra-strong composite materials for use in the aerospace industry of the future, and on ways to extend the life and performance of aerostructures.
Three of the five projects will be carried out in collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO).
Dr Adam said that CSIRO scientists had extensive experience
in working with high-tech carbon composite materials and aluminium
alloys.
The aerospace and defence industry is increasingly global in
its approach to sourcing designs, parts, materials and technologies,
and this gives countries such as Australia an unprecedented chance
to become a key player through our scientific and technical skills.
"It is a great opportunity for us to develop our knowledge-based exports and high-tech jobs in Australia by being at the heart of aerospace, already emerging as a growth industry for the 21st century," Dr Adam says.
Aviation technology has been one of Australia's fastest-growing high-tech export industries over the past decade, with the value of overseas sales rising from $340 million in 1988/89 to $769 million in 1996/97.
More information:
Dr Colin Adam, CSIRO
02 6276 6566 or 03 9662 7435
Colin.Adam@exec.csiro.au
Mr Trevor Thacker, CSIRO
02 9413 7355
Trevor.Thacker@exec.csiro.au
Kathryn Andrews
British Aerospace Australia
02 9358 2900 or 0418 838 632
klandrew@baea.com.au
Nina Hill,
British Aerospace Australia
0417 811 062
nhill@baea.com.au
Note to editors:
British Aerospace Australia is one of Australia's leading
defence companies and has worked alongside Australia's defence
forces for more than 45 years. With a team of more than 2,200
employees, British Aerospace Australia is the nation's second
largest defence employer.
(Australia's largest scientific research organisation)
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