21 July 2009
The Department of Defence has selected Thales Australia's
innovative Infrasonic Advanced Acoustic Generator (IAAG) for development under
the Capability and Technology Demonstrator program.
The IAAG is at the cutting edge of mine countermeasures
technology. Originally developed by Thales in conjunction with an SME,
Adelaide-based Resonance Technology, and with assistance from DSTO, it meets a
global need for sophisticated minesweeping products. Six IAAGs have already
been supplied to the United States Navy, fulfilling a requirement for an
acoustic generator able to produce underwater sound at high sound pressure
levels and at low frequencies similar to those produced by large ships.
"The new CTD will enable Thales and our partners to
explore the adaptation of the technology for Royal Australian Navy
requirements," said Chris Lloyd, Thales Australia's Naval Division Vice
President. "We are looking forward to developing the technology in order
to provide enhanced capability to the Navy."
Thales's CTD proposal addresses an existing capability gap
for a high power, low frequency underwater acoustic generator able to sweep for
mines targeting the acoustic signature of large naval ships like tankers and
LHDs, as well as large high-value merchant vessels. This is particularly
important at a time when some modern mines have the ability to differentiate
between existing mine countermeasures and real ships. With its unique
attributes, the IAAG adds to the RAN's capability to sweep modern mines
targeted against large ships.
Under the CTD, the Department of Defence will purchase one
IAAG in order to evaluate its capability to meet the RAN's operational needs.
The project will also develop rigging, deployment, recovery and handling
procedures to meet RAN requirements.
Thales in Australia
manufactures and exports minesweeping products to navies throughout the world,
and has established a significant design, manufacturing and production
capability for these products.
Thales is also working with another SME, Quickstrike Defence
& Aerospace Pty Ltd, which will be subcontracted to provide procedure and
port infrastructure reviews, as well as specialist advice and assistance during
sea demonstrations. The two companies have already worked closely together in
delivering IAAG capability to the US Navy.
About Thales
Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace,
Space, Defence, Security and Transportation markets. In 2008, the company
generated revenues of 12.7 billion euros (equivalent of AUD22.1 billion) with
68,000 employees in 50 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers,
Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems
and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an
exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working
with customers as local partners.
Thales Australia
is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force and is also present in
commercial sectors ranging from air traffic management to security systems and
services. Employing around 3,500 people in over 35 sites across the country,
Thales Australia
recorded revenues of more than AUD1 billion in 2008.
Press contact
Julian Elliott
Thales Australia
+61 (0)2 9562 3716
+61 (0)401 134 415
julian.elliott@thalesgroup,com.au