Dsto News

Videotel has launched a new edition of its Training, Mentoring and Assessment On Board program which supports the IMO requirement for a standardization of training and assessment for all member state countries as part of the revised and updated STCW - the ‘Manila Amendments’. Training, Mentoring and Assessment On Board covers the full range of revised competencies now required for certification as Deck Officers, Engineer Officers and the qualifications required for ratings. Nigel Cleave, CEO of Videotel, explained, “Training is a vital element to progress within the industry.

Australia's Assistant Minister for Defence, Stuart Robert, has announced that the Canberra headquarters of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is being named after the late Dr David Warren who developed the ‘black box’ to help in the investigation of aircraft accidents. “Dr Warren was a visionary and his invention has made an extraordinary contribution to aviation safety around the world,” Mr Robert said. Dr Warren invented the black box flight recorder in the mid-1950s when employed at one of DSTO’s predecessor organisations, the Aeronautical Research Laboratory at Fishermans Bend in Melbourne. The black box is the most famous invention developed in that laboratory, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.

The Defense Science and Technology Organization (DSTO) and Lockheed Martin Australia have signed a new strategic alliance to collaborate on a range of technologies for strengthening defense and national security. The agreement was signed for DSTO by the Chief Defence Scientist Dr. Alex Zelinsky and for Lockheed Martin Australia by Chief Executive Raydon Gates. “This ten year agreement with Lockheed Martin Australia reaffirms DSTO’s commitment to enter into long term partnerships with industry for enhancing Australia’s current and future defense capability,” Dr. Zelinsky said.

Kelvin Hughes announces the permanent installation of an S-Band SharpEye™ radar and antenna on Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean for maritime surveillance of the coastal region. An Australian territory, located 2,600 kilometres northwest of Perth, Christmas Island has been regularly used by immigrants and asylum seekers as a pathway to obtaining refugee status. This has placed significant pressure on the Australian government with its duty of care requirements, creating a need for a permanent radar installation on the island.

The Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, has announced that the Navy will progressively change the color of its surface fleet to meet modern war-fighting and regional environmental conditions. While not normally apparent to the bystander, the recent International Fleet Review with 17 international ships visibly demonstrated that color schemes do vary significantly between nations. These are mainly due to the regional environmental conditions faced by national navies such as the percentage of cloud cover or sunlight.

Kraken Sonar Systems Inc., a  marine technology company, has announced  that it has been awarded a contract for an AquaPix Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Sonar system by Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Organization (DSTO). 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 defence solutions to agencies such as the Royal Australian Navy. Kraken’s AquaPix  Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Sonar (InSAS) system provides seabed images with unprecedented image resolution and detail.

Austal and Defense Science and Technology Organization (DSTO) today signed a five-year Industry Alliance that will strengthen Australia's maritime defenses. The purpose of this Alliance is to formalize and strengthen links between DSTO's maritime research and development activities and Austal's expertise in high speed vessel design, construction and systems integration. Through this alliance DSTO will gain a greater understanding of the long term performance and cost of ownership of high speed aluminum vessels, which will also assist it to provide whole-of-life support for the Australian Navy's Armidale Class patrol boats, and strengthen our maritime defenses.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defense, Senator the Hon. Sandy Macdonald, recently unveiled a new class of highly advanced sea mine sweeping technology being developed by Australia's Defense Science and Technology Organization (DSTO). During a visit to DSTO Sydney, Senator Macdonald witnessed a demonstration of the new technology. The new system is based around high temperature superconducting magnet technology and represents a leap forward in magnetic mine sweeping. Australia is believed to be the only country in the world currently investigating the application of high temperature superconductors to sea mine warfare. Minesweepers are vital for keeping sea-lanes safe for naval and commercial shipping. Australia is already a leading exporter of mine sweeping equipment.