DST seeks industry wind tunnel partners
DST is seeking expressions of interest from the Australian aerodynamics community to co-invest in new low speed and transonic wind tunnels that will meet the future requirements of Defence as well as Australian academia and industry. This proposal is aligned with the formation of a National Wind Tunnel Consortium and recent discussion regarding the potential acquisition of a former Boeing high-speed (supersonic) wind tunnel.
Defence’s new Science & Technology Strategy aims to establish high-quality defence S&T precincts across Australia to foster closer relationships with industry and academia. A cornerstone of Defence’s experimental capability continues to be its existing low-speed and transonic wind tunnels which support the ADF, Australian Universities and Industry.
However, both the low-speed and transonic wind tunnels are nearing the end of their service life. Investment in new tunnels is critical and a key to this strategy will be partnering with Australian industry and academia to ensure that these new facilities can meet the future demands of a broad stakeholder group, and to maintain an essential sovereign aerodynamic test capability in Australia.
The future Defence requirement for access to high-quality experimental test facilities is projected to expand across the Air, Land, and Maritime domains. Significant and enduring programs of work (out to 2050) have been identified that include:
- Fixed-wing air-vehicles [low speed and transonic wind tunnel testing]
- Vertical lift systems [low speed tunnel testing]
- Under-water vehicles – particular submarines [low speed tunnel testing]
- Surface vessels [low speed tunnel testing]
- Weapons systems – including the integration, safe carriage (internal / external) and release of weapons from air-vehicles (both manned / unmanned) [both low speed and transonic wind tunnel testing]
- Land-based combat systems [low speed wind tunnel testing]
Defence seeks industry interest in co-investing and partnering in the development of wind tunnels that deliver cutting-edge advances in experimental aerodynamics. This is an opportunity to combine research expertise and efforts to drive innovation in Australia, as well as supporting employment in the university sector and promoting pathways into Defence-related careers.
For further information: Defence Innovation Network (DIN) – https://defenceinnovationnetwork.com/calling-for-eois-from-the-australian-aerodynamics-community/
Expressions of interest can be sent to Bruce Woodyatt at DST: at Bruce.Woodyatt@dst.defence.gov.au