A Hawkesbury-based engineering company has been awarded a $2.13 million contract by the Federal Government to continue developing a unique lightweight armour for the C-130J Hercules airlifter aircraft.
The contract will see Aerospace & Mechanical Consulting Engineers, in collaboration with fellow NSW company Armor Composite Engineering, use a cutting-edge amour solution to provide the in-service aircraft with stronger protection.
Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said the innovation could reduce aircraft fatigue and the risk of injury to Australian Defence Force personnel.
“This contract will strengthen ADF capabilities and provide an opportunity to maximise Australian industry participation,” Minister Price said.
“By investing in the innovative ideas of Australian small and medium businesses, we are delivering more opportunities for those businesses to participate in Defence projects and directly contribute to ADF capability.
The Director of Aerospace & Mechanical Consulting Engineers, John Eldridge, welcomed the contract would provide an opportunity for the small business “to export the armour solution to Australia’s allies and grow its workforce”.
“To support this contract, Aerospace & Mechanical Consulting Engineers has employed an additional four engineering staff and Armor Composite Engineering has increased its manufacturing staff by two, with a further two staff to be employed in the next 12 months,” Mr Eldridge concluded.
