19 February 2020
High seas and storms can make radar detection of objects in the ocean extremely difficult and when there are lives at stake, every second counts to home in on a rescue target or a hazard that needs to be identified.
UniSA’s partnership with newly launched company, REDARC Defence Systems and German naval technology experts, Raytheon Anschutz GmbH, is on track to deliver novel and low-complexity optimal waveform diversity techniques for small target detection that can adapt to the environment and overcome sea clutter.
The work to optimise target detection for marine radars is set to advance high performance radar systems for the navy and air force and at the same time could have significant benefits for ocean search and rescue and border security operations.
REDARC Defence Systems is a new 100 per cent Australian-owned Defence Business set up to meet the growing needs of the Australian defence market.
REDARC has already successfully partnered with Raytheon Anschutz GmbH to offer the Integrated Navigation Bridge System on the Hunter Class Frigate and as part of that partnership both companies approached UniSA to look at conducting collaborative research to improve detection thresholds of navigational radars for naval vessels.
At the end of on 2019 the South Australian Defence Innovation Partnership Cooperative Research Grants awarded UniSA $150,000 towards the project, and researchers and partners alike are keen to see quick outcomes.
UniSA Research project leader Professor Kutluyil Dogancay says the adaptive and cognitive waveform selection techniques developed in this project will greatly improve the decision superiority of the maritime platforms.
“It is fantastic to be working with such experienced industry partners because it means we open that vital pathway for the transfer of technology and the commercialisation of our research outcomes.”
REDARC’s defence account manager, Mike Hartas says the collaboration will deliver important benefits.
“This collaborative approach between industry and UniSA allows us to develop a potentially new technology that could be applied across the entire Royal Australian Navy Fleet and allows REDARC Defence Systems to commence the technology transfer required to be prepared to support the Hunter Class Program in the near future,” Hartas says.
UniSA is a foundation member of the Defence Innovation Partnership, designed to generate defence-related research and development activity in South Australia between industry, universities and government.
It also boasts one of the longest running formal relationships with the Australian Defence Science and Technology Group of any Australian university.
Media contact: Michèle Nardelli tel +61 418 823 673 or +61 8 8302 0966 email:Michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au
