Advanced Fibre Cluster partners with BAE Systems

A CONSORTIUM of advanced manufacturers led by Geelong-based companies has signed a partnership with one of Australia’s largest defence contractors.

At last week’s Australia International Airshow at Avalon Airport, rhe Advanced Fibre Cluster announced BAE Systems Australia was on board as its first defence prime.

The Advanced Fibre Cluster is pioneering a sovereign capability with its advanced composites, which are strong, lightweight and durable and offer greater performance for aircraft and other technologies.

Its innovations will complement BAE Systems’ work in the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordinance Enterprise for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The cluster is an initiative of a group of companies and organisations centred around Deakin University and the Geelong region, accelerating the growth of Australian advanced fibre and composites capabilities.

Its members include Austeng, Carbon Revolution, City of Greater Geelong, CSIRO, Deakin University/Carbon Nexus, Gordon TAFE, HeIQ, Quickstep and Sykes Racing.A subsidary of multinational arms, security and aerospace company BAE Systems, BAE Systems Australia provides many systems, weapons, aircraft and ships to the ADF.

Advanced Fibre Cluster chief executive officer David Buchanan said the cluster was established with funding from Deakin University and a world-leading group of domestic manufacturers situated in Waurn Ponds, with a mission to enhance knowledge, innovation and collaboration within composites and carbon fibre materials.

“Many of those members now lead the world in both product, design and capability from Victoria, exporting product and research innovation globally. Examples include Carbon Revolution, Quickstep and Sykes, who are all founding members.

“The mission for the cluster is to continue to collaborate, innovate and lead development of advanced fibres with the world’s top scientific and manufacturing minds.

“We are excited that the addition of BAE Systems Australia to the group will ensure the continuation and focus on domestic capability and the growth of Geelong and Victoria as a national centre of excellence for research and domestic production programs.”

BAE Systems Australia managing director of defence delivery Andrew Gresham, said the partnership would explore the many future possibilities not only for the defence industry but also for other industries.

“BAE Systems celebrates its 70th anniversary in Australia this year and over the past seven decades we have supported many cutting edge technology undertakings.

“This partnership represents the next chapter in our commitment to that Australian know-how.”