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Thales Australia is set to export military grade piezoelectric ceramic technology from Australia to the United States (Michigan) based Massa Products Corporation.
The new partnership reflects an important step in ensuring a successful and robust supply chain in sonar capabilities, systems and components as AUKUS ramps up production across the US, the UK and Australia.
Troy Stephen, Thales Australia vice president - underwater systems, avionics, secure communications and information systems, said working with Massa is a highly valuable move due to their pioneering work in sonar capabilities.
“We share a common value in respecting the role we both play in supporting and enabling our respective navies to achieve their mission at sea.
“It is a pleasure to be able to collaborate with Massa in the provision of key components manufactured in Australia that will now go into their own sonar products and capabilities.”
The Australian-produced piezoelectric ceramic materials will serve as a critical component in the final production of advanced sonar transducers and related products manufactured by Massa.
These smart materials can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy and vice versa, making them capable of sending and receiving underwater acoustic signals to detect, locate and navigate vessels. Their flexibility, durability and customisable features make them a key asset in defence and vessel production.
F Massa Stancavish, CEO of Massa, said this collaboration will help to accelerate “strength and growth”.
“For the AUKUS partnership to truly be successful, it requires companies and governments to come together to support submarines and defence in new and innovative ways.
“Thales Australia and Massa Products Corporation share a leading and synergistic role in providing, creating and manufacturing the necessary sonar transducers and systems required to detect and defend life in the free world.”
The Thales Acoustic Centre of Excellence in Western Sydney is the base of advanced sonar and towed array capabilities manufactured for the Royal Australian Navy. Nearly 500 people develop and export specialised sonar and acoustic products to the US at this facility.
