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The Queensland government has announced a partnership with small-to-medium enterprises, academia and Lockheed Martin Australia to create a mobile launch platform that will accelerate early-stage research, development, testing and evaluation of high-speed and hypersonic flight technologies.
Supported by a $6.38 million contract from the Queensland government’s Sovereign Industry Development Fund, the project brings together a partnership between Lockheed Martin Australia, Airways Trade Australia, Rocket Technologies International and the University of Queensland.
Together they will construct a deployable launch rail and associated telemetry, communications and payload-assembly equipment that facilitates rapid, cost-effective flights up to hypersonic speeds, which commence at Mach 5.
“This capability will position Australia at the forefront of high-speed advanced aerospace technology development and will support Australian government defence priorities,” said Jeremy King, chief executive, Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand.
“We are grateful for the support provided by the Queensland government to this strategically important project.”
Rocket Technologies International will design and build the rocket motors for the first series of flights.
“Establishing a rocket manufacturing capability in Queensland is a critical step forward for Australia’s long-term sovereign defence preparedness and industrial resilience,” said Allan Payne, chief executive, Rocket Technologies International.
The rapid, low‑cost testing of emerging advanced aerospace technologies is expected to reduce time and risk prior to larger, more expensive testing campaigns. The highly configurable platform is expected to be able to be staged at any Queensland test site, providing researchers and developers with greater flexibility and launch opportunities. Additionally, increased opportunities for land‑based recovery complement diagnostics gained from telemetry, leading to enhanced, faster test diagnostics as well as providing Australian and international industry, academia and government access to high‑speed test ranges across Queensland as well as generating a pipeline for future low‑cost rocket boosters, starting with sub-Mach 5 systems.
Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the Crisafulli government is focused on building Queensland’s industrial capacity as well as making the state a national leader in test and evaluation capabilities.
“After a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli government is getting on with the job of building Queensland’s industrial strength and supercharging our sovereign capability to make more things locally,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
“Our $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund is backing businesses and technologies that will help secure Queensland’s economic future, strengthen our defence industry and create new highly skilled jobs.
“This $6.38 million investment in Lockheed Martin will help establish a critical rocket testing capability right here in Queensland, strengthening our local expertise in advanced aerospace technology and rocket motor manufacturing.
“By partnering with globally significant and recognised industry leaders such as Lockheed Martin, the Crisafulli government is demonstrating our commitment to securing defence industry business and highly skilled jobs for Queenslanders.
“This is about moving beyond talk and delivering practical investments that build Queensland’s industrial base, strengthen sovereign supply chains and create lasting economic opportunities for Queenslanders.”
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