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A Melbourne-based SME has been selected to deliver key infrastructure to support the US Navy’s P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
The US Navy has awarded a US$2.46 million ($3.4 million) contract to Victorian manufacturing firm AirFab for the delivery of 22 specialised Wide-Band Satellite Telecommunications System work stands designed to provide technicians safe access to P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft.
This would enable technicians to access the P-8A Wide-Band Satellite Communication station and conduct fuselage inspections without overextending.
The stands are built to withstand harsh environments, including those encountered by forward operating bases, and also include integrated safety features to provide added protection to personnel.
AirFab, based out of Ferntree Gully, Melbourne, developed the work stands in collaboration with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the US Navy to ensure the design met the requirements of P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price congratulated AirFab, adding the contract award demonstrated the export opportunities available to local industry.
“Working with Royal Australian Air Force gave AirFab direct engagement with the US Navy that an Australian small business would not normally have had access to,” Minister Price said.
Member for Aston Alan Tudge said the export project would help bolster the local economy in Knox.
“The materials used in the stands are Australian made, with the steel and aluminium sourced from local manufacturers,” Mr Tudge said.
“The export opportunity not only provides direct growth to AirFab but allows for residual employment and training to more than 20 small and medium sized companies that AirFab works with.”
Separate to the US Navy order, AirFab is manufacturing eight work stands for the RAAF P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol fleet.
“The purpose-built work stands will allow technicians to access the P-8A Wide-Band Satellite Communication station and to safely conduct fuselage inspections without overextending,” Minister Price added.
“This contract recognises that Australia’s Defence industry is capable of producing and exporting high-quality safety equipment for not only our Australian Defence personnel but to our allies.”
[Related: US Navy receives first IFC-4 Triton]
Charbel Kadib
News Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media
Prior to joining the defence and aerospace team in 2020, Charbel was news editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, where he covered developments in the banking and financial services sector for three years. Charbel has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in politics and journalism. Charbel has also completed internships with The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and public relations agency Fifty Acres.
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