ADF celebrates rapid camouflage prototype designed for M113 APCs

Private Blaithe Gill-O’Connor, of 1st Armoured Regiment, was presented with a 2026 Defence Capability Award commendation for developing the prototype with assistance from MakerSpace and the Air Force Innovation Pipeline.

“Think of it like those clamshell-design tents with the poles that fan open,” according to Private Gill-O’Connor.

“It can also be taken down way quicker and doesn't require you to try to strip off every single bit of natural cam.

“It's great to see not only the work I've done, but the people that helped me get to this point; to see their work pay off as well. I wish I could have had them all there with me when I received it.”

Private Gill-O’Connor taught himself design fundamentals and computer-aided drawing via the internet, and sought advice from Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers tradesmen. All work was done in the RAAF Edinburgh Army MakerSpace with practical innovation process support and funding from the EDGY Air Force Innovation program, which provided $1000 to purchase materials.

“I brought my initial design to them after I'd gone through a few stages. They really liked it and are really keen to see where it goes,” Private Gill-O’Connor said.

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“Army and Air Force both believe in bottom-up innovation, and if you come to them with an idea and you've got a really good idea, they will enable you.”

EDGY program lead Wing Commander Kylie Cimen said the project demonstrated the success of the Army MakerSpace and EDGY collaboration.

“The trial at RAAF Edinburgh is an integrated approach, drawing on the strengths of the two programs to support a grassroots idea to become reality, all whilst developing Blaithe’s skills and confidence along the way,” she said.

QinetiQ Australia released a statement earlier this week applauding the work and achievement of creating the prototype.

“We’re proud to see the impact of the Army MakerSpace program, recognised through Private Blaithe Gill-O’Connor’s award-winning work to develop a rapidly deployable camouflage net system for armoured vehicles,” the company said.

“Designed in response to evolving drone threats, the system can be deployed by two soldiers in around five minutes and helps reduce a vehicle’s visibility to aerial threats, and recently received a Gold Commendation at the Defence Capability Symposium.

“Working alongside Private Gill-O’Connor, and in close collaboration with Army Battle Lab, QinetiQ’s MakersSpace Site Supervisor Caleb Durston provided access to technology and technical training through the Army MakerSpace program, helping take the idea from concept to functional prototype.

“This is exactly what the Army MakerSpace is designed to do, strengthening the cognitive capability of Defence personnel through creativity, hands‑on learning, and non‑traditional problem solving. The video highlights this work in action, showcasing the system within our MakerSpace at RAAF Edinburgh in Adelaide.

“QinetiQ Australia has been Army’s delivery partner of the Army MakerSpace program since 2021 empowering members to think differently, prototype rapidly, and develop practical solutions to real operational challenges.”

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.