Funding for ADF radio system

RF Industries has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Defence Material and Science, Greg Combet, that the company will receive funding through the Capability and Technology Demonstrator program, managed by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation.

The project will develop the next generation of a specialised radio repeater system, AUTRY (airborne UHF transponder for radio relay). The first generation AUTRY is a specialised radio communications system conceived by the DSTO for the Australian Defence Force to extend the operating range of battlefield communication systems.

In operations, AUTRY is deployed as either a ground-based fixed re-transmission unit or as a payload on unmanned airborne vehicles (UAVs) to enhance critical tactical communications with significant range extension over direct battlefield communications.

The funding will allow RFI to accelerate development of the AUTRY product family, including enhancements defined by CTD and lead to field validation trials of the airborne and land-based variants.

First-generation AUTRY units have been trialled in battlefield conditions and these deployments have led to ADF interest and requests for enhancements.

Over 18 months, RFI's Adelaide facility will redesign the current AUTRY repeater family to meet the specific requirements of the ADF. The developed product will subsequently be manufactured by RFI in Adelaide and further field trials will be conducted with Defence and DSTO personnel.

Based on the redevelopment contract, AUTRY may become a significant tool not only for ADF but other international forces to enhance battlefield communications without compromising transmission security.

RFI anticipates significant demand for the redeveloped product in both the UAV and ground-based market, and claim that the contract will lead not only to the immediate creation of four full-time engineering roles but to a longer term expansion of the company's manufacturing team in Adelaide, where currently 28 staff are employed.