An Australian-developed device that is saving lives in Afghanistan by preventing the detonation of remotely-controlled improvised explosive devices has won the Public Sector Innovation Award from the Institute of Public Administration Australia.
The Redwing project has produced two systems: a handheld version called Greengum for use by dismounted troops and a more powerful system called Greygum for fitting to light vehicles.
The products were developed by the Defence Science and Technology Group, sponsored by Defence’s Counter-IED Task Force and manufactured by Australian industry under project coordination by the Australian Military Sales Office.
“The Redwing program is a fine example of innovation with Defence and industry working together to deliver an operational capability for the national good,” said Chief Defence Scientist, Dr Alex Zelinsky.
“The rapid development of unique devices under the Redwing program has been both timely and life-saving for coalition troops.”
He described the program as an exemplary success story for innovation, commercialisation and collaboration with industry. The Redwing industry partners include three Adelaide-based companies, Ultra Electronics, Associated Electronics Services, AXIOM Precision Manufacturing plus Brisbane-based Micreo and Queanbeyan-based Lintek.
“The Redwing counter-IED capability would not have been possible without the expertise of the small and medium enterprises that were involved in the program and they share in the recognition of this award,” Dr Zelinsky said.
“To date Australia has supplied 100,000 units of the Redwing equipment to the Afghanistan National Security Forces, with a further 50,000 systems on order, to meet their security needs.”
Funding for these systems has been sourced from Australia’s annual contributions to the Afghan National Army Trust Fund, coordinated through Defence’s International Policy Division.
Acting Secretary of the Department of Defence, Brendan Sargeant, said the products are saving lives.
“The rapid development of Redwing shows how Defence is innovative and working with industry to respond quickly to user driven need,” said Sargeant.
"It offers a suite of practical counter IED devices that operate in austere environments."
[Handheld Greengum devices (left) and the vehicle-mounted Greygum device (right). Photo: Defence]
Defence will be a major topic of discussion at the Australian Engineering Conference 2016 in Brisbane on November 23-25.