Partnering with the RAAF for smart defence sensing

NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN) is collaborating with the Sydney Nano Institute , Defence Science and Technology (DST) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to develop advanced sensing technology for Australia’s defence.

Plan Jericho is RAAF’s project to expand its augmented intelligence capability to safeguard Australia from technologically complex and fast-evolving threats.

“Advanced sensors give us a clearer picture of what is happening against difficult targets in challenging environments,” said Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Gavin Turnbull, “Our academic and other partners are helping us to disrupt ourselves in a controlled way, which is a far better proposition than unwillingly being disrupted by our competitors.”

Our joint team of researchers at the Jericho Smart Sensing Laboratory will develop nanosensors that can assess the physical, chemical, biological, acoustic or electromagnetic environment.

“Our smart-sensing technologies are enabled by photonic platforms, which are miniaturised on to thumbnail-sized chips to bring a massive reduction in size, weight and power consumption, ideally suited for mobile or aerial platforms.” said the Co-director of NSSN and the Director of Sydney Nano Professor Benjamin Eggleton.

“These compact, power-efficient, rugged and reliable sensors will provide information that will enable smart, timely decision-making,” he said.

Professor Eggleton’s research in photonic-chip technology is world-leading, and his group has enjoyed successful collaborations with industry and end-users for many years.

NSSN’s collaboration with Sydney Nano will develop a significant part of the RAAF’s plan Jericho’s scientific infrastructure.

“When used on aircraft, satellites, vehicles and integrated into a sophisticated Combat Cloud – or Internet of Defence Things – these sensors will enable game-changing awareness,” said Jericho’s Chair of Design Innovation, Associate Professor Cara Wrigley.

Media: Shahrzad Abbasi —  0466548145 

NSSN Co-Director Prof. Ben Eggleton and The University of Sydney’s A/Prof Cara Wrigley show the RAAF’s Wing Commander Jerome Reid and Air Commodore Darren Goldie through the smart sensing laboratories at the University of Sydney’s Nano Institute