In 1979, Defence scientist John Curtin conducted a study that exposed limitations in the Orion electronic support measures (ESM) system that had been part of the aircraft’s original equipment.
Our innovations
The Black Box Flight Recorder, designed by Dr Dave Warren
For more than 100 years, DSTG and its predecessor organisations have been dedicated to the delivery of thorough, ground-breaking and innovative science.
We have a long history of innovation in defence science, such as the development of the Jindalee Operational Radar Network, the Nulka ship missile decoy, the Barra Sonobuoy, the Australian Minesweeping System, the Laser Airborne Depth Sounder and composite bonded aircraft repair techniques, among others. Our scientists continue to find novel and innovative solutions to Defence's technology challenges.
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Innovations
Developed in 1992, the ALR-2002 Radar Warning Receiver was the first such complex receiver to be designed and built in Australia.
Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) synchronised signals between computers was an important DSTO development.
The Australian Minesweeping and Support System (AMASS) was the world’s first operational emulation sweep.
Defence scientists played a highly significant role in the ‘get well’ and ‘fast track’ programs for the Collins Class submarines during the construction phase from 1993 to 2003 and continue to support the vessels throughout their service lives.
Since the 1980s, Defence scientists have been renowned for developing technology that monitors gearbox failure in helicopters.
The High Frequency Surface Wave Radar technology, developed by Defence scientists in the 1990s, enables Defence and Customs to better monitor Australia’s northern coastline.
Synthetic Aperture Radar is advanced technology that allows a radar system with a conventional antenna to collect photo-like imagery at more than 500 times the resolution of normal radars – day or night and in all weathers.
In the late 1970s, Defence scientists had the idea for a glide bomb that would use an energy management algorithm to maximise its glide range.
Defence scientist Colin Harling began research into the software tool Maritime Exercise Analysis System (MEXANS) in 1994.
