Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, today announced the Government will invest $4 million to further develop an innovative emergency flotation device for the Australian Defence Force.
The Pegasus Aircraft Buoyancy System, developed by Australian company One Atmosphere in collaboration with Airbus Group Australia Pacific, is designed to provide additional buoyancy to rotary wing aircraft that have crashed or ditched at sea and potentially provide extra time for the aircrew to escape safely.
This innovation funding will support the further development of the technology at the One Atmosphere facility at Eaglehawk Neck, near Hobart, and its potential application to the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter. It brings Defence’s total investment in the Pegasus system to $7.8 million.
“The Government is investing an additional $4 million in funding for this innovative Australian company to develop a system that will help ensure the safety of our ADF members,” Minister Payne said.
“The Pegasus technology will be initially focussed on the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter to support their use from HMAS Canberra and HMAS Adelaide.”
Federal Member for Lyons Eric Hutchinson congratulated One Atmosphere and Airbus Group Australia Pacific for their success.
“Innovative and technologically advanced businesses create jobs and opportunities, and, in this instance, the Pegasus product will also save lives,” Mr Hutchinson said.
“The Turnbull Government is committed to creating a new partnership with industry, including those based in Tasmania, to drive competitiveness and build its export potential.”
The opportunities for improved collaboration between Defence and Australian defence industry set out in the 2016 Defence White Paper and Defence Industry Policy Statement will allow us to harness the leading-edge Australian innovation and technological expertise we need for our fighting force.
“Congratulations to One Atmosphere and Airbus Group Australia Pacific for their role in developing this high-priority capability, which is exactly the sort of innovative solution that we need to support the ADF,” Minister Payne said.
NOTE: The “Pegasus Aircraft Buoyancy System” Link in the above was added by PacificSentinel for clarity & context.