Minister for Defence – JSF model ‘Iron Bird’ commissioned to study electromagnetic effects

3 July 2014

A full-scale model of the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter unveiled today will be used by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) to study the effects of electromagnetic compatibility and interference on the aircraft.

Minister for Defence Senator David Johnston said the Australian-built model, known as Iron Bird, would be tested under simulated electromagnetic conditions during the acquisition and through-life sustainment of the JSF.

“The United States Joint Strike Fighter Program Office asked the DSTO to undertake this research, based on its world class expertise in investigating electromagnetic environmental effects,” Senator Johnston said.

During a visit to the DSTO laboratory in Adelaide, Senator Johnston said the testing by the DSTO will ensure the JSF is protected against electromagnetic environmental effects such as those caused by lightning and broadcast transmissions which can impair the performance and safety of aircraft.

The JSF is a fifth-generation aircraft with highly complex electronics, sophisticated software and a structural airframe made of composite materials to ensure stealth. These features expose the aircraft to electromagnetic interference from both naturally occurring phenomena and man-made sources, including telecommunication transmissions, radar and lightning strikes.

“The impact of these interferences needs to be well understood and appropriately managed,” Senator Johnston said.

“The data captured during DSTO testing will help in providing potential reductions in the cost of owning the JSF fleet and enhancing the aircraft’s capability.”

The DSTO test methods provide a rapid, cost-effective means of assessing and monitoring the JSF’s ability to withstand electromagnetic exposure and minimise any impact on its systems and performance.

Senator Johnston said DSTO’s research would support the verification for compliance and airworthiness certification for the JSF aircraft.

The Australian Government recently committed to buying an additional 58 JSF aircraft, bringing the fleet total to 72. Australia’s first two F-35As are due to be delivered to a United States-based training facility during 2014‑15 when Royal Australian Air Force pilot and maintainer training will begin on the aircraft.

Senator Johnston said because Australia had entered the program at the development phase, Australian companies have gained $357.6 million in production orders with only about 2-3 per cent of the production F-35A aircraft manufactured.

About 30 Australian companies are directly involved in doing business with JSF primes, with many more Australian companies as sub-contractors.

Media contacts:
Mark Dodd (Senator Johnston’s office) 0447 389 560
Rebecca Horton (Senator Johnston’s office) 0447 389 554
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

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More than $371,000 in funding for youth arts projects

I am delighted to announce that five arts and cultural organisations which support and nurture talented young Australians have received funding to continue their great work.

Independent broadcaster FBi radio in Sydney has been allocated $61,000 to extend their existing Northern Lights competition to a national competition that will select one solo artist and one band to represent Australia at the Iceland Airwaves Festival in Reykjavik in November 2014. The festival is a great opportunity to showcase young Australian artists in front of a global audience, international record labels and music festival bookers. I am particularly pleased to support this initiative because it demonstrates again the value of government successfully leveraging pre-existing philanthropic support to achieve greater outcomes.

Queensland Youth Orchestras will receive $50,000 to support its extensive program of concerts. The Queensland Youth Orchestras are world-class, and this funding will help the seven orchestras and ensembles and its 470 musicians to continue their musical development and gain valuable experience in live performance.

With funding of $100,000, ArtsLink Queensland will continue to hold its MAD camp in September 2014. ArtsLink does a terrific job inspiring young Queenslanders. The MAD Camp brings together students in Years 10, 11 and 12 for a week-long, multi-arts intensive residency program. The funding will also assist ArtLink continue to deliver its Animating Spaces initiative which helps regional communities develop local arts activities and events.

Hobart Baroque classical musical festival has received $100,000 to showcase the talent of emerging young classical musicians at the 2015 festival. Established in 2013, Hobart Baroque has emerged as a successful international platform for classical musicians on the cusp of their career.

With funding of $60,000 youth opera company Pacific Opera will launch a pilot training program in 2015 that will equip young opera singers to pursue a professional opera career. Students will be taught by industry experts, and will apply these skills to a professionally produced performance of Leoš Janáček's The Cunning Little Vixen.

The Australian Government is proud to support these organisations because they give young people the opportunity to be creative and to learn new skills with the support and encouragement of experienced professional artists and arts workers.

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Anzac Centenary Arts and Culture Fund Public Grants Program

Senator the Hon George Brandis QC
Minister for the Arts

Senator the Hon Michael Ronaldson
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC

3 July 2014

Applications are now open for the Australian Government's $2 million Anzac Centenary Arts and Culture Fund Public Grants Program.

The Minister for the Arts, Senator the Hon George Brandis QC and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC, Senator the Hon Michael Ronaldson said that the creative projects funded through this program will commemorate the Centenary of the First World War and the service and sacrifice of Australians in all war efforts.

"The Anzac Centenary Arts and Culture Fund Public Grants Program will enhance our understanding of the Anzac legacy by assisting artists in the development, production, presentation, exhibition or performance of arts and culture projects," Senator Brandis said.

"Communities, individuals, organisations and artists from across the nation have an opportunity to create high quality arts and cultural activities that will form part of the most significant period of commemoration in our nation's history.

"Throughout history, it is the artist with their unique vision and interpretation of the human condition who has captured the spirit and substance of momentous events and daily ritual which, in turn, help inform our thinking and understanding of the past.

"I'm sure that the observations and reflections of Australian artists, about such a significant time in our nation's history, will create a memorable and enduring legacy for the benefit of all Australians."

Senator Ronaldson said the grants will enable the use of creativity by Australian communities, cultural institutions and individuals to explore the Anzac Centenary in a range of ways. Grants of up to $100,000 for national, state and territory cultural institutions and $50,000 for artists, organisations and community groups are available for a wide range of arts and culture projects.

"Artists are encouraged to explore any aspect of Australia's military history including Australian involvement in any war or through peacekeeping efforts," Senator Ronaldson said.

"The Centenary of Anzac will mark a Century of Service, encompassing all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations in which Australians have been involved. It will be the most significant period of commemoration in our nation's history and the Abbott Government is committed to providing opportunities for all Australians to participate"

Applicants are encouraged to read the guidelines at www.arts.gov.au/anzac before applying.

Applications close at 5.00pm AEST on Wednesday 10 September 2014.

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