THE FUTURE OF SEA POWER

The Future Navy Powered by Science and Technology | 75
Environmental compliance requires compliant emissions from propulsion systems,
coatings and biofouling technologies. Although much of this technology already exists
and is used on naval platforms, we know that evolving environmental legislation will
drive technology to develop new solutions such as new fuel chemistries. The ability of
the human operator is paramount to onboard safety and this requires analysis of human
fatigue, human systems integration, including decision support systems, autonomous
systems to manage workloads and health and fitness. Finally the fleet requires tools
for assessing the reliability, the availability and the maintainability of systems. This
requires new sensor technology, collection and analysis of big data and robust predictive
models and tools.
Delivery of the Science and Technology
The navy of tomorrow will require much of the science and technology that has been
outlined above. The challenge is how it will be delivered and how the Navy will have
the ability to exploit the technologies. DST Group is a national leader in the delivery of
scientific advice and innovative technology solutions to the ADF. DST Group provides
expert and impartial advice in support of operations, in support of the current fleet and
the acquisition of the future fleet. DST Group focuses on that science and technology
where it has extensive, unique domain knowledge, where it has scientific excellence, or
where Defence must maintain a sovereign capability. Core to this strategy is the essential
role of external partnering to strengthen the ability of DST Group to integrate knowledge
innovation for Defence. DST Group leverages world leading science, technology and
innovation through collaboration with industry, universities and international agencies.
It collaborates, burden shares, cooperates and exchanges information as elements of
building the capability and the capacity as an innovation integrator.
DST Group has been very successful in the past in delivering science and technology
solutions to the RAN. Examples include support to the remediation of the Collins class
submarine (hull structural assurance, radar signature management, fatigue testing,
remediation of combat system issues), support to the acquisition and operational use
of the Mk48 heavyweight torpedo (research on data processing algorithms and tactics
through advanced simulation, validation of torpedo defence/countermeasure systems),
co-development of the Nulka anti-ship missile decoy technology, stealthy treatments for
ships, Armidale patrol boats serviceability, unmanned underwater autonomous systems
for environmental assessment and mine detection and undersea warfare technologies
such as novel sensor systems and signal processing innovations and understanding of
computing architectures. The group will continue to deliver science and technology to
the RAN to aid in achieving the goals of Plan PELORUS and Plan BLUE.