Blogs

Intrinsically Safe for Hazardous Environments: The KBIM2-IS is certified as intrinsically safe, making it suitable for use in Zone 0 environments when used in conjunction with a Barrier and APC Technology Repeater.

APC Technology will showcase a new Generic Vehicle Architecture (GVA) smart display at Land FORCES 2021. Pre-production models will be displayed on the C4 EDGE stand (2T10) and the South Australia Defence State stand (3P15).

Fleet Space Technologies and APC Technology collaboration showcases NASA specification environmental testing in South Australia

Stainless steel panel PC with built in keyboard tray

Environmental Testing, including shock, vibration, Climatic Chamber testing Vibration testing, EMC testing, IP testing

AMSA Challenger 604 – The next generation in search & rescue aircraft. Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd (Cobham) entered into a new contract with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to provide and operate the next generation of dedicated fixed wing aircraft to meet Australia’s search and rescue responsibilities. Under the 12 year contract Cobham has acquired and modified four Challenger 604 jet aircraft to provide a search and rescue capability over land and sea. Based on past successful collaborations, Cobham selected APC Technology as a partner in the project to assist in the design development and manufacture of elements of the all-important mission management system. The new aircraft significantly enhance airborne search-and-rescue tasks with faster response times, extended range and considerably longer presence on scene in Australia’s search and rescue region using the latest generation search sensors and providing much-advanced communications with AMSA’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Canberra. Key features The Challenger 604 aircraft is faster than the previous aircraft with greater range and endurance. The aircraft has been fitted with latest generation sensors, high-vision windows and a SAR stores delivery system for aerial delivery of life saving equipment. The aircraft’s mission management and communications system is state-of-the-art with broadband satellite communications allowing real time sharing of streamed video, audio and imagery between the individual aircraft and AMSA’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre from anywhere within Australia’s search and rescue zone and beyond. Cobham’s Mission Systems Manager John Head explained the choice of APC Technology as a key partner for the new AMSA Challenger aircraft fleet. “We already had an established relationship with APC Technology from previous projects and value their flexible and innovative approach to system design. We have also seen them develop their engineering and manufacturing capabilities which have created a number of benefits during the project cycle. For example, APC technology has invested in the key new technology of 3D printing. This service has allowed us to rapidly see and feel prototypes providing the opportunity to make redesign decisions more efficiently. We have also had a number of components 3D printed which we then physically put into the aircraft during the build process to make sure that the fit and location of components met the needs of the end customer.” Corey Smart of APC Technology further commented, “We have over 30 years’ experience of supplying custom built, defence–ready equipment. Customers like Cobham expect high performing, long lasting, cost effective solutions and we have the depth of knowledge plus innovative technologies all in one location to meet their needs and those of other companies who demand the best.” The contract completed for Cobham by APC Technology included the design and build of panel PCs, HD displays, ethernet switches and routers, and enclosures for video & audio processors. Additionally the mission management system which is one of the critical features of the aircraft has been supplied through a partnership with APC Technology and Acacia Research, an Adelaide based software company, specialising in the development of advanced surveillance systems and high fidelity simulation. "We already had an established relationship with APC Technology from previous projects and value their flexible and innovative approach to system design. We have also seen them develop their engineering and manufacturing capabilities which have created a range of benefits during the project cycle." Mission Systems Manager, Cobham

The installation of electrical equipment in heavy processing facilities, such as oil refineries and chemical plants, can be very hazardous. In such demanding settings, flammable gases are likely to be present, so it is vital that every possible precaution is taken to ensure any sparks caused by electrical switching activity or fault conditions do not ignite these gases. To address this problem, APC Technology has developed an industrial PC with an enclosure which ensures that there is no possibility of an internal spark triggering an external explosion. The resultant enclosure/touchscreen design was then certified to the Exd (flameproof/explosion proof) standard. APC Technology’s solution had to provide extreme ruggedness, while at the same time possessing a high degree of use-ability. A touchscreen interface was a logical choice, but the specification was certain to prove a challenge, as the front surface had to be very thick and completely sealed so that isolation was kept in line with IEC 60079.0/1 certifications and an IP66/67 moisture/humidity protection rating was maintained. Modelling and testing at APC Technology and Zytronic indicated that the sensor would have to be greater than any previously designed and manufactured thickened laminated and toughened glass to pass the stipulated pressure/explosion ratings. Furthermore, due to the nature of applications in which this enclosure would be deployed, the touchscreen specified also had to have the ability to be used by plant operatives wearing gloves. Zytronic’s PCT touch sensors utilise a matrix of micro-fine capacitors embedded within a laminated substrate that can be located behind a protective overlay (usually made of glass) that safeguards against damage from external forces. This makes them highly optimised for use in difficult settings. They also support gloved operation. However, until now few applications had called for sensitivity through such thick glass. “The design of this anti-explosion enclosure required a customised touchscreen which could perform to the highest standards while still enduring subjection to the uncompromising and potentially dangerous conditions found in industrial locations,” Ian Crosby, Sales & Marketing Director at Zytronic explains. “This project has shown Zytronic’s ability to push the envelope in terms of touch performance – consolidating our lead in providing sensor solutions in self-service, public access and industrial sectors.” “We have worked successfully with Zytronic on the fulfilment of a number of customised designs in the past. They have delivered technology to us that we were not able to get anywhere else and were therefore the natural choice for this latest, highly ambitious venture,” states Scott Begbie, Managing Director of APC Technology. “During the design and prototyping phases our two companies worked closely together to give the enclosure a heavy duty user interface that could deal with the most of exacting performance demands. Zytronic’s engineering team provided all the support we required to achieve our goals.” ABOUT ZYTRONIC

Daronmont approached APC Technology to partner on a project supplying diesel generators to the Australian defence forces. The key requirements were to meet specifications based on size, weight, output and the fact that it needed to perform and survive in rugged conditions. This included extreme temperatures, altitude and weather conditions.

Neumann Space is one of a growing number of Australian companies who are making their mark globally within the space sector.