Victoria-based engineering company SYPAQ Systems (SYPAQ) says it has submitted its CorvoX system as a solution for the Australian Army’s Land 129 Phase 4B project.
Australia released a request for information in 2021 and a request for proposals in February this year for a man-portable small unmanned aerial system (SUAS) that would replace the Wasp SUAS currently in service.
SYPAQ says CorvoX will provide Army commanders with the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support needed to maintain ‘over the hill, down the road and around the corner’ situational awareness.
The company further said the system was specifically designed, developed and demonstrated to meet the requirements of Land 129 Phase 4B.
“CorvoX will provide crucial operational advantages that will contribute to the enhanced safety and effectiveness of Army personnel, including rapid set-up and almost instant loitering and surveillance capability,” SYPAQ CEO Amanda Holt said.
“As a wholly Australian, veteran owned business, we are proud to offer this sovereign solution to Army with over 90% Australian industry content.”
SYPAQ further said its bid has been strengthened by the Victorian government’s support in developing the Defence Autonomy Centre of Excellence (DACE), located next to Melbourne’s Fisherman’s Bend innovation precinct.
Company CEO Amanda Holt said the DACE represented a significant investment in SYPAQ’s R&D and manufacturing capabilities, allowing the company to “continue developing our innovative technologies and intellectual property related to autonomous systems, sensor systems, military systems integration, artificial intelligence and cyber security.”
“CorvoX is the result of a four-year innovation journey responding to the requirements identified by Army and the Defence Innovation Hub Special Notice,” SYPAQ’s general manager innovation and strategic programs, Michael Partridge, commented.
“The system is proof of the world-leading autonomous systems capabilities in Australian industry, which we have seen right across our local supply chain.”
The defense ministry expects to complete the replacement of the Wasp AE by fiscal years FY24/25 and FY25/26.
Project Land 129 Phase 4B is a continuation of the LAND129 Phase 4A project under which the Australian Army first bought 14 Wasp AE SUAS to develop doctrine, tactics and procedures in 2015. Over the period from 2017 to 2021, a further 65 Wasps were acquired.
Phase 4B is the second and final tranche of the LAND 129 Phase 4 project, and is not intended as new capability, but a replacement of the existing SUAS.
