RECOGNISING CONTRIBUTIONS IN DEFENCE SCIENCE

In the near future, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) could replace the Navy's fleet of Mine Counter-Measure Vessels in performing mine-sweeping operations.

The M400 AUV is equipped with advanced sonars and a piezoelectric sensor developed by local Small-Medium Enterprise (SME) Microfine Materials Technologies Pte Ltd (MMT). These boost the AUV's ability to autonomously detect and sieve out mine-like objects.

Behind the development of the M400 AUV is a 22-strong team from DSO National Laboratories (DSO) and MMT. Team leader Goh Ing Nam explained that this technology will help to combat the problems of diminishing manpower and safety.

"With this technology we can help the Navy do more with less. To operate the AUV, we may need about four people, (whereas) an MCMV requires about 30 per ship."

The Programme Director of Sensors Division from DSO added that the remotely controlled AUV helps to keep servicemen away from danger on mine-hunting missions.

In recognition of their contributions towards Singapore's defence, Mr Goh and his team - the Underwater Technology Team - received the Defence Technology Prize (DTP) 2015 Team (R&D) award. This was the first time the award was given out to an SME.

They were among the two teams and four individuals who were awarded this year at the ceremony held on 30 Oct at The Chevrons.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen highlighted the increasing need for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to leverage scientific and technological expertise in light of threats from terrorism, biological pandemics and cyber security.

"We will continue to invest in technologies such as satellites and sensors that help us see farther and quicker, (and) in analytics and robotic systems that can respond autonomously or have fewer men in the loop. With these capabilities, the SAF will stay sharp and strong as an effective fighting force even when we have less people."

He cited examples such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS) equipment that are more resilient against malicious jammers. Developed by Dr Poh Eng Kee, Laboratory Head of Guided Systems from DSO, such technology has enhanced the SAF's unmanned systems capabilities tremendously.

While GPS is widely used within the SAF, the signal can become very weak in places such as high-rise buildings and is susceptible to interference. Hostile interference could spell trouble for assets like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Dr Poh, a recipient of the DTP 2015 Individual (R&D) award, explained: "The UAV is dependent on GPS for identification of its location. In the event it experiences hostile interference in the battlefield, there will be no way of knowing its location (and) the mission will be void.

"This product will be installed in the UAV to preserve its GPS service, allowing the UAV to continue its operation and mission."

For fellow award recipient Cheng Heng Ngom, his work in developing the Combat Management System Reference (CMSR) Architecture has helped soldiers to efficiently connect pieces of information from different sources. This enhances their situational awareness on air, land and sea, and allows commanders to make better informed decisions on how and where to deploy their resources.

"The commander (usually has) a lot of information to process and to think through, such as whether the sensors are overloaded or if the weapon has enough missiles," explained the Deputy Director (C4I Development) from the Defence Science and Technology Agency. The CMSR would make recommendations to the commanders to automate part of the process.

Mr Cheng was awarded the DTP 2015 Individual (Engineering) award. Other winners include Mr Teo Chew Kwee from Singapore Technology Kinetics, Dr Samson See from DSO, and the Advanced Communications Analysis Team from DSO.

Established in 1989, the DTP is awarded annually to individuals and teams that have made significant technological contributions to the defence capability of Singapore.