By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
GEELONG firm RPC Technologies will be part of the supply chain for a $1.3 million defence land vehicle contract announced today.
The Land 121 contract to build the next generation of military vehicles went to Bendigo-based Thales for 1100 Hawkei military vehicles and 1000 trailers.
RPC Technologies in Corio last year won a $5 million four-year contract to supply the dashboard assemblies for the Hawkei.
The contract was conditional on Thales securing the long-term contract with the Department of Defence for Hawkei.
“RPC has the expertise required for the production of military vehicles,” Thales Australia CEO Chris Jenkins said at the time of the announcement.
“Their commitment to excellence in manufacturing and value for money will benefit the Hawkei project, while also securing supply chain skills in Victoria.”
RPC Technologies Managing Director Tony Caristo said RPC had worked with Thales previously on the Bushmaster light vehicle, also used by the Australian defence forces.
“This contract will help to secure the workforce of the Geelong plant and build RPC’s presence in defence,” Mr Caristo said.
Thales delivered six Hawkei vehicles to the Department of Defence for testing under the LAND 121 Phase 4 project.
RPC Technologies is a composites specialist and was selected because composites offer impressive strength to weight characteristics, exceptional corrosion resistance and lifelong performance.
The Hawkei vehicle must not exceed a weight target of seven tonnes, dictated by the lifting capacity of the Chinook helicopter that will carry it into the field.
RPC Technologies brought in to assist in vehicle weight reduction by manufacturing composite dashboard assemblies for the new Hawkei vehicle.
RPC Technologies’ involvement in Hawkei could be extended to other parts of the vehicle because of the benefits of composites.
