Corvus to manufacture armoured vehicle suspensions

Melbourne defence manufacturer Corvus Technology Solutions is preparing to transfer advanced defence technologies to Victoria to build the sophisticated suspension systems for the Army’s new Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles.

The company has opened a new office in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea to complete negotiations with Hanwha Defence Australia which will build the Redbacks at a new facility near Geelong.

The new office will prepare the technology transfer to manufacture 2,000 suspension units for the Redback – each vehicle includes 14 suspension units, making Corvus Technology Solutions one of the top suppliers to Hanwha on the project.

The suspension units improve ride, comfort and manoeuvrability in the field. They also provide better under vehicle blast resistance and vehicle survivability than other designs by avoiding the use of torsion bars.

CEO of Corvus Technology Solutions Martin U. Ripple said: “We’re excited at not only the smooth transfer of technology from South Korea for the Redback suspension units, but the potential for what the future will bring.

“Having a footprint on the ground will be really important for building relationships with one of our key defence partners, and creating further opportunities for manufacturing here in Australia.”

Corvus began manufacturing in the 1970s making CNC machine tools and now boasts capabilities in motion control software and hardware, sheet metal fabrication and design and complete assembly solutions.

The company came to prominence as a member of the joint venture led by Grey Innovation to manufacture, assemble, and test Emergency Invasive Ventilators during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The new office, opened on March 5, will oversee the technology transfer from South Korea to Bayswater in a move likely to create around 40 technical jobs over the life of the project.

The new office will also be used to connect Corvus Technology Solutions into South Korea’s technology, advanced manufacturing and defence industries, allowing future collaboration and exploring synergies in projects like guided missile manufacturing.

The General Manager of Corvus Technology Solutions Nick Williams said: “This is an exciting moment for the team here in Bayswater.

“The next step in our journey to build these vital components for our military. We’re looking forward to growing the strategic relationships that will enable us to deliver and learn from some of the best Korean manufacturers.”

Corvus Technology Solutions today is focussed on developing and manufacturing precision assemblies and automated electro-mechanical defence systems.

Picture: Corvus Technology Solutions/Paul Crocker, Nick Williams, Jay Bae from Corvus Technology Solutions at the opening of the new office in Korea