Aerospace and Defence
Norton Consultants have a long history of specification, design, implementation and review of complex modern control systems for a number of significant defence and aerospace clients.
Building upon our specialist expertise in aviation fuel handling and hazardous areas, our ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking has enabled our clients to obtain the safety, reliability, accuracy and operational security that their installations require – often using commercial off-the-shelf technology to do so.
Past project experience
Our diverse range of projects have included:
- LTQ Engineering, Tullamarine – CFM56 Engine Test Cell upgrade.
- Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) – Assessment and upgrade of T56 Engine Test Cell controls.
- Boeing, Fishermans Bend – aluminium component handling and finishing facilities.
- Australian Defence Industries (ADI) Mulwala – high-voltage and process upgrades
- Australian Defence Industries (ADI) Benalla – sitewide electrical services
Responsibilities included the design of highly specialised earthing systems, lightning protection, power, instrumentation and communications systems including environmental control and material selection to minimise hazards in explosives manufacturing and handling areas.
Southern Launch Project (October 2020)
Building upon this experience, Norton Consultants have completed the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and internal review processes at Southern Launch’s proposed Whalers Way multi-user orbital space launch complex planned for construction at the tip of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. https://southernlaunch.space/whalers-way
Working closely with Southern Launch’s design team, our work included:
- Multi-discipline concept design and layout of multi-propellant storage areas, flares, vents, pipework including connections to and from the launch pad.
- Co-ordination and review of the Dangerous Goods Report for the site.
- Preparation of detailed worst-case Quantity-Distance calculations for the site.
- Hazardous Area delineation of the launch pad, cryogenic and non-cryogenic propellant storage areas and surrounding facilities.
- Recommendation of highly flexible fuelling and defueling options for the full range of launch vehicles under consideration.
Typically, rocket launch sites are specially designed and constructed to cater for a specific launch vehicle type, using one type of fuel and one type of oxidiser at each launch pad. One of many unique design specifications achieved by our design was a novel requirement for multi-user capability at this site, ensuring different launch vehicles using entirely different combinations of fuel and oxidiser can be launched from the same launch pad with only a few days turnaround.
Please contact us for the latest information and to discuss how we can assist you with your Aerospace or Defence project.