Defence Science and Technology Organisation
 DSTO
leading the way in military safety
The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO)
is at the forefront of enhancing the safety of Australian Defence Force
(ADF) capability, with the former Parliamentary Secretary, Senator Sandy
Macdonald, recently presenting a National Science Award to DSTO researcher,
Dr Stephen Cimpoeru, for his outstanding achievement in enhancing the
survivability and protection of Army vehicles on operational deployments.
Darryl Johnston reports.
Dr Stephen Cimpoeru and former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister
for Defence, Senator Sandy Macdonald, at the award presentation.
Photo by provided by DSTO
Dr Cimpoeru was presented with the 2006 Minister’s Award for Achievement
in Defence Science. He received a trophy and a cash prize of $15 000.
Senator Macdonald said Dr Cimpoeru is widely regarded as an expert in
ballistic protection and armour and has provided invaluable technical
leadership in the science of armour protection for 15 years.
“Protecting our forces on operational deployment is a high priority
for the ADF and Dr Cimpoeru’s work has contributed directly to the
ongoing safety of Australian soldiers in the field, especially in Iraq
and Afghanistan,” he said.
Dr Cimpoeru has been closely involved in requirements definition, technical
risk assessment, procurement, testing and evaluation, analysis and enhancement
of all armoured vehicle fleets within Defence. His most significant scientific
work has been in identifying the causes of failure in laminated metallic,
titanium and composite-based armours, and using this improved knowledge
to make better analytical predictions of ballistic performance.
PTE Justin Paul from the 7th Battalion, the Royal Australian
Regiment, provides a security screen during a visit to a village in
southern Afghanistan. A Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicle, which
Dr Cimpoeru’s research helped protect, sits in the background.
Photo by provided by Public Affairs
In 2004, when the Australian Government decided to provide survivability
enhancements for light-armoured vehicles (ASLAVs) in Iraq, Dr Cimpoeru
and his team urgently tested and evaluated a range of protective accessories
and rapidly introduced them into service on ASLAVs and Bushmaster infantry
mobility vehicles. These included external bar armours and internal spall
liners, which were integrated into the vehicles to protect them and the
crew from rocket-propelled grenades and improvised explosive devices.
Dr Cimpoeru was instrumental in supporting Defence with advice and evaluation
during the acquisition of the M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank. His pivotal
role included high-level liaison with the United States (US) and his technical
skill and meticulous attention to detail were critical in achieving this
project.
Dr Cimpoeru has also made a significant contribution to broader national
security issues. He has been advising a number of government agencies
on ballistic protection in helicopters, aircraft, ships, watercraft and
VIP armoured cars.
Senator Macdonald also presented International Awards for Excellence
in Defence Science to a group of DSTO researchers. The awards were presented
as part of The Technical Cooperation Program (TTCP) and recognise outstanding
research projects undertaken between TTCP member countries.
TTCP involves nearly 1000 Defence scientists from Australia, New Zealand,
Canada, United Kingdom and US, with DSTO contributing to some 60 specialist
areas of technology.
Darryl Johnston is Manager, Defence Science Communications
(Canberra), DSTO.
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