4 minute read
Nova Systems advancing Test & Evaluation (T&E) through Digital Innovation
A new approach to Test & Evaluation is required to evolve from a siloed platform focus to a joint and system-of-systems focus supported by modern tools and methodologies, Nova Systems NZ General Manager Jude Rushmere says.
Defence capability is becoming increasingly complex and integrated with a focus on the joint-force mission, industry needs to continually evolve our methods to keep the best and most effective capability in the hands of our Defence forces.
This is occurring in an environment of the most challenging set of strategic circumstances our region has faced in decades.
Nova Systems, leaders in Test and Evaluation (T&E) for more than two decades, is implementing and advancing a truly digital transformation of our world-leading expertise.
This is part of ensuring our critical role as an independent capability assurance partner for industry, Defence and Government, evolves in lockstep with technological possibility.
“T&E is the foundation of Nova Systems’ business and is what we are known for,” Mr Rushmere explains.
“T&E needs to facilitate the timely delivery of joint capability efficiently, in terms of T&E methodology, workforce and infrastructure across a multitude of organisations. And keep pace with new and emerging systems and solutions.
“The technology powered leap in T&E capability, informed decision making, and risk reduction that digitally enhanced technology solutions bring is only achievable through focused stewardship across the enterprise on all T&E programmes, rather than siloed in specific project efforts, and requires immediate investment.
With the increasing reliance on technology and interconnected systems, traditional warfare strategies are transitioning towards digital mission engineering.
While there will be a role for traditional methods, we are implementing digital engineering tools and methods including the use of modelling, simulation, and digital twins which are becoming firmly entrenched in the way in which military equipment is tested and certified.
The centrepiece of this digital transformation is Nova Systems T&E Centre of Excellence.
It’s a hub bringing together defence, industry, and academia as a focal point for collaboration across the joint-force T&E and capability assurance environment.
The initiative aims to create an industrial ecosystem for an integrated joint T&E capability and enable the acceleration of emerging technologies, such as synthetic environments, to ensure the long-term sustainability of an independent Trans-Tasman T&E workforce.
“Growing the future T&E workforce who have the best practice knowledge and skills is also a firm part of our strategy,” Mr Rushmere explains.
“Nova Systems has delivered incountry T&E training to more than 2,700 Australian and more than 145 NZ technical professionals, through short courses, workshops, and accredited Diploma and Certificate IV courses.”
Through a lens of T&E knowledge and experience gained through supporting both NZ Defence and the ADF, Nova Systems has developed a new Advanced T&E Practitioner Course; the first to be delivered in early 2024.
“There is nowhere else in the world that delivers this level of training which teaches advanced theory of T&E techniques and T&E modelling and simulation using live mission systems during live test scenarios,” Mr Rushmere said.
“It’s another way we are helping to secure the future local workforce of T&E professionals.”
Nova continues to provide specialist support to the NZDF and NZ MOD across a number of projects and has grown its presence in NZ over the past 12 months to 15 people including specialists in T&E, system safety, flight test and space launch support. We’re backed by our global organisation of more than 850 people bringing a vast breadth and depth of experience to support our NZ clients.
The team is proudly supporting the introduction of the P-8A capability into the RNZAF.
Nova has been embedded into the Manataū Kaupapa Waonga: NZ Defence’s Integrated Project Team, supporting the Test and Evaluation programme working alongside 5 Squadron within the RNZAF, working with the Defence Aviation Authority and other NZDF units on Design Acceptance, Logistics and Continuing Airworthiness and Capability Integration.
Since the fourth and final P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft arrived on New Zealand shores, Nova has been working to support their release for operational tasking.
As a Trans-Tasman company, Nova Systems can leverage support and provide efficiencies when engaging with T&E activities between Australia and NZ.
