Lockheed Martin Australia is set to open a state-of-the-art demonstration and collaboration centre at its new headquarters in Canberra to meet a need that the company has identified for demonstrating complex system-of-systems solutions.

The new Canberra Demonstration Centre is a purpose-built space that is intended to provide both a physical and virtual portal into the network of Lockheed Martin laboratories, including the recently established Science Technology, Engineering and Leadership Research Laboratory (STELaRLab) based in Melbourne, and the ‘Lighthouse’ Centre for Innovation in Virginia, US.

When completed in mid-2017, the Canberra Demonstration Centre will be staffed by specialists trained in operations analysis, modelling and simulation, prototyping and early integration activities that will be working in a facility resourced with the aim of maximising their ability to test new ideas, analyse concepts and collaborate on developing innovative solutions.

The 900-square-metre centre will serve as a collaboration hub where Lockheed Martin employees, Defence staff, industry and other key stakeholders can come together to explore solutions to the most complex of challenges.

Lockheed Martin stated that the development of a range of Defence and national security programs would be enhanced by the establishment of the centre.

“This will include transformational activities such as the Royal Australian Air Force’s Plan Jericho and Project AIR 6500, where the development of solutions will require collaboration between Defence and industry, and a team that is committed to innovation and R&D, and that will benefit from a dedicated space that allows access to a range of innovative tools, technologies and skills,” the company said.