Lintek has developed its printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing capability to facilitate in country manufacture of high speed digital PCBs for the Over The Horizon Radar (OTHR) systems required for the Jindalee OTHR Network (JORN).

The company is a Canberra-based advanced manufacturer employing 50 highly skilled people that makes bespoke quality printed circuit boards (PCBs).

BAE Systems Australia has supported Lintek to develop an Australian prototype to improve the capability of the OTHR systems, future proofing the high speed digital PCB requirements for JORN while opening up further opportunities which will enable a long term capability to be maintained within Australia.

“Defence has been a catalyst for growth for our advanced manufacturing business.”

The specialist multi-layer (more than ten) circuit boards required by BAE Systems were not previously available in Australia and as a result the two companies have developed a strong relationship over a number of years. Defence projects comprise about 75 per cent of Lintek’s portfolio, which includes the supply of PCBs for BAE Systems leading edge defence products – Nulka and the digital receiver on the Joint Strike Missile.

“Overcoming this challenge has increased the value of Australian-made content, secured our supply chain and supported a bespoke Australian SME to broaden its manufacturing abilities and capacity,” BAE Systems Campaign Lead JORN Steve Wynd said. “It’s important that defence companies continue to support companies like Lintek to retain this critical capability in country as it is a key enabler to the sovereign development of Australia’s leading edge defence technology/electronics.”

“Defence has been a catalyst for growth for our advanced manufacturing business,” Lintek Technical Director Renato Morosin said. “Collaboration on projects with our partners and their commitment to Australian SMEs will ensure sustained growth.”