FED: Sub propeller designer tries to stop US delivery

AAP General News (Australia)
02-16-2001
FED: Sub propeller designer tries to stop US delivery

The designer of a secret submarine propeller has applied to the Federal Court to stop
it being delivered to the United States navy.

Kockums, the designer of the troubled Collins submarine project, says there's a lack
of appropriate confidentiality agreements covering the propellor after its US delivery.

TONY BELLANTO for Kockums told Justice MURRAY WILCOX in the Federal Court today that
there was potential for the US navy or third parties to use information on the design.

Kockums applied for an injunction to stop the delivery of the propeller -- due to leave
Australia on February 27 and arrive in Virginia for modification work on April 22.

Mr BELLANTO said Kockums denied the Commonwealth's claim that it didn't have the capacity
to improve the propeller design, which the government claimed was inadequate.

TOM BATHURST, QC, for the Commonwealth, said the Commonwealth would undertake not to
hand over the propeller until April 30.

If in the interim the court found in favour of Kockums, the Commonwealth would then
arrange for the propeller to be sent back.

The hearing has been set down for March 15.

AAP RTV mss/sal/jn

KEYWORD: SUBMARINE (SYDNEY)

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