MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
News Release (055/2009) issued by COI News Distribution Service. 11
March 2009
Mini surveillance
robots and flying reconnaissance vehicles might sound like props
from the latest sci-fi film. But advances in science and
technology mean they are moving from the realm of science fiction
to reality - making a difference on military operations today.
A range of unmanned vehicles were on display today at a major
event to mark National Science and Engineering Week, an annual
series of events celebrating science, engineering and technology
and their importance in our lives.
Organised by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), Society of British
Aerospace Companies (SBAC) and Defence Manufacturers Association
(DMA), the event revealed how unmanned vehicles - in the air, on
the ground, and under water - are increasingly being used for
civil and military purposes. From the disposal of unexploded bombs
on UK soil, to performing surveillance and reconnaissance on
military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, unmanned vehicles of
all shapes and sizes are increasingly helping people to perform a
multitude of tasks.
Opening the event at the Honourable Artillery Company in London,
the Minister for Defence Equipment and Support Quentin Davies said:
"The MOD and Defence Industry are working together to
exploit new technologies that can help and protect our Armed
Forces. In places like Afghanistan, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are
already giving troops the vital information they need to stay one
step ahead of the enemy.
"Today's event celebrates the vital work of scientists,
engineers and inventors who have helped cement the UK's
position as a world leader in science and research. Their
discoveries are reaping benefits for the Armed Forces and civil
society, helping to improve and protect lives."
Opening the event, Mr Davies announced some of the findings of an
investigation into the UK's military requirements for
Unmanned Air Systems (UAS), which has been undertaken by the MOD
in partnership with the defence industry. The investigation
demonstrates the integral role that UAS have played, and are
expected to play in future, on UK military operations and will
inform the MOD's development of a long term strategy for the
use of UAS to meet military requirements up to 2023.
Industry exhibitors at the event were joined by Armed Forces
personnel who are benefiting from the latest cutting edge
technologies in the field. These included personnel from 32 and 47
Regiments Royal Artillery and RAF UAV specialists, who are using
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) such as the 'Hermes 450'
supplied by Thales UK, Lockheed Martin's 'Desert
Hawk' and Reaper (supplied by General Atomics- Aeronautical
Systems Inc / Cobham) to perform essential reconnaissance roles in
Afghanistan and Iraq. Providing commanders on the ground with
essential intelligence, these systems are delivering battle
winning and lifesaving capabilities to our Armed Forces on
operations. Advanced technology demonstrators were also on display
such as BAE Systems' MANTIS and TARANIS Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Rear Admiral Rees Ward (Rtd), Director General of the Defence
Manufacturers Association said:
"National Science and Engineering week is a time to
celebrate and encourage the skills needed to support science and
engineering in UK industry. Defence companies work at the
forefront of technological innovation, employing 1,000s of
scientists, engineers, graduates and apprentices.
"The companies supporting this event are leading examples in
this field. The unmanned and autonomous systems on display
represent the cutting edge of science and engineering that will
provide both the UK's Armed Forces with the very best
equipment now and in the future, and provide technological
spin-offs into non-military applications as well."
Every year the UK Defence sector recruits many hundreds of
science and engineering graduates. The MOD has a 13,000 strong
workforce of engineers and scientists - forming the Defence
Engineering and Science Group (DESG). These specialists are
involved at every stage from the research and development of new
technologies through to their procurement and readiness for the
front line. Indeed, the MOD has deployed more scientists to the
front line in recent operations than at any time since the Second
World War.
Specialists from the MOD work with the Engineering Development
Trust (EDT) and their 'Go 4 SET' Scheme which aims to
stimulate the interest of young people in Science, Engineering and
Technology. The MOD also provides support to teachers to deliver
GCSE curriculum content across eight core subjects, including
science, via the free, online Defence Dynamics teaching resource.
Covering themes as diverse as mapping, flooding, genetic
engineering and survival skills, lessons not only apply theory in
the real world but also encourage students to debate the moral
issues behind the introduction of new technology.
Notes to Editors
1. Exhibitors at today's event included: AeroVironment, Inc,
BAE Systems, Dstl, EDO MBM Technology Ltd, Honeywell Defence and
Space, Lockheed Martin UK, Mindsheet Ltd, MBDA Missile Systems,
Ministry of Defence, Northrop Grumman UK, QinetiQ Group PLC,
Rockwell Collins UK Ltd, SAIC, SELEX GALILEO, Sonic Communications
(Int) Ltd, Swarm Systems Ltd, Team Reaper (GA-ASI / Cobham), Team
Stellar, Thales UK, The Shadow Robot Company Ltd.
2. National Science and Engineering Week is an opportunity for
people of all ages, areas and organisations to take part in
science, engineering and technology activities. It is coordinated
by the British Association for the Advancement of Science (BA) in
partnership with the Engineering and Technology Board, and funded
by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills. Please
visit http://www.the-ba.net/nsewevents
3. Further information about the Defence Engineering and Science
Group (DESG) is available at http://www.desg.mod.uk . Further
information about the Defence Dynamics teaching resource, as well
as comprehensive lesson plans, teacher notes and student
worksheets are available at http://www.defencedynamics.mod.uk
4. A number of defence industry companies will be interacting
with schools across the UK during National Science and Engineering
Week. BAE Systems' engineering roadshow for young people will
visit schools in Brough, East Yorskhire, and QinetiQ's
'Lab in a Lorry' will demonstrate scientific experiments
to school children in the Portsmouth area. Rolls-Royce will be
running a series of science-based activities for Cub Scouts in
Bristol, Derby, Sunderland and Barnoldswick to encourage them to
complete the Cub Scout Scientist Badge.
5. For further information about the DMA please go to http://www.the-dma.org.uk and
for information on the SBAC please visit http://www.sbac.co.uk