UK Ministry of Defence,
A range of unmanned vehicles which are making a difference to military operations were on display to mark National Science and Engineering Week, today, Wednesday 11 March 2009.
National Science and Engineering Week is a ten-day celebration of science, engineering and technology with thousands of events around the UK from 6-15 March 2009.
Today's unmanned vehicle event, organised by the MOD, the Society of British Aerospace Companies and the Defence Manufacturers Association, demonstrated 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 in various guises are increasingly helping the Armed Forces 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.”
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 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) specialists, who are using UAVs such as the 'Hermes 450' supplied by Thales UK, Lockheed Martin's 'Desert Hawk', and the Reaper (supplied by General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems Incorporated, 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 thousands 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.
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 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.
