General Dynamics UK continues to work closely with its British Army and MoD partners to ensure that protection levels for the SV family continue to evolve throughout its development phase in order to ensure that when it enters service, SV will be one of the most versatile, mobile and survivable vehicle fleets on the battlefield.

“Unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) have played a fundamental role in military operations in recent years, and it is only natural that they now also take centre stage in international defence agreements. The UK and France want to remain leaders in the use of UAVs, and working together on Watchkeeper would ensure both have the best intelligence capabilities without duplicating the costs.

“Cooperation will unlock huge potential benefits in terms of interoperability, joint technology development and industrial collaboration, and the twinning of the British Royal Artillery 32nd Regiment and the French Artillery’s 61st Regiment underlines how closely the two nations intend to work in this area.

“Industrially, UAVs are central to the defence sector’s renewal over the next period, and today’s agreement gives the market confidence that British and French industry will play a central role. Collaboration also creates the chance to work with the best small and medium-sized enterprises on both sides of the channel, as part of ensuring this dynamic capability continues to evolve.”

Thales is at the forefront of the UK’s growing adoption of UASs, with unparalleled experience from 60,000 hours of operating Hermes 450 UAS in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The company’s next-generation Watchkeeper system, to be built entirely in Europe, will deliver life-saving surveillance and operational capabilities to the UK’s armed forces, and is also the only tactical UAV to meet European airworthiness criteria – completing over 100 flights in the UK as part of its trials programme.　

Please see full text of communique at: http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/uk-france-declaration-security/

Commander-in-Chief Fleet Admiral George Zambellas, said:

“As Commander-in-Chief Fleet, I am honoured and delighted to be asked to cut the steel that will be form part of the mighty hull of HMS Prince of Wales, the second of the Royal Navy’s new 65,000 tonne aircraft carriers. Along with HMS Queen Elizabeth these two ships – each of which will be in service for over 50 years – lie at the heart of our national security posture. With the equipment that will operate from them, they will be pivotal to the UK’s ability to project power at range for decades to come.”

Mick Ord, Managing Director at BAE Systems’ Naval Ships business, said:

“The steel cut for Lower Block 02 demonstrates the steady progress which continues to be made on the carrier programme.

As home of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet, everyone here is hugely proud to be involved in one of the largest engineering projects in the UK today and excited that the ships will return to Portsmouth, as their home port once complete.”

As a member of the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, BAE Systems is working in partnership with Babcock, Thales UK and the Ministry of Defence to deliver the biggest and most powerful surface warships ever constructed in the UK. The company has an overarching role in managing the QE Class programme, as well as playing a central role in the design and build of the ships.

For more information, please visit: http://www.baesystems.com/Newsroom/index.htm

or contact:

Kristina Crowe, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 239 289 6232 Mob: +44 (0)7540628673
kristina.crowe@baesystems.com

Gillian Churchill, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 141 957 2150 Mob: +44 (0)7540628325
gillian.churchill@baesystems.com

Nick Durham, Rolls-Royce, President Customer Business – Defence, said:

“These milestones, alongside the exceptional performance that the engine has delivered in frontline service, illustrate the success of the EJ200 engine programme and highlight the benefit customers gain from our technology.”

Rolls-Royce assembles and tests EJ200 engines on behalf of Eurojet, in which it is a major partner, for the air forces of the UK and Saudi Arabia. The EJ200 engine is now in service with air forces in the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria and Saudi Arabia.

The EJ200 demonstrated outstanding performance and reliability while powering the Typhoon as part of the UK’s Operation Ellamy in Libya in 2011. Over 6,000 engine hours were flown on combat missions with no engine rejections throughout the deployment.

In 2010 Rolls-Royce concluded an innovative service contract worth £865 million with the UK Ministry of Defence to provide the RAF with a guaranteed level of availability for its EJ200 engines through to 2018.

For more information visit: http://www.rolls-royce.com/defence/news/2012/120214_typhoon_engine.jsp

BAE Systems developed the patented technology to lighten the load of soldiers carrying rucksacks, which can weigh up to 76kg and be filled with numerous electrical items. The structural batteries store the electrical energy within the physical structure of a device and thus helping to reduce or eliminate the need for traditional batteries, which create weight and bulk, as well as the burden and cost of carrying spares.

The potential scope for this technology is limitless, while the benefits for the defence sector have already been demonstrated in a high tech micro unmanned air vehicle, as well as a rudimentary torch.

To demonstrate the technology’s application beyond the battlefield, BAE Systems have also applied the technology through a partnership with leading race car manufacturer Lola. The Lola-Drayson B12/69EV, zero emission 850 horsepower Le Mans Prototype car will incorporate structural batteries to power some of the on-board electronic systems. Upon completion, the Lola-Drayson B12/69EV aims to become the world’s fastest electric racing car.

Alex Parfitt, Capability Technology Leader for Materials at BAE Systems said:

“Structural batteries can be used in virtually anything that requires electricity from small gadgets to entire vehicles. It can not only support our soldiers on the frontline, but also revolutionise technology in the consumer market by allowing more efficient, elegant and lighter designs.”

Read more here: http://www.baesystems.com/Newsroom/NewsReleases/autoGen_1121139240.html

Read more and see the technical details of the Apache AH-MK1 on the AgustaWestland website here: http://www.agustawestland.com/product/apache-ah-mk1-0

and take a look at this graphic by the Daily Mail: http://bit.ly/yxYJs3

On announcing the export potential of SV, Dr. Sandy Wilson, president and managing director of General Dynamics UK, said:

“Exports are a core part of this Government’s approach to major procurements as highlighted in its White Paper last week. Not only can exports of SV deliver significant return on investment to the public purse, but they can also facilitate strong ties between the UK and its overseas partners. To make this valuable export potential a reality, however, the SV programme will need to be successfully procured on behalf of the British Army.”

A number of foreign nations, including those who have already expressed interest in SV, are currently operating CVR(T), a UK-developed combat platform. Many of these countries have historically chosen to procure the same vehicle systems used by the British Army, and the study assumes that SV is likely to be of interest to those nations as they update their current fleets.

For more info visit: http://www.generaldynamics.uk.com/news/sv_export

Andrew Davies AM was briefed by BCB International Ltd’s Managing Director, Andrew Howell, who said:

“We were delighted to welcome Andrew Davies to our Headquarters and brief him about a number of new exciting products we are working on. We are a company that doesn’t stand still; we continuously look to manufacture new innovative products that help to save lives. We look forward to welcoming Andrew Davies back.”

Following his visit, Andrew Davies AM said:

“This was a fascinating visit and it was great to be kept abreast of developments in this field. Some of the products that they have recently developed bring to mind James Bond or Harry Palmer, but on a serious note it is great to see the efforts that they put in to raising the standards for security and safety equipment.

“I was also interested to discuss the support that the Welsh Government can and does provide to businesses of their size and genre. A number of interesting issues were raised and I am looking forward to discussing these matters again with BCB in the near future.”

For more information please contact BCB International on 02920 433 700.

Under its new contract, Frazer-Nash is working on a 2½ year programme to produce a full set of harmonised criteria for final acceptance in late 2012 – covering all aspects of airworthiness, including topics such as flight dynamics, structural integrity and propulsion.

Tim Andrews, Project Manager for Frazer-Nash commented:

“The benefits of a common set of harmonised airworthiness certification criteria across Europe are clear for both existing and future multi-national aircraft programmes and also common aircraft types. The establishment of a common European certification baseline would dramatically reduce the potential for programme schedule delays, reduce initial and through-life costs and also improve interoperability. Ultimately it will contribute to the recognition of military type certificates that are issued by European military airworthiness authorities and allow easier export and import of aircraft and their associated components.

“However, it is not a simple matter of transposing the harmonised system currently used in the civil world into the military environment – as direct read across in some instances is not possible and aircraft used for military missions can have a much wider range of missions and different operational requirements when compared to a civilian aircraft, for instance. The EMACC handbook will be a guidance document which can help to define and agree airworthiness certification requirements for all manned and unmanned, fixed and rotary wing air vehicle systems.”

For further information please contact Kerry Harris, Michelle Sweeney or Rod Dennis on +44 (0)117 929 2311 / fnc@grayling.com.

photo © Chiara Ceolin

Richard, pictured above (centre) speaking with Victor Chavez, CEO of Thales UK, was one of the founding members of the ADS Young Professionals in Defence Forum, launched at a Parliamentary Reception in December and attended by the Defence Minister Peter Luff MP.

Read Richard’s interview in The Manufacturer here: http://www.themanufacturer.com/articles/employee-of-the-month-richard-stewart-electronic-design-engineer-thales/

For more information about the Young Professionals in Defence Forum please contact Charles Fletcher – charles.fletcher@adsgroup.org.uk or on 0207 091 1128

Winners chosen at random at 4pm, Friday 27th Jan.

Good luck!

The provision of aviation and engineering facilities and aircraft support at Royal Navy Air Stations (RNAS) Yeovilton and Culdrose, together with various satellite stations, has also been successfully rebid. This complements the company’s maintenance and support services currently provided under a separate contract to the Merlin helicopter fleet at RNAS Culdrose, which was recently awarded a Commander-in-Chief Fleet’s Commendation for outstanding support to flying training. The new contract commences in April 2012, is for a three-year period with two option years and would have a total value to Serco of approximately £40m over the full five years.

A new MAC was also won in November 2011 for RAF Valley on the Isle of Anglesey, North Wales, which will support their crucial role in training fast jet pilots for both the RAF and the Royal Navy. RAF Valley is also home to the life-saving UK military Search and Rescue Force headquarters, search and rescue training, and the RAF Mountain Rescue Service. The five-year contract commences in April 2012 and has a total value to Serco of over £20m.

Christopher Hyman, Chief Executive of Serco Group, said:

“We are delighted that the Ministry of Defence has selected us to extend our operational support to cover 29 UK military bases, with services ranging from aircraft engineering through training to asset and infrastructure management. These contract awards demonstrate our ongoing commitment to enable affordable defence capability around the world.”

For further information please visit: http://www.serco.com/media/pressreleases/macs.asp

Mr Luff said:

“As Nato has now brought to a close its operation in Libya, I wanted to write to thank these companies and their workforces, and some key individuals who made a special contribution, for the tremendous support they provided the United Kingdom. I told the companies I would be grateful if they could pass on my appreciation to their subcontractors who worked hard to support these operations.

“When the UK and its allies started military operations, Colonel Gaddafi’s forces were hours away from inflicting a humanitarian catastrophe on Benghazi, and Misratah was besieged with snipers and under heavy artillery attack.

“Nato action has saved countless lives. Although the work in Libya is not yet done, companies and workforces can be proud of what they have helped to achieve.”

Pictured above is an RAF Typhoon aircraft, supported by BAE Systems, EADS, Qinetiq and Selex Galileo throughout the Operation and pictured below are the RAF Sentry and RAF Sentinal aircraft, supported by Northrop Grumman and Raytheon UK.

RAF Sentry

RAF Sentinal

Read more on Page 8 of ‘Desider’ here: http://bit.ly/zGhRS3

Innovations in the Defence Industry have helped create many products used in civilian life including the microwave, SatNav, HawkEye, non-radar interfering wind turbines and water contamination sensors.

Could this be the next innovation from our Defence Industry…

For more information on the competition visit: http://www.qualcommtricorderxprize.org/competition-details/overview

The lightweight UAV Landing Mat is designed to provide a temporary smooth landing, regardless of terrain, for any size or weight of UAV and can be deployed rapidly by hand. To enable the UAV to rapidly decelerate when landing the mats can also be fitted with arrestor gear typically found on aircraft carriers.

With defence analysts expecting modern air combat and surveillance to be increasingly dominated by UAVs – or drones as they are otherwise known – FAUN TRACKWAY says it is expecting to capitalise on this fast growing area of the industry with the first temporary UAV landing mat to hit the international market.

Chris Kendall, FAUN TRACKWAY’s Business Development Manager, said:

“UAVs are typically used on clandestine operations in remote locations which makes the need for runway infrastructure within flight range an often challenging requirement to meet. “Our UAV Landing Mat provides a fast and effective means for deploying and retrieving drones in whatever climate or environment giving users the potential to dramatically increase flight range and the length of operations as a result.”

The mats also feature a robust design to help it guard against Foreign Object Damage (FOD) to help protect UAV assets while FAUN is also offering related ancillary equipment such as lighting systems.

Australia-based consultants Mackay Defence are acting as FAUN TRACKWAY’S locally based distributor and have provided the business with ongoing support during its negotiations with the Australian armed forces.

Visit the website: http://www.fauntrackway.co.uk/

“On behalf of ADS members and staff, I send our warmest congratulations to all those who have been recognised for their valuable contribution to our nation and the industries ADS represents. Our sectors have benefited greatly from their hard work and dedication, and these awards rightly reflect the high esteem and appreciation which the recipients richly deserve.”

Those awarded for services to the Defence Industry include:

Order of the British Empire – Commanders of the Order of the British Empire

David Flint
Chief Executive, Oxford Instruments.
For services to Business and Science

Professor Philip Sutton
Lately Director, Science and Technology Strategy, MoD

Dr Andrew Tyler
Lately Chief Operating Officer, Defence Equipment and Support, MoD

Order of the British Empire – Members of the Order of the British Empire

Philip Burns Engineering Manager
BAE Systems Submarine Solutions.
For services to the Defence Industry

Brian Grant Base Manager
Babcock Marine.
For services to the Defence Industry

Graham Schuhmacher
Head of Development Services, Rolls-Royce plc.
For services to Apprenticeships and Skills Training

For more information on the New Year’s Honours List 2012, visit http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/news/new-years-honours-list-2012

The three 90 metre vessels, originally constructed for the Government of Trinidad & Tobago, will provide the Brazilian Navy with enhanced maritime capability in the near term, pending the acquisition of future ships under its PROSUPER programme (Brazil’s current surface ship acquisition plan). The first two ships will be delivered in 2012 and the third will follow in early 2013.

As part of the Manufacturing Licence, a Design Information Package is provided which will contain the relevant design and manufacturing information to enable the Brazilian Navy to construct further Ocean Patrol Vessels in Brazil, helping to support the country’s naval re-equipment programme and strengthen Brazil’s maritime industrial capability.

Andrew Davies, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Maritime business, said:

“This is a significant step forward in our relationship with Brazil. The Ocean Patrol Vessels are highly capable ships and I am sure they will be a tremendous asset to the Brazilian Navy.

“We are looking forward to working together and hope this will be the start of a long term partnership with Brazil in the maritime sector.”

Rear Admiral Francisco Deiana, the Brazilian Navy’s Director of Naval Engineering, said:

“The acquisition of these three Ocean Patrol Vessels from BAE Systems will make an important contribution to both our ability to provide security and protection to Brazil’s Jurisdictional Waters and to deliver our commitments to the Brazilian Maritime Authority. 

This procurement does not change the scope of our PROSUPER programme for the acquisition of future ships which also includes a further five Ocean Patrol Vessels of c.1,800 tonnes to be constructed in Brazil”

The Ocean Patrol Vessels are capable of speeds in excess of 25 knots and weigh 2,200 tonnes fully loaded. With a 30mm cannon and two 25mm guns, as well as a helicopter flight deck and a rigid inflatable boat, the ships are ideal for performing maritime security roles in Brazil’s territorial waters. Designed to accommodate a crew of up to 70, with additional accommodation for 50 embarked troops or passengers and ample deck space for container storage, the vessels are also effective for search and rescue and disaster relief operations.

The ships were originally built by BAE Systems for the Government of Trinidad andTobago under a contract signed in 2007. This contract was terminated in late 2010 and BAE Systems has since marketed the vessels to interested countries. The first ship was constructed at the BAE Systems Portsmouth facility and the other two at its shipyard on theClyde.

For more information please visit http://www.baesystems.com/Newsroom/NewsReleases/autoGen_1120394825.html

The contract, for its Heavy Ground Mobility System (HGMS), is the firm’s largest ever order.

FAUN TRACKWAY won the bid in partnership with global vehicle manufacturer IVECO which supplied TRAKKER 8×8 trucks on which the roadway will be mounted.

The Turkish Army intends to use the new vehicles and TRACKWAY to improve ground mobility and access to bridge heads.

Training has also been delivered by a team of specialist engineers from FAUN, at a purpose built test site inKirklareli,Turkey.

The Turkish military previously had 10 sets of TRACKWAY which had been in operation for more than 20 years.

Securing the order for its HGMS roadway (which is capable of taking vehicle loads of more than 70 tonnes over challenging terrain conditions such as snow, ice, sand, marsh and mud) enabled FAUN to expand its existing facilities and invest in further product research and development work.

HGMS is part of FAUN’s six strong product portfolio which includes a mid-ranged roadway capable of taking 30 tonne loads as well as helicopter landing mats, portable runways and rapid runway repair systems for bomb-damaged airfields.

FAUN originally developed its TRACKWAY products for use by the British Army’s Royal Engineers over 40 years ago and it remains a prime contractor to theUK’s Ministry of Defence.

Chris Kendall, business development manager at FAUN TRACKWAY, said:

“By forming the partnership with IVECO we were able to provide the Turkish Army with a complete mobility system through a single provider.

“This kind of collaborative approach ensures that we can deliver a bespoke product through what is inevitably a more efficient procurement route for the customer.”

For more information, visit www.fauntrackway.co.uk

The ceremony was hosted by Graham Cole, Chairman, AgustaWestland Ltd, with the guest of honour being Brig James Illingworth, Deputy Commander of the Joint Helicopter Command & Director of Army Aviation.

Graham Cole, Chairman, AgustaWestland Ltd, said at the ceremony:

“The Mk9A programme has been a major success story for both AgustaWestland and the MoD. Many doubted this major upgrade programme could be done in the timescale initially laid down, but I am very pleased to say not only will we complete the delivery of the final aircraft in December but we will have achieved this milestone three months ahead of schedule.”

MOD Defence Equipment & Support’s Director, Helicopters, Adrian Baguley said:

“The delivery to time and cost of this urgent operational requirement to enhance the Lynx Mk9 fleet has given Theatre Commanders a much more capable and versatile light helicopter. This was a truly outstanding example of joint working between the DE&S Lynx project team and AgustaWestland.”

In December 2008 AgustaWestland was awarded a £50 million Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) contract to upgrade twelve Lynx AH Mk.9 aircraft. The CTS800-4N engines, which transform the performance of the Lynx AH Mk.9, were pulled forward from the AW159 Lynx Wildcat programme along with other equipment. The new engines produce 37% more power than the Gem engines fitted to the original Lynx AH Mk.9 giving the Mk.9A a significant increase in power allowing it to operate in extreme hot and high conditions at high weights.

The Lynx AH Mk.9A upgrade required modifications to be carried out to the main gear box, top deck structure and rear fuselage to accommodate the CTS800-4N engines. Additionally changes were carried out in the cockpit for the new engine controls and digital displays. Under this Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) contract AgustaWestland commenced work even before contract award to ensure the programme could be completed as rapidly as possible. A written-off airframe supplied by the Ministry of Defence was used to trial the installation and changes required to the top deck structure of the aircraft, as a risk reduction exercise.

Similarly AgustaWestland’s Super Lynx 300 demonstrator aircraft has been used to perform a range of trials in support of the programme to speed up the qualification process prior to entry into service.

For more information visit: http://www.agustawestland.com/

The Forum is an opportunity for networking across industry and the sharing of best practice. Meeting quarterly with lectures and site visits, the Forum will bring together representatives from industry, the Armed Forces and Parliamentarians, and aims to highlight the benefits of industry to those embarking on their career, while also providing an opportunity for decision makers to engage with the workforce of the next generation.

photo © Chiara Ceolin

Rees Ward, Chief Executive of ADS, said:

“For any industry to thrive, it needs to compete for and retain the most talented of its young people. As one of our leading graduate employers, the UK Defence industry is already an attractive place to work, providing opportunities to develop challenging and rewarding careers. The Forum will add to this experience by presenting an opportunity to network and share ideas within their own peer group.

“ADS is proud to be associated with this industry first and will provide the backing and support to ensure that its success benefits the next generation of our Defence Industry’s decision makers.”

Shadow Business Minister Chi Onwurah MP, said:

 “I know from my own experience the value of professional networks such as YPDF in supporting those who might otherwise feel isolated and ensuring everyone can benefit from each others’ experience.

“I’m sure it will become absolutely essential for young professionals in the industry. It has the potential to play a big role in attracting more women into the industry, and just as importantly, keeping them there once they’re in.””

photo © Chiara Ceolin

Companies signed up to the YPDF include: ADS, Aquila, Atkins, BAE Systems, Cobham, e2v, Finmeccanica, GE, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin UK, MBDA, MSI Defence Systems Ltd, Nexor, Portsmouth Aviation, Qinetiq, Qioptiq, Raytheon, Serco, Thales and Vestguard.

For more information email info@defencematters.co.uk

The firm’s chief executive Ian Wilson signed a procurement contract with dignitaries from the Swiss government’s procurement agency armasuisse at a ceremony held in Bernon 1^st December.

The deal, which follows a two-year international procurement contest, will see WFEL supply its next generation bridging system, the Dry Support Bridge (DSB), between 2013 and 2015.

Before, and since December 2010 when WFEL and the DSB were down selected as the company and bridge of choice, several delegations from the Swiss armed forces have inspected the firm’s advanced manufacturing facilities at its Stockport headquarters.

Ian Wilson, Chief Executive of WFEL, said:

“This is a landmark agreement for WFEL and one of the largest single orders in our near century of defence engineering success.

“The deal follows one of the biggest global bridging procurement contests in many years where the quality of our offering — from design and build through to training and ongoing support services — has helped to once again confirm us as the world leader in this field.

“We’re continuing to attract interest from armed forces around the globe in our bridging systems as a result of our long term strategic sales activity and collaborative engagement with potential users.”

WFEL supplies bridges to more than 40 different armed forces worldwide and Switzerland becomes the third nation to order the DSB after the USA and Turkey, where the company completed an £8.5 million order earlier this year.

The DSB, the latest generation of tactical military bridge, is deployed from a launch vehicle to span gaps of up to 46 metres in less than 90 minutes by a team of eight, is capable of taking loads up to 120 tonnes and is used for a range of humanitarian and military operations.

WFEL, which traces its roots as a defence engineering business to 1915, will fit the DSB to the chassis of the Swiss Army’s’ fleet of IVECO trucks. The company has been designing and manufacturing tactical military bridges at itsStockportheadquarters since the 1970s.

Goodrich was selected for its efforts across its entire business and manufacturing operation in Plymouth, as well as a 99% successful track record for on-time delivery and product quality to all customers worldwide over a 12 month period.

Charlie Johnston, vice president and general manager for Goodrich said, “The talented and committed team in Plymouthembodies the Goodrich lean operating system, our shared values and culture, and dedication to customer satisfaction. I am proud of our people who have led us on the demanding SC21 journey to achieve the consistent level of performance that the program requires.”

Rees Ward, chief executive of ADS said, “The gold award for Goodrich is a great achievement, and ADS is delighted to recognize the hard work and effort that went into achieving this. As the first manufacturer to gain the gold award in SC21, Goodrich has set an impressive standard marking a whole year’s commitment to ensuring business improvement and excellence. Our sectors of defence, aerospace, security and space rely upon the supply chain to maintain the UK’s world-leading position, and Goodrich is an invaluable example of showing others the way forward.”

SC21 is an ADS structured program focused on accelerating the competitiveness of the UK aerospace and defence sector by raising the performance of its supply chains. SC21 is designed to help UK businesses at a time when strong international competition, combined with the challenges posed by the UK’s defence industrial strategy, necessitate rapid improvements in supply chain effectiveness. For more information, visit http://www.adsgroup.org.uk/.

The Goodrich site inPlymouthprovides advanced proprietary products to the global aerospace and defence industry. It employs approximately 260 highly skilled people in various disciplines including engineering, electronics, accounting, finance, production, human resources and marketing. Goodrich Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a global supplier of systems and services to aerospace, defence and homeland security markets.

With one of the most strategically diversified portfolios of products in the industry, Goodrich serves a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and service facilities. For more information, visit http://www.goodrich.com.

The project is being backed by a variety of stakeholders from across the Royal Navy, Heritage Lottery, industry and enthusiasts. Thales has a distinguished history in supporting British submarine warfare, having supplied every periscope to the fleet since 1917 and was closely involved in the commercial post-war development of sonar.

Alliance was designed during the Second World War for service in the Far East and was launched in 1945, as victory was achieved. The boat then began a distinguished 28-year career during the Cold War until she retired as the centrepiece of the Submarine Museum.

Records show Alliance was initially fitted with CK14 (search) and CH66 (attack) periscopes. The A-class submarines were then re-fitted with new periscopes during the 1950s.

Work has started on constructing a hard permanent standing around the frame of the submarine. The museum recently held an open day to brief the stakeholders who are supporting the project on the progress to date and future plans.

Vice Admiral Sir Tim McClement, Chairman of the RN Submarine Museum, says: “It is really exciting to finally be able start the actual physical work to save HMS Alliance. As the memorial to all the submariners who have fought and died in the submarine service, it is so important that she is conserved and brought to life for future generations to have the opportunity to understand and learn about the ‘silent service’ that has been in operation for over 100 years protecting our nation.”

The project to save Alliance received a £3.4m lottery grant from the Heritage Lottery fund in May.

With the submarine’s position in cradles over salt water, the structure has suffered significant corrosion over the years that is now badly in need of repair. As well as the physical conservation, at the heart of the project is a new education programme and dynamic interpretation scheme that will bring Alliance back to life for all visitors. Improvements will include dressing the accommodation spaces to reflect the decades of Alliance’s service from the 1940s through to the 1970s, with interactive ‘soundscapes’ that reflect how the submarine looked and felt while on operations.

Two of Thales UK’s naval directors have a personal link with the A class – and one with Alliance herself – having served as young submariner officers during the 1960s.

David Shepherd and Barry Morgan served as Midshipmen in A-class submarines in the 7th Submarine Squadron in Singapore in 1967. During his initial training at Dartmouth, David also went to sea on board Alliance as part of the RN’s attempt to recruit future submariners.

He says: “The experience was interesting. These A-class submarines were very crammed, very uncomfortable but somehow very exciting. They had torpedo tubes front and back, basic sonars and fire control equipment and fairly primitive living accommodation.”

“The HMS Alliance project is a fantastic opportunity to preserve a real link to diesel submarines of the Second World War era.”

Phil Naybour, head of Thales UK’s naval business, says: “Thales has enjoyed close links with the RN’s submarine service for many years, and our sensors and systems are fitted to every class of UK submarine in service today. We are proud to be associated with this important project that will secure the future of HMS Alliance and continue to inform visitors for generations to come of the vital role submariners have played in protecting our shores.”

Fundraising still continues at the museum which will remain open to visitors during the renovation work. For more information on HMS Alliance, contact the Appeal Office on 023 9251 0354 ext 244, or visit www.submarine-museum.co.uk

For more information on Thales UK visit http://www.thalesgroup.com/Markets/Defence/Home/

Rees Ward, ADS Chief Executive Officer says:

“Understanding the UK Government’s perspective on the fast evolving cyberspace environment helps industry to recognise what trends are likely to emerge and how best to prepare for them. The Cyberspace Strategy outlines how Government will work with the private sector to protect the internet and companies operating in the UK economy. I am encouraged by the Government’s creation of a joint public/private sector cyber security ‘hub’ that will allow the Government and the private sector to exchange actionable information on cyber threats and manage the response to cyber attacks. The industries represented by ADS have key roles to play here by ensuring that they protect themselves and also in the development of capabilities that can help all sectors of the economy to remain secure. ADS on behalf of sector businesses is playing its part in helping Government achieve its cyber strategy and we are actively supporting the Government’s cyber hub concept.

“The prospects for growth in the global cyberspace market are considerable and UK industry must remain at the forefront, driving innovation in this exciting sector. I am delighted that the Government is committed to helping the UK cyber security industry win business abroad and that UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) will work with the security sector’s trade associations to ensure that the industry’s increasing domestic strength is leveraged to help UK firms sell abroad. This is particularly important as 80% of cyberspace architecture is owned by the private sector. The UK’s cyber security industry is leading the effort to develop solutions to the threats and deliver the Government’s vision for the sector.

“It is also pleasing that as part of it’s Growth Review the Government plans to help small and medium enterprises by setting an expectation that at least 25% of the value of Government cyber security contracts should go to SMEs.”

Web-based industry has already become a key component of countries economies and globally ecommerce is worth US $8 trillion annually. Sales of cyber security services and solutions by ADS members alone amounted to £361m in 2010* and international sector sales are expected to grow rapidly.

*For more information and to read the ADS Security Survey 2011 please visit http://www.adsgroup.org.uk/articles/26154

The biennial Farnborough International Airshow attracts some 250,000 trade and public visitors each show, with more than 1400 exhibitors taking part and representation from over 40 countries. EADS has been amongst the major exhibitors for many years and FIA plays an important part in the company’s core marketing strategy. EADS has welcomed the proposed site development as it offers EADS and it’s Divisions – Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – the possibility of integrating its chalet, stand and static aircraft parking in one area.

“We are very excited about our new presence at Farnborough. Our long-term commitment certainly reflects the importance of the UK as one of our home markets” says Nicole Schareck, Vice President Corporate Brand Communications at EADS. “We would like to offer a perfect and attractive set-up for our customers, guests and visitors and are grateful for the support we experienced through the organiser.”

FIL Chief Executive, Shaun Ormrod, joined in 2008 and along with core team members, began formulating the long-term plan for the development of the Airshow site with a view to completion by the year 2020. This development programme is based around partnerships with key exhibitors, forming a shared vision for the future and with many major customers securing a tailor-made or permanent exhibition area.

“FIL is delighted to form this partnership with EADS which signals the launch of our longer term development plans for the exhibition site” says Ormrod. “Our vision is to provide the perfect arena for our clients, enabling them to consolidate their exhibiting and hospitality activities whilst being positioned in close proximity to their aircraft or large outdoor exhibits.”

Ormrod continues: “The Farnborough International Airshow is one of the longest-running airshows in the world and as the show continues to evolve we believe that improving how we work with our exhibitors will achieve mutually beneficial results. We hope to be in a position to make further announcements before next year’s show.”

For more information on Farnborough International Airshow 2012, visit http://www.farnborough.com/airshow-2012

For more information on EADS, visit http://www.eads.com/eads/int/en.html