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UK Government: Sending in the probes - latest unmanned vehicles on show
(M2 PressWIRE Via Acquire Media NewsEdge)
RDATE:11032009
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
((M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information
provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties.
Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at
http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to
info@m2.com)).
Copyright ? 2009 M2 Communications Ltd.
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