Hostname: page-component-77c89778f8-vpsfw Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-07-18T17:46:19.611Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

The future of defence and aerospace research: a view from the front

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

J. E. Green
J. E. Green*
Affiliation:
Aircraft Research Association
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

This paper considers defence and aerospace research in the UK from the perspective of a research worker. The distinction between research, technology demonstration and development, the particular characteristics of research and the qualities required in a research worker are discussed. The important influence of the research environment, both within an organisation and nationally, is highlighted. The contribution of the past environment to the research underlying the present strength of UK technology, and subsequent adverse changes in the environment, are noted. The decline of UK research funding and of the UK research base is contrasted with the situation of our main industrial competitors. Finally, the author lists the actions which he believes are needed to rebuild research to a level which will underwrite the long-term future of UK defence and aerospace.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 104 , Issue 1031 , January 2000 , pp. 39 - 46
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2000 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1. Ministry of Technology. Report of the Steering Group on Development Cost Estimating, HMSO 1969.Google Scholar
2. Report of the Defence and Aerospace Panel of Technology Foresight, HMSO 1995.Google Scholar
3. Jordan, G., Lee, I. and Causey, G. Learning from Experience: A report on the arrangements for managing major projects in the Procurement Executive, HMSO, 1988.Google Scholar
4. Nurse, J. Aero-engines — Reducing Time and Cost from Concept to Product, in Impact of New Technology on Engine Production and Development Cost, IMechE, 1997.Google Scholar
5. Yates, I. Future aerospace projects or engineering the future for UK Ltd, Aerospace, April 1988, 16, (4), pp 10–17.Google Scholar
6. Foresight Defence and Aerospace Panel. Overview of Generic Issues, DTI 1997.Google Scholar
7. Kuchemann, D. The Aerodynamic Design of Aircraft, Pergamon, 1978, Chapter 1.Google Scholar
8. Taylor, G.I. Scientific Papers Vol 3, Cambridge University Press, 1963, 1 pp 38–58.Google Scholar
9. Hall, M.G. On innovation in aerodynamics, Aeronaut J, December 1996, 100, (1000), pp 462–470.Google Scholar
10. Ministry of Defence. UK Defence Statistics 1996, HMSO, 1996.Google Scholar
11. House of Commons. Defence Committee: The Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, Minutes of Evidence, Wednesday 11 March 1998, The Stationery Office, 1998.Google Scholar
12. House of Commons. Defence Committee: Defence Research, p 111, ordered to be printed. 3 November 1999, The Stationery Office.Google Scholar