EXHIBITIONS AND CONFERENCES
14 Mar 09. OWNING THE NIGH CONFERENCE COST CLARIFICATION.
The Conference, Chaired by Peter Varnish O.B.E., divided into two half days managed by the DMA with the support of BATTLESPACE, will discuss the current night vision requirements on the ground and the technology available from Industry. The Conference Programme consisting of two half days takes place on November 10th and 11th . Delegate tickets cost £285.00 each available by application to BATTLESPACE.
11 Mar 09. 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 MoD, and 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.”
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 b