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Converting Science & Technology into reality

Rob Eason – Head Technology Delivery

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Content

• Introduction• Science & Technology in acquisition • Managing technology and innovation• Support to Operations• Examples of success• Summary

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Programmes & Technology GroupTechnology Delivery

• A team of 50 delivering:– Technology Management– Technology Demonstrators– Capability Demonstrators– S&T Support to Operations

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Science & Technology in acquisition

Our focus

• Managing technology risks

• Identifying technology opportunities & threats

• Exploiting and integrating technology

• Rapidly maturing technology

• Rapid adaptation for defence to Support Operations

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Where are we now?

‘The study found that the management of high value systems and platforms was both thorough and effective, however the timescales encountered in the

management of lower value systems was far too slow both to meet current operational needs and to best utilise the timeliness of off-the-

shelf technologies.’

REPORT OF A WORKING PARTY ON TECHNOLOGY INSERTION

11 March 2010

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What do we need to do?

What do we need to do?

• Expand supplier engagement• Improve the pace of delivery• Improve the quality• Reduce whole life costs• Achieve greater value for money from

investment

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Innovation Bridge

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Supporting Operations

•Survivability and power issues for current operations in mounted and dismounted combat:

• Armour research• AFV Power, Portable Power Supplies and for FOBs• ECM and C-IED programmes• Persistent Wide Area Surveillance

• Centre for Defence Enterprise calls for:• C-IED• Reducing burden on soldier• Less than lethal effects & weapons

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• Exploitation: 7 sets of TDP blades delivered to 78 Sqn RAF as part of the Merlin Mk3a UOR

• Planned exploitation: 12 sets of ‘Full capability blades’ for Mk3 and Mk3a ordered as part of core programme

• Planned use in Afghanistan for summer months – May 10

British Experimental Rotor Programme BERP IV

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High Capacity Primary Battery for Bowman Radio

• LiCFx soft pouch technology to deliver triple the capacity of the in-service secondary battery at reduced weight

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Helmet Chinstrap

• Improved chinstrap performance in blast conditions

• A new 4-point chin strap has been successfully designed and tested for comfort, stability and resistance to removal during blast exposure simulating the threat from IEDs

• Via Defence Clothing (DC) new Mk7 helmets using this new harness.

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ROTEM

• Rotation Thromboelastometry assessed for improved accuracy and robustness for field use

• Successful detection of changes in coagulation status of major trauma patients in operational theatre in an accurate and timely manner will aid in clinical decision making and monitoring the effectiveness of clinical therapies to correct coagulopathy and improve patient care

ROTEM® delta(www.rotem.de)

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Improved Surface Wind forecasting for UAV Ops at Camp Bastion

In-theatre forecasters have identified problems in predicting crosswinds for UAV flights from Bastion, when flow is affected by the upwind mountains. This work will provide improved information to the weather forecasters at Camp Bastion, leading to safer operation of UAV on takeoff and landing

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Effective Partnerships

• Cross government working – Department for International Development– Home Office– Foreign Office

• Multi-national operations – NATO / ISAF

• National / local authorities

Implications for Technology? (Interoperable, hand over to local population)

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Summary

• Key challenge is to invest in the right areas at the right time• Exploitation paths must be defined• The military capability gap must be defined• Avoid ‘solutions looking for problems’• BUT….• Encourage innovation that yields novel capability

Rapid exploitation