The three leading trade associations in the aviation sector have come together to call on the Government to be bold, when it launches its consultation on aviation policy next month.

In a joint statement released today, ADS Group (ADS), the Airport Operators Association (AOA) and the British Air Transport Association (BATA) representing over 2,800 aviation manufacturers, airports and airlines respectively say:

“As the Coalition Government recognises, the UK’s economy needs to compete in both established and emerging markets. This requires excellent aviation connectivity right across the country, ensuring the UK has both vibrant point to point airports and sufficient world class hub capacity. This means prioritising a favourable planning and regulatory regime and developing a bold aviation policy, permitting new airport capacity where required. To ensure there is no further erosion of the UK’s competitive position, the Government must set a clear timetable for these measures to be put in place, as part of a new aviation policy.”

ADS Deputy CEO and MD Aerospace, Graham Chisnall, added:

“Britain has the world’s second largest aerospace manufacturing sector. However, this is a globally competitive business so we need policies that nurture the industry and keep its high-tech jobs in the UK.”

BATA CEO, Simon Buck, said:

“Aviation is directly responsible for nearly a million jobs*. If one looks at the wider visitor economy as a whole, its direct and indirect impact is 8.2% of GDP, equivalent to £114 bn and 2.6m jobs**.”

AOA Chief Executive, Darren Caplan said:

“Last November, the Treasury recognised the importance aviation plays in connecting the whole of the national economy and in fostering links with existing and emerging overseas economies. Number 10 now needs to support aviation too, and to act fast to ensure we have the aviation network and capacity required for the UK to grow. Delay will simply cost the country jobs, businesses and routes to our international trading partners.”

ENDS

For further information and a hi-res of the cartoon please see below.

Hundreds of workers at a British missile factory have been thanked by the Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology Peter Luff for their efforts in supporting the Armed Forces during the Libya intervention.

The Minister visited MBDA UK at Lostock in Bolton last week to see for himself where some of the UK's most sophisticated missiles are made.

The factory, which employs around 300 people, is responsible for the production of a number of complex weapons, including the Dual Mode Brimstone missile, which was used by the RAF during NATO's operation in support of the UN over Libya in 2011.

Use of this missile was key to supporting the UK's efforts during the conflict, providing the RAF with the ability to strike with precision.

During the conflict the MBDA Lostock factory was asked to double its output of the weapon to ensure that the RAF was adequately equipped to support the efforts in Libya as well as continuing its role supporting operations in Afghanistan.

The Minister's visit, which took place on Tuesday 14 February 2012, also saw the 500th Brimstone coming off the production line ready to be delivered to the Ministry of Defence.

Addressing staff at the plant, Mr Luff said:

"I am very glad to have had the opportunity to come here and thank you all in person for your efforts in supporting the NATO operation during the conflict in Libya last year.

"Brimstone has a reputation for its accuracy and reliability, and the use of this missile, alongside the RAF's other air-to-surface weapons, was of key importance to the success of the operation to liberate the country.

"Throughout this time, staff at MBDA provided exemplary support to ensure that this capability was available for use at all times."

Executive Group Director Technical and MBDA UK Managing Director Steve Wadey said:

"Dual Mode Brimstone [DMB] has been a real success story in showcasing the innovative capabilities that MBDA delivers to the front line and we are delighted to be marking the 500th delivery of this weapon.

"We believe that this milestone highlights the continued success of Brimstone and the Minister's visit is a welcome recognition of the contribution MBDA and its employees make to the Armed Forces and their operations."

Supervisor Keith Nicholson said:

"I have been working at MBDA's Lostock factory for 36 years and always recognised that our work was important in helping to defend our troops, yet after hearing from the Minister about the contribution we made with DMB in Libya, I think the last 12 months of hard work is going to stand out when I look back."

Flexible and Flex Rigid PCB manufacturer Merlin Flexible Circuits based inSussexhas been awarded a prestigious SC21 Bronze award at a presentation inEdinburgh. 

 The SC21 programme is a key industry venture for the Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space sectors and is overseen and managed by ADS in theUK.  SC21 aims to accelerate and improve the competitiveness of the Aerospace and Defence and Security industries. 

Falcon Group Managing Director Neil Martin commented:

“I am delighted that our Merlin Flexible Circuits facility has been awarded the SC21 Bronze award and see it as recognition for the efforts and dedication of our staff and for the support and assistance of our SC21 sponsor Thales UK.  The award is also an acknowledgement of the professionalism and skill that we apply to all elements of our business.”

For further information, see document below.

Good Practice within Team Defence was promoted and celebrated in the 3rd annual Good Practice Marketplace and Excellence Awards organised by the UK Council for Electronic Business (UKCeB) in collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD).  

Hosted at the HP Labs in Bristol, the marketplace format enabled delegates to learn through direct contact with project teams.   During the day, the six Award finalists each had 10 minutes to present their case study to compete for the prestigeous UKCeB Excellence Awards.  Following close deliberations by a judging panel from academia, industry, MOD and UKCeB, the Awards were announced and presented by Brigadier Alan Clacher, Head - Logistics NEC Programme. 

The Overall Winner of the UKCeB Excellence Awards was Deep-Secure Limited based on their work demonstrating the use and applicablity for Team Defence of Signed and Encrypted Email Over The Internet.  This SEEOTI approach provides simple-to-use, standards-based enabling technology for email that allows Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to communicate securely with one another, with the MOD and with the major Aerospace and Defence (A&D) contractors.  The judges noted the potnetial value for other commercial sectors and government departments. 

For further information, see document below.

The final phase of wind tunnel testing, a major milestone in aeroplane development, began today on Boeing’s 737 MAX programme at the QinetiQ facility in Farnborough.

“QinetiQ’s dedicated team has over twenty years’ experience testing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes which enables us to provide a highly specialised service for the 737 MAX program”, said Andrew Yarrow, Head of Farnborough Facilities at QinetiQ.

Testing began at QinetiQ’s test facility in Farnborough, in theUnited Kingdom, where engineers are working to substantiate the forecasted low-speed performance of the 737 MAX on takeoff and landing. A FTSE250 company, QinetiQ uses its domain knowledge to provide technical advice to customers in the global aerospace, defence and security markets.

“Wind tunnel testing is on the critical design path of the Boeing 737 MAX programme,” said Michael Teal, chief project engineer and deputy program manager, Boeing 737 MAX programme. “This final phase of wind tunnel testing confirms that we are on track to complete our design goals and deliver the 737 MAX to customers beginning in 2017”.

QinetiQ’s 5-metre wind tunnel has been used by Boeing to help design high lift systems for improved takeoff and landing performance for numerous programs including the 787 family, 777 family, the 747-8 and the Next-Generation 737 family.

The Boeing 737 MAX is a new engine variant of the world’s best-selling aeroplane and builds on the strengths of today’s Next-Generation 737. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger appeal.

Airlines operating the 737 MAX will see a 10-12 percent fuel burn improvement over today’s most fuel efficient single-aisle airplanes and a 7 percent operating cost per-seat advantage over tomorrow’s competition.

After an extended build up, the UK Government published its Defence and Security White Paper, National Security Through Technology, on 1 February 2012. Much has already been written about the defence-related aspects of this document, but it is equally important not to overlook its security element, argues Hugo Rosemont, Security Policy Adviser to ADS and secretary to the Policy Committee of RISC.

Whilst the paper carries the MoD logo and is understandably primarily concerned with the sustainable supply of capabilities to the Armed Forces, the government has been keen to point out that it was completed with the support of the Home Office and its foreword is co-signed by the Minister for Security. Industry plays a variety of important roles in the “wider security” elements of the UK government’s National Security Strategy and in implementing this paper due attention should be given to the twin goals of ensuring national security and achieving growth via the security industry.

If the security element of the paper is of significant importance, to what extent does the document reflect the recommendations made by the security industry in the run up to its publication? The UK Security and Resilience Industry Suppliers’ Community (RISC) - an alliance of companies, trade associations, think tanks and academia chaired by Michael Clayforth-Carr - made seven key recommendations to the government during the consultation period:

1. Widen and deepen the scope of industrial engagement on security issues

National Security Through Technology considers industry’s involvement in a number of “wider security” issues, especially in the areas of cyber security and science and technology for security purposes (for example, in protecting against CBRN threats). The government’s new proposal to establish a cross-governmental Ministerial Working Group to oversee the work arising from the paper - a group which will include representation from the Home Office - is further evidence of the government’s desire to develop (and co-ordinate across) a wider security posture. In addition to the creation of this new structure, it would be desirable for the structures of the National Security Council (NSC) to develop a stronger sense of ownership for engaging the UK-based defence and security industries on national security issues.

2. Develop a robust policy framework for security standards

This is a complex area and it is worth noting that the paper’s accompanying summary of consultation responses outlines the “mixed response to the idea of developing UK [security] standards.” However, it is encouraging that the document states that in the field of security “increased and wider use of open (as distinct from proprietary) standards will facilitate a more open market, improve procurement, enhance market competitiveness, and achieve smarter procurement and value-for-money”. Whilst National Security Through Technology does not commit the government to setup a working group to take this issue forward along the lines proposed by RISC, this issue is now clearly rising up the agenda.

3. Develop a more coherent approach to national security and resilience procurement

The paper makes a clear commitment to the “Open Procurement principle” across both defence and security markets (albeit this is qualified by “the principle of Technology Advantage” whereby when it is essential for national security the government will take action to protect the UK’s operational advantages and freedom of action). The document provides few details on how security sector-specific procurement issues will be addressed - separately, a significant programme of procurement reform affecting all departments is being developed from the Cabinet Office and the Home Office is placing a strong focus on the transformation of policing arrangements - but it usefully stresses the importance of open standards to improve the status quo. The security market can work more effectively and economic growth can be generated if export considerations are taken into account in all these procurement initiatives.

4. Create a mechanism through which the government can consult the security industry in the event of a major emergency

The paper does not propose to establish a specific security industry mechanism along these lines, but it does articulate the need for government to be an intelligent customer with the following statement: “Equally vital is the provision of effective and accurate advice on defence-related and security-related science and technology in times of crisis or emergency”. Both industry and academia have potential contributions to make in emergency situations and it will be important to develop the framework for effective engagement in this area.

5. Develop a strategy to maximise the UK’s share of the global security market, with links to commercial diplomacy

The White Paper’s explicit recognition that responsible security exports can contribute to both national security and the UK’s economic recovery is to be welcomed. There is an understandable focus on defence sector exports in the paper, but the value of the UK security sector in overseas markets (£2bn) is usefully highlighted. The sector is also described as “one of the most diverse and technically advanced in the world” and there is a particular focus on the potential of cyber security exports (including recognition of the UK as a “global leader in niche areas of cyber security”). A section on the potential benefits of a “UK Security Brand” to support security exports suggests the need for further collaboration between UKTI, the Home Office and industry, and is an important initiative upon which further work can be developed.

6. Align Science and Technology (S&T) priorities for NS&R purposes

The document expresses a more coordinated approach to the S&T activities of government departments operating in the field of national security. For example, the capabilities of DSTL and CAST are outlined and a list of the government’s “seven priority challenges for science and technology posed by the risks outlined in the National Security Strategy” addresses both defence and security issues. Perhaps disappointingly, the paper declines to articulate the levels of funding that exist (or that will be committed to) S&T funding for security-specific purposes. In the defence field, the government states that it will “sustain investment at a minimum of 1.2% of the defence budget.” It would have been useful to have seen a similar commitment on security.

7. Appoint a Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) in government with responsibility for industrial issues relating to national security

The White Paper contains encouraging statements about RISC’s main recommendation developed under the policy leadership of John Howe. The government recognises that “arrangements for working with suppliers are not ideal” and a commitment is made to evaluate “the potential benefits of appointing a Senior Responsible Owner within government to head up a security authority”. Whilst the document does not commit the government to a timescale for the appointment - which is considered in industry to be the crucial next step - this is an important development for all those who believe that stronger governmental “ownership” of industrial issues is needed in the security sector. It will be important to ensure that any such appointment is accompanied by appropriate levels of oversight and scrutiny.

Alliance and Diversity

 The White Paper addresses important additional security elements. It refers to specific industrial contributions to national security (for example, the public/private collaboration in the planning phase for 2012 Olympic Security) and it announces that the Centre for Defence Enterprise “will broaden its remit to cover both the defence and security domains.” Additionally, the document clarifies that the MoD has established a Defence Exports Support Group which has representation from the Home Office. Finally, despite the worthy attempt to align defence and security issues throughout the paper, there is a healthy understanding of the differences between the defence and security markets.

National Security Through Technology is understandably a defence-orientated document but it is welcome that a number of security aspects feature so prominently. The proof will be in the pudding, so to speak, but the paper promises to develop a number of important initiatives which would be significant steps forward for the security sector. In particular, the government has placed a strong emphasis on the development of responsible security exports and consideration of the appointment of a SRO. The security industry will strive to support the government as it seeks to fulfil these objectives.

This article first appeared as an online feature for Global Response - The International Security Review in February 2012.

London, UK – 17 February 2012 – The largest tactical unmanned air system (UAS) in Europe was today announced as a key pillar of a broad Anglo-French defence cooperation in the field of UAS as the French Government confirmed its interest in working with the UK to develop Thales UK’s Watchkeeper.

Victor Chavez, Chief Executive of Thales UK, says:

"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 32^nd Regiment and the French Artillery’s 61^st 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/

NEWS RELEASE

Issued: Monday 13 February 2012
Our reference: ADS PR 2012 007

Under Embargo until 00.01 14 February 2012

SINGAPORE AIRSHOW SPRINGBOARD FOR UK COMPANIES INTO ASIA PACIFIC

UK SMEs taking advantage of showcasing innovation in Singapore

ADS, the nationalUKtrade organisation for aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, is the organiser of the UK Trade Pavilion at the Singapore Airshow 2012, which runs from 14 – 19 February 2012. The pavilion, supported by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) Defence and Security Organisation, will feature a range of innovative UK SMEs that are part of the sizeable UK contingent exhibiting in Singapore.

The globalisation of the aerospace industry and anticipated growth in the Asia-Pacific market across the ADS sectors present the perfect opportunity for UK companies’ in terms of exports and future co-operation with partner companies in the region.

Rees Ward, CEO at ADS, said:

“While the traditional defence markets of Europe and the US are currently in decline, UK industry has witnessed a considerable growth in Commercial Aerospace, Space and Security sectors generally and, in particular, exports to the Asia Pacific region.

“In Civil Aerospace there are clear opportunities for UK SMEs to collaborate with national primes as we see both China and Japan separately constructing some of the newest aircraft coming to market. In Security, ADS members exported more to Asia than any other part of the world and for Defence export growth in the region increases year on year.

“The Singapore Airshow is an ideal springboard into the Asia Pacific region, which accounts for the presence of so many UK companies across the whole supply chain – and I wish them every success over the week ahead.”

A UKTI spokesman said:

"Asia remains an important market for defence and security opportunities and the Singapore Air Show is a valuable vehicle to promote joint ventures and industrial, partnerships with companies in the region."

ENDS

For more information see press release below.

 

9 February 2012 Last updated at 10:01

Rolls-Royce reports record profits and sales

 

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Aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce has reported annual orders, sales and profits at record levels thanks to expansion in the airline industry.

Overall profits rose 21% to £1.16bn ($1.84bn), while orders reached £62bn after rising 5%.

Rolls said its defence aerospace business had also done well despite the pressure on military spending in Europe and the US.

Its marine and energy-related businesses performed less well.

Highlighting the need for support from all ADS members and ADS itself, Mr Southwell indicated that his intention over the year as ADS President was to focus on three areas of work:

• Demonstrate how Aerospace, Defence and Security is core to this country’s - and our Government’s - growth agenda
• Enhance UK industrial growth and competitiveness by removing choke points to enterprise
• Increase exports by harnessing the gold-standard perception ofUKproducts and services and capabilities

For the full speech, see the document below.

London, United Kingdom – General Dynamics UK recently commissioned a market study which estimated the potential export value of the Specialist Vehicle (SV) programme as £1.3 billion or more in the first 16 years of the programme, based on expressions of interest from a number of countries. Conducted by the accountancy firm Ernst & Young, the study also indicates that the final export value of the SV programme could be larger as more countries are expected to replace their tracked combat reconnaissance vehicle [CVR(T)] fleets at some point during the 30-year SV programme.

To read more, see the document below.

 

HTSI Joins Forces with ELSAG North America

January 30th, 2012  

Partnership

Hidden Technology is pleased and proud to announce that ELSAG North America: A Finmeccanica Company is now distributing HTSI equipment.

ELSAG North America is a developer of highly advanced Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology.

ELSAG will handle sales and service of Hidden Technology’s GPS and GSM tracking devices from its offices around the United States. As manufacturers of the nation’s leading ALPR system, the Mobile Plate Hunter-900® (MPH-900), ELSAG views the partnership as a customer-focused initiative. “We work with over one thousand agencies across the country,” said Nate Maloney, VP of Marketing and Communications with ELSAG. “Adding Hidden Technology’s state-of-the-art GPS devices to our own line of security products greatly strengthens our ability to provide a full complement of key solutions to our law enforcement partners. Hidden Technology is the best in the world at developing tracking and locating devices. This opportunity is very exciting for us.”

“ELSAG’s real-time ALPR technologies are so closely related to our own technologies and devices that customer agencies will feel a multiplier effect when combining our products and services,” said Gary Bryant, CEO with HIDDENTEC USA. “Having ELSAG as a partner is not only smart business for us, but more importantly for our customer. The increase in service and support we can jointly provide will be staggering.”

About ELSAG North America

ELSAG North America is a Finmeccanica company, a global leader in defence and security solutions, and is dedicated to providing proprietary advanced Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) and other innovative imaging technology to North American law enforcement agencies. ELSAG North America leads the market with its Mobile Plate Hunter-900®, the most advanced, most accurate license plate reader technology available. ELSAG North America is headquartered in Brewster, NY. For more information about the company and its exciting technology portfolio, visit www.ELSAG.com.

Hidden Technology looks forward to a long and successful partnership with ELSAG North America.

 

 

 

6 February 2012 Last updated at 07:52

Barrow submarine builder BAE Systems takes on 136 apprentices

 

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Defence giant BAE Systems is to recruit 136 apprentices at its submarine building business in Barrow, Cumbria.

The company, which employs more than 4,000 people in Barrow, said it was the highest intake for five years.

The apprentices will train as steelworkers, pipe fabricators, electricians and submarine designers.

European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani today announced in London that the consortium led by OHB System AG and Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) will build a further eight satellites for the European Union’s Galileo satellite navigation programme under the supervision of the European Space Agency.

The new contract will see SSTL continuing its role as payload prime, assembling, integrating and testing the navigation payloads in the UK, whilst OHB System, as the prime contractor, builds the eight satellite platforms and executes the final integration of all the satellites in Germany. The SSTL-OHB partnership is already building fourteen satellites for the Galileo programme and will draw on its heritage and experience to produce the additional satellites to demanding schedules.

Matt Perkins, SSTL Group CEO commented:

“SSTL has played a key role in the development of the Galileo programme for nine years and we have the commitment, experience and track record to deliver this substantial contract. We are delighted to have been selected with our partner, OHB, to continue to play our part in building Europe’s operational navigation system.”

For further information, click here.

NEWS RELEASE

Issued: Wednesday, 01 February 2012
Our reference: ADS PR 2012 006

For immediate release

WHITE PAPER DELAY ALLOWED FOR MEANINGFUL DIALOGUE SAYS INDUSTRY BODY

White Paper has welcome proposals on technology, increasing exports, supporting SMEs and furthering UK Security

ADS today (Wednesday) welcomed the MoD’s release of the National Security through Technology: Technology, Equipment and Support for UK Defence and Security. ADS commented that the delay in the White Paper’s delivery has allowed for meaningful dialogue between industry and Government. The White Paper’s proposals on technology, increasing exports, supporting Small Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for Security were particular welcome. Industry looks forward to working with Government to ensure that the UK Security and Defence industry deliver both in terms of supporting our Armed Forces, Security services and in achieving growth in the economy.

Rees Ward, CEO at ADS, said:

“Contrary to general opinion, the delay in the White Paper’s release would appear to have been beneficial, resulting in deeper understanding of industries concerns within the Government. The proof is of the pudding is in the eating, and in the case of the White Paper, this means its implementation. Industry is therefore looking forward to working in partnership with Government to ensure that the White Paper’s proposals are carried out to the benefit of both the nation’s defence and security and the achievement of growth in the economy.”

Commenting on the Government’s proposals on Technology, Mr Ward said:

“Maintaining the Research and Technology budget above a fixed rate demonstrates a long term commitment from Government towards the future of the UK Defence and Security sectors. R&T is the seed corn from which an industry can grow and thrive. It is reassuring for Government to guarantee an investment which will deliver significant returns to the overall economy. Studies show that a defence investment of £100m will deliver returns of £230m.”

Commenting on the Government’s proposals on increasing exports, Mr Ward said:

“The Government’s commitment to exports, and particularly Defence and Security exports as laid out in this White Paper is warmly welcomed by UK industry. Together these two sectors exported nearly £12bn in 2010 and support a work force of over half a million highly skilled individuals working across the UK. The Defence and Security sectors are clearly helping in the Government’s drive for growth and could contribute more in re-balancing the economy; any action by the Government to ensure this continues, is to be strongly supported.”

Commenting on the Government’s proposals on buying off the shelf, Mr Ward said:

“Industry recognises that Government will inevitably meet many of its requirements by off the shelf procurement. HMG has long espoused open competition as its main acquisition method and industry is comfortable with this approach. The question is how it is implemented in practice. The need to develop capability in the UK remains, as the White Paper recognises in its section on technology. Industry believes that each procurement should be evaluated against criteria which ensure that our Armed Forces needs are met and the value for money test includes the benefits to the economy as a whole rather than any narrower measure.”

Commenting on the Government’s proposals on supporting SMEs, Mr Ward said:

“There are over 3,000 SMEs in the UK Defence industry – more than France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Norway combined. These entrepreneurial and agile companies are the bedrock upon which industry success has been built, but they can only thrive if there is work available to UK industry, and procurement bureaucracy and red tape are minimised. Working with the MoD on their specific proposals over the coming months will be of paramount importance in ensuring that SMEs receive the support they need.”

Commenting on the Government’s proposals for a SRO in Security, Mr Ward said:

“This is a positive signal for a key growth sector, and demonstrates a real commitment from Government for this hi-tech market with enormous export potential. With one of the principal roles of any government being national security, the commitment to evaluate the benefits of a Senior Responsible Owner - or more simply a security champion - in Whitehall, responsible for industry engagement and development of the UK Security Brand, is a real step forward.”

ENDS

A specific comment on the Security elements of the White Paper can be found below.

NEWS RELEASE

Issued: Wednesday, 01 February 2012
Our reference: ADS PR 2011 005

For immediate release

WHITE PAPER OFFERS REAL POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH IN SECURITY EXPORTS

ADS welcomes initiatives to boost £2bn export industry

ADS today (Wednesday) commenting on the Defence and Security White Paper welcomed the consideration of appointing a Senior Responsible Owner in Whitehall to work with the UK security industry and help to make the UK security market work more efficiently and increase responsible security export potential.

Rees Ward, Chief Executive of ADS, said:

“Today’s announcement in the White Paper is a positive signal for a key growth sector, and demonstrates a real commitment from Government for this hi-tech market with enormous export potential. With one of the principal roles of any government being national security, the commitment to evaluate the benefits of a Senior Responsible Owner - or more simply a security champion - in Whitehall, responsible for industry engagement is a real step forward. Industry looks forward to working with the Home Office and other Government departments to making this role possible and a powerful enabler of standardisation and rationalisation..

“The White Paper’s commitment to promote UK capabilities in the global security market responsibly will also be of great benefit not only for achieving UK economic growth, but also in helping to achieve the UK’s international security objectives. The promotion of UK PLC’s Security Brand by the UK Government would be a fantastic enabler for exports. Industry will be keen to continue working with Government to ensure that the UK maximises its security export potential.

“The security aspects of the White Paper reflect the positive discussions industry is having with the Home Office, the Foreign Office and UKTI about increasing UK exports of security systems and services. The proposals outlined in the White Paper reveal a real belief in the potential for the UK security sector, and industry can only welcome today’s announcements.”

ENDS

Key stats on UK security:

• Current global security market according to UKTI was worth £260bn in 2010. Forecasts suggest further growth to £337bn by 2015.
• With around a 5% share of the global export market, the UKis ranked 5th in the world behind the US,China,Japan andIndia
• UKTI estimates that Security employs around 335,000, with ADS Members accounting for 50,828 in hi-tech service orientated side of the industry
• ADS recent survey of its members showed that 19% of turnover came from exports, with Member export figures to the US in cyber services dominating

The ADS security survey of its members for 2011 can be found at: http://is.gd/ADSsecurity2011

This is a comment on the Security elements of the Technology, Equipment, and Support for UK Defence and Security. A further comment on the wider implications for UKindustry will be available at www.adsgroup.org.uk

ADS welcomes RFX Technologies to its membership. 

From a modern high quality manufacturing facility based in Livingston, Scotland , the company produces innovative precision OCXO, TCXO, VCXO and PPL designs from 1MHz to 2.4GHz and GPS timing modules.

Excellent phase noise performance is achieved through the use of SC cut crystals and proprietary filter designs.  A fast turnaround of bespoke and custom requirements is possible with excellent support and advise.

For further information please go to www.rfx.co.uk

 

London – The ADS Security Innovation Award, sponsored by General Dynamics UK, was announced last night at a ceremony held at Guildford Cathedral. The award was won by Daetech Systems (UK) Limited from Manchester for its MIDAS (Mobile Image and Data Acquisition System) technology, whilst Evidence Talks Limited from Milton Keynes was chosen as runner up for its SPEKTOR Forensic Intelligence device.

Commenting on the award, Rees Ward, CEO ADS said:

“The winning technology, MIDAS, is a technology developed by Daetech Systems to address Police investigators need to effectively recover and collate video and data evidence such as CCTV from a multiplicity of recording formats. Versions of MIDAS are being used by many forces in the UK including the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Nottingham, West Mercia and Gloucestershire constabularies, as well as UK Counter Terrorism. ADS congratulates Daetech Systems on their award and we wish them continued success in their production of cutting edge Security equipment.”

Evidence Talks Ltd was voted Runner-up for its SPEKTOR digital forensic device. Sometimes called the “Digital Breathalyser”, SPEKTOR uses a simple, process driven touch screen interface that enables a first responder to quickly and safely extract and view the contents of all digital devices such as computers, removable USB devices and memory cards. It allows them to review images, movies, documents of all types, internet activity, online chat, email and much more. They can also carry out keyword searches (supports multiple languages) and hash matching with ease. The SPEKTOR Encryption Detection module also identifies the presence of numerous levels of encryption.

“The UK Government has said that SME’s are the lifeblood of the British security and defence industry, and General Dynamics UK agrees,” commented Dr. Sandy Wilson, president and managing director of General Dynamics UK. “That is why we support British SME’s through our EDGE UK® facility in South Wales and awards like this.”

For further information see document below.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Cobham Mission Equipment has been selected by Boeing to provide Body Fuel Tanks in support of the U.S. Air Force’s KC-46 Tanker Program. The Body Fuel Tanks enable KC-46A mission capability by providing additional fuel for offload and increased range. The engineering manufacturing development (EMD) phase began in January 2012, with low-rate and full-rate production through 2028.

The US Air Force plans to initially acquire 179 KC-46A Tankers from Boeing, each of which is expected to carry a quantity of four each of the Cobham Body Fuel Tanks. Work will take place at Cobham Mission Equipment’s center of excellence in Davenport, Iowa. The Davenport facility is a leader in the aircraft fuel tank market and has been identified as a Principal Location under Cobham’s Excellence in Delivery Program.

“Cobham is delighted to be working with Boeing to support the KC-46 program,” said Iain Gibson, vice president of Cobham Mission Equipment. “Cobham’s experienced engineering and program team will design and deliver an innovative Body Fuel Tank design that achieves the technical and schedule demands of the program.”

For further information see document below.

 

EADS appoints Trichet to board, names Enders as CEO Jean-Claude Trichet, the former head of the European Central Bank, has been appointed to the board of aerospace and defence giant EADS.

 

By Graham Ruddick

7:26PM GMT 26 Jan 2012

 

Mr Trichet oversaw the ECB for an eight-year term that included the collapse of Lehman Brothers and the start of the eurozone debt crisis.

His appointment as a non-executive director at EADS, another major European institution, is his first major role since leaving the ECB.

EADS also confirmed that Tom Enders will replace Louis Gallois as chief executive on May 31...