MOD SCIENTISTS NOMINATED FOR NATIONAL AWARD

June 2011

MOD SCIENTISTS NOMINATED FOR
Wiltshire-based scientists from the Defence Science and Technology
Laboratory (Dstl) have been shortlisted for the MacRobert Award by the Royal
Academy of Engineering for their work on a new life-saving armour system.
The nomination is for a ceramic protection system, developed and patented
by Dstl.
Ploughshare Innovations enabled the technology to be brought to market through
Coventry based NP Aerospace as CAMAC®.
The development of CAMAC® armour was made possible by collaboration –
combining Dstl’s specialist scientific expertise, Ploughshares industry knowledge
and commercial capabilities and NP Aerospace’s expert engineering knowledge.
The system uses small thimble-sized hexagonal segments of ceramic held
together by a moulding resin and packaged in a composite with high ballistic
performance.
Dstl’s research explored the optimisation of the size and geometry of small
segmented ceramic components and how to arrange them into an array to
provide a panel with the best protection resulting in this life saving armour
system. The panels can be attached to vehicles to provide effective protection
against hostile gunfire.
Tom Stuart, one of the project’s principal scientists said: “The Dstl team are
very proud of this nomination. This armour technology represents a clear
example of how MOD and UK industry have worked together to fast track this
innovation from laboratory to the battlefield and save the lives of British
service personnel.”
The armour has been fielded in Afghanistan and has saved the lives of UK
troops and local populations. Dstl armour specialists continue to develop this
technology with industrial partners on related projects, thus supporting critical
research on new platforms within the UK, such as the recently procured
Foxhound Light Protected Patrol Vehicle (LPPV).
The MacRobert Award is the most prestigious award an engineer can aspire
to and is presented annually to an organisation in recognition of innovation in
engineering. The armour appears on a four organisation shortlist including
computing giants Microsoft and British car manufacturer Jaguar. The eventual
winner will receive their prize at a ceremony on 6 June. The Royal Academy
represents Britain’s national academy for engineering, bringing together the
country’s most eminent engineers from all disciplines to promote excellence in
the science, art and practice of engineering.
Dr John Robinson, Chairman of the judging panel, said: “In the Academy’s
35th anniversary year, we are delighted to see engineering projects developed
in the UK having such a global impact, from connecting people more
efficiently and protecting our troops, to making lighter, greener cars and
leading the games industry. British engineering is alive and well - enriching
society, making a profit and helping to rebuild the economy.”
Recent winners include Arup, responsible for Beijing’s ‘Water Cube’, but an
MOD organisation has not won the award since 1991, when the Defence
Research Agency was celebrated for the Nightbird night vision system.
ENDS
For more information contact Ploughshare on 01794 301602 or the Dstl press office on 01980 658088, 07766 134768,
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Notes to editors:

Ploughshare Innovations
Ploughshare are an independent company responsible for identifying technologies developed by Dstl that are suitable for wider commercial benefit. This is achieved either by licensing of the technologies Intellectual Property or the establishment of a new venture or ‘spin-out’ company.

Dstl
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) maximises the impact of science and
technology (S&T) for the defence and security of the UK.
It supplies sensitive and specialist S&T services for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and wider
government, saving lives in the UK, overseas and on the frontline.
Dstl leads and undertakes those activities that it would be inappropriate to lead or carry out in
the private sector and undertakes those activities that must be done in government to sustain
government’s ability to be an intelligent customer and build productive relationships with the
wider science and technology community.
Dstl acts as a trusted interface between MOD, wider government, the private sector,
academia and allies to deliver battle-winning technologies.
Dstl is a trading fund of the MOD and is accountable to government, to the taxpayer and the
troops it supports in the field every day.

 

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