OBE for MoD Scientist

January 2012

Dr Andrew Baxter, of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) based at
Porton Down, has been the driving force behind many of the changes in protection delivered
to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has 25-years of service with the Ministry of Defence,
ten of which have been in his current role in Dstl’s Physical Sciences Department.
During the past year, the 49-year-old from Salisbury in Wiltshire, has played a critical role in
developing Foxhound, the Armed Forces’ next generation of light protected patrol vehicle
(LPPV). He helped set the protection requirements and provided a leading-edge assessment
of industry proposals for the project. Working with the preferred bidder, Force Protection
Europe, he has helped to guide the design of the vehicle.
Ceramic armour a new lightweight high performance armour and the subject of a licence deal between Ploughshare and NP Aerospace is also a result of his contribution.
Andrew’s technical advice is widely respected across the UK defence community, as well as
by the UK police forces in his role on the Vehicle Security Advisory Group. His views are
also sought by international colleagues, particularly in the US and Australia.

Notes to Editors:

1.  For further information please contact Ploughshare on 01794 301602.
2.  Ploughshare Innovations is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dstl responsible for identifying Dstl developed technologies that are suitable for wider commercial benefit. This is achieved either by licensing of the technologies Intellectual Property to industry or the establishment of a new venture or ‘spin-out’ company
3. 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 acts as a trusted interface between MOD, wider government, the private sector, academia and allies to deliver battle-winning technologies. It 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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