The future of defence and aerospace research: a view from the front

This paper considers defence and aerospace research in the UK from the pers pective of a research worker. The distinction between research, technology demonstration and development, the particular characteristics of research a nd the qualities required in a research worker are discussed. The important influence of the research environment, both within an organisation and nat ionally, is highlighted. The contribution of the past environment to the re search underlying the present strength of UK technology, and subsequent adv erse changes in the environment, are noted. The decline of UK research fund ing and of the UK research base is contrasted with the situation of our mai n industrial competitors. Finally, the author lists the actions which he be lieves are needed to rebuild research to a level which will underwrite the long-term future of UK defence and aerospace.