The Lloyds Register Educational Trust Lecture and Dinner

18 December 2012

Abstract

The most advanced aircraft system ever conceived, designed and built in the UK is approaching its first flight.

The scale of the engineering challenge faced by BAE Systems and its partners in developing the Taranis unmanned aircraft is considerable, as the envisaged environment demands astonishing levels of survivability, autonomous capability, integrity and precision.

The path to first flight has been a carefully managed process of risk reduction and technology maturation over the period of a decade.

The promise that such a system offers is one of reliable, repeatable operations in demanding environments whilst keeping the men and women of our armed forces out of harm's way; not to mention achieving all of this at a fraction of the cost of manned aircraft.

This lecture lifts the lid on a decade of technology demonstrations and trials and exposes some of the lessons learned along the way.

Biography

Nigel Whitehead FREng
Group MD, Programmes & Support
BAE Systems plc

Nigel was appointed Group Managing Director of Programmes and Support, one of three Global Operating Groups in BAE Systems, in 2008. In this role he has responsibility for UK Businesses including Maritime, Military Air & Information, Combat Vehicles (UK) and the Group's Shared Services operations. These businesses deliver a £6bn turnover predominantly in UK defence but also in international markets.

Nigel undertakes a number of additional roles:

- Council Member, Royal Academy of Engineering
- Commissioner, UK Commission for Employment and Skills
- Trustee and Chairman, WIG (Whitehall and Industry Group)
- Chairman, UK Council for Electronic Business
- Member, Apprentice Ambassador Network
- Council Member, A|D|S (Aerospace, Defence, Security)

Nigel is a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Nigel's previous role was as Group Managing Director of the Military Air Solutions (MAS) business of BAE Systems, during which he was also a Supervisory Board Member of Eurofighter GmbH. Nigel has been active in defence programmes including design, development, production and support for 28 years, working in the UK, Sweden and Australia.

Prior to joining British Aerospace as an aerodynamicist, Nigel worked for Rolls-Royce for four years as a production engineering apprentice and graduated in mechanical engineering.

Nigel is married to Heather and they have two daughters. In his spare time, Nigel enjoys painting.

Programme:

6.00pm Registration
6.30pm Lecture
8.00pm Reception
8.20pm Optional Dinner
9.45pm Close