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Spring 2011 Issue 12


From innovation to solution


The annual JIRAD event demonstrates the best way to turn innovations into fieldable solutions


Its annual Joint Internal Research and Development (JIRAD) event allows General Dynamics UK to reach out in two directions – both important to the firm’s success.


Hosted at the EDGE® UK facility in Newbridge, South Wales, this event forms an important part of the Company’s relationship with its customers. Alongside other activities, such as briefings from service personnel (see page.10), it creates an environment for the kind of open dialogue and discussion that are key to delivering precisely the capabilities that customers need.


At the same time – and also in keeping with the ethos of EDGE® UK – JIRAD presents an opportunity for the Company’s Small and Medium- sized Enterprise (SME) partners to gain access to key people within defence customer organisations.


Representatives of more than 80 SMEs, as well as academics and members of the Welsh Assembly General, were able to meet with over 70 high-ranking members of the customer community – from the UK’s armed forces and Ministry of Defence. SMEs were able to showcase their technologies and solutions alongside, or as part of, those demonstrated by General Dynamics UK.


“I agree with Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Peter Luff’s assessment that prime contractors need to talent-spot innovative SMEs,” says Dr Sandy Wilson, president and managing director of General Dynamics UK. “This is exactly why we established the EDGE® UK in 2008. The facility has helped us and a number of SMEs realise the potential of their technologies over the past few years, leading to greater employment for those small companies, and even facilitating contributions to MoD programmes.”


The fruits of this kind of co-operation were on display at JIRAD. Aeroflex Test Solutions, for example, works closely with General Dynamics UK’s Deployable Logistics team to integrate automated test systems for testing software defined radios (SDR) and related equipment. BARCO provides a Networked Visualisation screen to the Information Exploitation team for command posts; the screen provides multiple display systems and enhances situational awareness to improve battlefield understanding, force management, planning and resource allocation. EVO Distributions is working closely with the EDGE® UK to introduce waterproof paper for use by dismounted soldiers in theatre. Pulse Power & Measurement and Rolatube are both integrating new antennae and mast technology for Dismounted Soldier Systems. And SFC Energy AG has worked to integrate its flexible fuel cell technology into General Dynamics UK’s deployable surveillance solutions.


Andrew Browne, VP of C4I Systems, addresses JIRAD participants


www.generaldynamics.uk.com


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