What is the Defence & Security Accelerator (DASA)?

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) finds and exploits innovations which support the defence and security of the UK faster and more effectively, and generate economic value for the UK. DASA aims to become the go-to place for government, private sector, third sector and academics to find solutions to defence and security problems and needs. History of DASA DASA… Read More

What is the Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL)?

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), headquartered at Porton Down in Salisbury, provides solutions to the problems of UK defence and security by delivering high-impact science and technology. DSTL is an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), operated along commercial lines. It is one of the principal government organisations dedicated to science and technology in the… Read More

Does Wearing Combat Clothing & Backpack Result in Shooting Performance Degradation?

Research Paper Title Effect of carrying different military equipment during a fatigue test on shooting performance. Background This study investigated the effect of a 3-km walking test (3kWT) carrying different military equipment on shooting performance, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR), and test time. Methods The relative combat wear and backpack weight (as… Read More

What is the Benefit of Outdoor Hand Washing during Field Training?

Research Paper Title The usefulness of hand washing during field training to prevent acute respiratory illness in a military training facility. Background Hand washing plays a key role in preventing respiratory infection in many clinical settings. However, its effectiveness in preventing acute respiratory illness (ARI) during field training in military training facilities has been not… Read More

A Defence Medical Services Perspective on Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA)

Research Paper Title Military Aid to the Civil Authorities: a Defence Medical Services perspective. Abstract This paper describes the policy and principles for the provision of Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA). It emphasises the importance of following the proscribed process in order to avoid possible political, legal, reputational and financial pitfalls. It outlines… Read More

Why are the Queen Elizabeth Class of Aircraft Carriers fitted with the 20mm Phalanx Close In Weapons System (CIWS)?

The Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) of aircraft carriers have been fitted with the 20 mm Phalanx Close In Weapons System (CIWS) manufactured by Raytheon rather than the 30 mm Goalkeeper CIWS manufactured by Thales (previously Signaal) to maintain the commonality of fit so as to minimise any additional costs of maintenance and support by having a… Read More

What is the Naming Convention for UK Missiles?

UK missiles are not assigned codes as in other countries; for example, the United States of America (USA). Rather, they are just given names which are found to be more meaningful and easier to remember and intended to invoke a sense of the missile and its capability. As new UK missiles are not introduced into… Read More