Technology Lectures at Barrow in Furness

I went last night to one of these lectures by QinetiQ at Haslar which was excellent.

http://www.bdae.org.uk/barrowlectures.htm

This was the one about manoeuvring to maintain a safe operating envelope i.e what to do if planes jam at high speed or sub floods a low speed.

A lot in the lecture about control of subs - effect of control surfaces, pitch angle etc. It was also nice to know that not everything is predictable by computer they use models extensively in test tanks and also free running in a reservoir to test and characterise hull shape etc.

My thanks to David J for letting me know about this lecture series.

Also I imagine that not many reading this are "just happening to be driving past Barrow" but next week the lecture is about the rescue attempts on the Kursk. I see other submarine lectures in the coming weeks.

They are free and open to the public.

Dave J has just sent this info. Looks very interesting for anyone in the North West. Sadly I'm teaching that night. David

Subject: BDAE lecture - In Service Submarines - The Forum, Thursday, 16th February 7.30pm.....Barrow in Furness.



Hello all

Our last lecture was outstanding and attendance so high that sadly we had to turn a number away from the Forum Studio, our sincere apologies to you. We are moving our next lecture to the Forum main hall to make sure we have ample space.

Submarines and Barrow are often mentioned in the same breath. When one of the world’s most experienced submarine builders returns to give a talk in his home town then it is an evening worth noting. Dr Dennis Gilbert is to present a lecture on “In Service Submarines” at the next BDAE lecture.

Dennis is a member of a unique band of people who have moved from Barrow shipyard to play a larger role in national engineering projects. As Managing Director Strategic Development for Babcock International he has played the leading role in the management of Devonport Dockyard. His previous experience as Operations Director building submarines in Barrow has been put to use in the Refit & Maintenance of vessels now commissioned into the Royal Navy.

The Lecture will cover the major changes that have taken place with the management of the dockyards and naval bases in support of the nuclear submarine programme and will also highlight the challenges and performance of “submarine in service support”. The outcome of the Strategic Defence and Security Review confirmed that the submarine programme is a core part of the maritime defence capability. This provides substantial future challenges for industry in both build and support. These are issues which will be discussed in the presentation

Charles Rowntree of BDAE said” We are very pleased that Dennis has agreed to this talk. His knowledge of the subject is second to none and he is fondly remembered by many who formed the Team that build Trident. This lecture follows the Associations aim of encouraging people to take an interest in Engineering and demonstrates the many that have left to take up significant roles in large national organisations”

The lecture is in The Main Hall of the Forum on Thursday, 16th February commencing at 7.30pm. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend. Bring a friend and have a quiet pint, the bar will be opened for us.