HATFIELD BRANCH NEWSLETTER

FEBRUARY 2021 February Lecture Student Lecture Competition Russell Harrison Wednesday 17th February, 6.30pm, Vaishnavi Pawar online. Akshay Deshmukh See back page for details

image: Spike Aerospace

From the Chairman Welcome to our February newsletter. I hope that you are yet carried any crew. enjoying our online series of lectures. Our last lecture from Both Virgin Galactic & Blue Origin are looking to start their Howard Nye and his team from the RAeS Space Group was sub orbital passenger flights in 2021. However, If you actually well received and recordings are available if you missed it. want to go into orbit, then Elon Musk’s SpaceX may be for As the pandemic eases, many of you may be thinking you. SpaceX has already flown NASA astronauts to the ISS, about getting away but some people may be going further using their Falcon 9 rocket and the Dragon capsule. So far, a than Cornwall or Greece. Is this the year that Space Tourism total of 8 tourists have visited the ISS, using the Russian Soyuz finally takes off, with three companies vying to be the first rocket, the last in 2009. Now, more tourists with very deep to carry fare paying passengers? pockets could soon be going there as well. NASA has priced a Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic are reported to have sold stay on the ISS at $35,000 per day plus a mere $50M for the over 600 tickets at $250K each for their SpaceShip2 which ride there and back. Later this year, SpaceX is also planning a offers an air launch from its White Knight 2 carrier aircraft multi-day mission in low earth orbit for a crew of four. and a runway landing. Spaceship2 will launch at about All these companies are trying to maximise the use of 50,000ft and is built to carry two pilots and six passengers in reusable technology. The New Shepard booster is designed a ride to the edge of space at an altitude of around 100km. to land vertically with booster and capsule intended to be At the apogee, this will give a few minutes of weightlessness reusable. All this is making such jaunts more affordable, at and a spectacular view of the earth. Virgin Galactic need to least for some. complete three more test flights before they can expect to Coming back to earth, this month’s event is the annual receive FAA approval to carry passengers, although Richard student lecture competition for the Safran Trophy. I am Branson is expected to fly on the last of these test flights. After delighted that once again, Safran have agreed to sponsor a number of delays, the first of these flights was expected this year’s event and will form part of the judging panel. this month but unfortunately has just been postponed. Last season’s winner was Sergio Hidalgo who spoke passion- Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin New Shepard rocket will also offer ately on Misconceptions about Supersonic Flight. We have a sub orbital experience reaching the Karman Line, at around selected three students and I do encourage you all to join 100km. In New Shepard, you would experience a vertical us to support the students in what is a very enjoyable and launch with the capsule landing under parachutes in a flight entertaining evening. lasting about 11 minutes. The capsule has 6 seats, but New Stay safe. Shepard operates autonomously, and its test flights have not Steve Rogers HATFIELD BRANCH FEBRUARY 2021 NEWSLETTER Page 2

Members’ competition update review of recent record attempts shows that in an AX04 It should be no surprise to learn that Phil Elliott correctly class of hot-air balloon, 600 to 900m³, piloted by Alicia identified the Gordon Bennett Cup, which is the oldest and Hempleman-Adams (GBR), achieved an altitude of 4628m most prestigious ballooning competition in the world. on 7th February 2020. The same balloon had achieved 15th The Gordon Bennett competition (or Coupe Aéro- place in the 63rd Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett nautique Gordon Bennett) first 2019 FAI World Long Distance Gas took place in September 1906 in Balloon Championship, piloted Paris. The event was sponsored by John Rose (GBR) and Ann Rich by James Gordon Bennett, Jr, the (GBR). The balloon was launched millionaire sportsman and owner from Pontlevoy (FRA) and achieved of the New York Herald newspaper. 414.14 km in 22hours 2 minutes. The connection with Geoffrey de The next event details may be Havilland is his involvement in the found on http://www.gordonben- Gordon Bennett motor race. In nett.aero 1900 GdH began training at the A leading manufacturer of gas Crystal Palace Engineering School balloons in the UK is Cameron and, after various adventures with Balloons, http://www.cameron- brother Ivon in motor cars, they balloons.co.uk/. Their GB1000 began to build their own, hoping to hydrogen balloon takes an compete in the 1903 Gordon-Ben- innovative approach using a sealed nett Race. The car was not finished system, so that the hydrogen so they could only spectate. remains pure and prevents gas This members’ competition aims and air mixing, The GB1000 uses a to illustrate how competition can ‘servo system’ so, when the balloon stimulate innovation. The Gordon is full, the valve allows hydrogen to Bennett Cup is a good example of this as this competition exit at the top. Allowing the hydrogen balloon to remain continues today under the guidance of the Fédération Aéro- pure at all times during flight, the servo system also nautique Internationale World Air Sports Federation with maintains altitude precisely. Being built from brilliant white the next Gordon Bennett Gas Balloon event being scheduled static-resistant fabric reduces solar gain and night cooling, to start at Wroclaw, , on 19-28 August 2021. enhancing safety and performance. Competitive ballooning aims to test pilots’ skills in Lift from gases at 15°C and 1013.25 millibar in kg/m³: distance, speed (over short and long distances) and navi- hydrogen 1.140 kg/m³, helium 1.056 kg/m³, methane 0.546 gational precision. Each flight usually involves several kg/m³, ammonia 0.495 kg/m³. tasks. Competition balloons are usually 180-2200m3 in Keith Gowland size. Competitions often take place in the early morning or 2020-21 Lecture Programme late afternoon, times Confirmed lectures (Wednesdays): suitable for light wind 21st Oct: Geoffrey de Havilland Lecture: PrivateFly Air Charter conditions needed Operations, Adam Twidell for initial inflation 18th Nov: Handley Page & Radlett, Chris Scivyer and safe landings. 9th Dec: Aircraft Galleys, Collins Aerospace Each balloon carries 20th Jan 2021: Space Lecture, TBA a GPS flight recorder 17th Feb: Student Lecture Competition and a tracker unit 17th Mar: Cranfield University – The Digital Aviation Research that transmits the and Technology Centre, Prof Graham Braithwaite balloon’s position 21st Apr: GASCo Safety Evening, Keith Thomas back to the starting 19th May: Drones, Andrew Chadwick, preceded by AGM area, enabling All lectures are online. Please contact hatfield@aerosociety. spectators to follow com for an invitation the competition. A HATFIELD BRANCH FEBRUARY 2021 NEWSLETTER Page 3

Obituary – Robert Pleming and to generate the necessary support from industry, the Robert Pleming, the chairman of Aviation Heritage UK and CAA and an army of individuals. As well as the technical the inspiration behind the restoration and return to flight of problems, lack of finance was always a critical factor. After Vulcan XH558, died suddenly on 2nd February. an initial refusal, in 2004, the Heritage Lottery Fund gave a grant of £2.7M and the restoration could begin. As the Vulcan Project Manager at Marshall Aerospace, I was proud to work with Robert and the team from the Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTST), for over 10 years, during the restoration, first flight and initial operation of 558. It was the culmination of a massive effort from all the team when a Vulcan finally took to the air again in October 2007. The VTST team flew the Vulcan for the next 8 years and it was enjoyed by an estimated 15 million people at over 200 events. However, in 2015, it was decided that 558’s flying life was over and the aircraft was retired to its long term home at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, where it is now maintained in ground-running condition. Along with the aircraft restoration, Robert’s vision was Image copyright VTST always to use XH558 as a way to engage young people. After the RAF decided to stop operating XH558 as a The VTST are currently fundraising to build the Vulcan display aircraft in 1992, the aircraft was bought by C Walton Experience which, In addition to telling the Vulcan story, will Ltd and flown to Bruntingthorpe. When the aircraft landed also provide a Green Technology Hub. This is an initiative in March 1993, few thought that it would ever fly again. where youngsters will be inspired to become engineers. It However, Robert who had a doctorate in Nuclear Physics will be a fitting tribute to Robert, without whom we would and was a senior executive at Cisco Systems, had other almost certainly not have seen the Vulcan flying again. ideas. With the support of David Walton, Robert and a Dr Robert Pleming RIP small team worked doggedly to overcome all the objections Steve Rogers

RAeS Space Group: 21 January 2021: Role career path and current role, as well as some highlights of and Activities of the RAeS Space Group his 12 years on the Space Group Committee. These have ranged from a live video tour of the International Space The Hatfield Branch was delighted to welcome Howard Station from Tim Peake, to a public lecture outlining how Nye, Geoff Busswell and Alex Godfrey for an action-packed ESA landed on a comet. overview of the achievements of the RAeS Space Group. Alex Godfrey, Business Operations Manager, Lockheed Howard Nye, Chairman of the RAeS Space Group and Martin UK, based in Ampthill near Bedford, described President-elect of the Society, has a stellar career history with enthusiasm his career in aerospace and gave some in space exploration. His insight in the space landscape examples of future opportunities. He is also the chair of the provided an encouraging outlook for those wishing to Space Group Early Careers Sub-committee. explore a career in this area. Howard led proceedings with a summary of the role of Geoff Busswell, Head of Sales and Marketing at the Society and in particular the Space Group, listing their Telespazio UK, based in Luton, provided a summary of his achievements utilising independent, authoritative, evidence- based knowledge from a network of subject-matter experts. The Space group defines and delivers conferences, lecture programmes, contributes to space related public consultations and provides space experts for parliamentary sessions, media events, learned papers and articles. Of particular note is their support for youth activities in the space domain and encouraging diversity. The presentations are available online at HATFIELD BRANCH FEBRUARY 2021 NEWSLETTER Page 4

of ESA. Also, as a result of clauses in the recent UK-EU trade deal, it is expected that the UK will formalise its role as a 3rd party participant in the EU space programmes Copernicus (earth observation) and Space Surveillance and Tracking (space objects and debris). Also, new international space partnerships may be created as part of UK trade deals with the USA, , , , and other members of the Commonwealth. 2. What should members, staff, and students look out for as UK Spaceports become established? Howard talked about UK Spaceports and explained that Sutherland is presently most advanced with the potential for a vertical launch in 2022. Newquay and Snowdonia currently lead the horizontal launch capability. The national aim is to create the infrastruc- ture required to offer cost effective spacecraft Howard: Presentation, Geoff: Presentation, Alex: Presenta- launches from the UK, in order to strengthen spacecraft tion. (The actual hyperlinks are too long to show in full.) You can follow both the Space Group and the Early Careers Subcommittee on Twitter: @RAeSSpaceGroup and @RAeSSpaceECS. Following on from our event the Space Group has published a look ahead to the most significant crewed and un-crewed missions and spaceflight news for 2021. This is available online at https://www.aerosociety.com/news/ spaceflight-in-2021-a-look-ahead/

Members’ questions 1. What are your views on the differing priorities of Space activities now that the UK has left the EU? Clarifying that the European Space Agency (ESA) is not an EU body, but an Inter-Governmental Agency established and payload production in the UK as well as exploitation of in 1975 and headquartered in Paris, Howard explained that the associated downstream applications. the UK will continue to benefit from membership of ESA, 3. What would you like to see universities promote but will certainly need to look to extend its reach having with students to ensure knowledge transfer? left the EU. He explained that the President’s conference Alex identified the benefits of internships as a route planned for May 2021 will be addressing this issue, high- to understanding the full engineering life cycle and the lighting areas of common interest and possible partners of importance of requirements management. Howard choice based upon available skills in science and technology. highlighted the diverse nature of the skills needed in terms He explained society’s every-day dependence on space of informatics, research, law, management etc. to make systems and services additional benefits for our dependency space operations work. Geoff mentioned the cross-cutting on national infrastructure, for example telecommunica- domain skills which include artificial intelligence to ensure tions and banking, adding that £1 of UK investment in the quality control of earth observation data that all have a space domain can provide up to ten-fold or in some cases a place in UK space ambition. fifteen-fold return to the overall economy. The Hatfield Branch thanked speakers for their enthusi- Geoff said that whilst the UK now has no access to astic review of key achievements of the Space Group. The industrial contracts in the Galileo programme (Europe’s speakers are available to reply to follow up questions via satellite navigation system), the ESA Navigation programme [email protected] (NAVISP) is accessible given that the UK remains a member Keith Gowland HATFIELD BRANCH FEBRUARY 2021 NEWSLETTER Page 5

Geoffrey de Havilland Memorial Lectures Over the years, we have had many distinguished speakers been an annual event. During this period, eminent speakers to deliver the Geoffrey de Havilland Memorial Lecture and included Ken Wilkinson, Sir Roy Sisson, Darrol Stinton, I thought that it might be interesting to record the names Richard Noble and Alaister Pugh. of the lecturers. In 1989 Mike Ramsden looked at the forty years since After Sir Geoffrey died in 1965, the first lecture was the first flight of the Comet. After this and with help from given by Richard Clarkson in November 1966. ‘A Brief History of the Hatfield Branch’ compiled by Alan Unfortunately, the records between 1966 and 1988 are Blythe in 1998, we have a reasonable list for the last 30 rather sparse and it is difficult to identify lecturers from so years, although there are still significant gaps. long ago. From a publication in the Aeronautical Journal, If you know the details of any of the missing information, it appears that Sir Morien Morgan gave the third lecture I would love to hear from you. around 1970, so at that point, the lectures may not have Steve Rogers

Date Subject Lecturer 16 Nov 1966 Sir Geoffrey de Havilland Richard Clarkson 1967 - 1969 ? ? 1970 ? Keeping the Pilot Happy – the Contribution of R&D (third GdH lecture) Sir Morien Morgan 1971 - 1982 ? ? 1983 Inside the Crystal Ball Derek Brown 1984 - 1988 ? ? 1989 1949-89 and the Next 40 Years of Jet Transport Mike Ramsden 1990 - 1991 ? ? 1992 The 125 is 30 David Laugher 1993 Airbus – On the Wings of Success Jeff Jupp 1994 Raytheon ? Tom Nicholson 1995 The Future of Aerospace Propulsion Brian Rowe 1996 Flying Towards 2000 Sir Donald Spiers 1997 Airline Safety Worldwide Ron Ashford 1998 A Century of Aerodynamics 1930 -2030 Professor John Stollery 1999 - 2002 ? ? 16 Apr 2003 John Cunningham Simon Ames 21 Apr 2004 Flight Safety Foundation Stuart Matthews 27 April 2005 Airbus A380 Frank Ogilvie 2006 Rolls Royce ? Colin Smith RR ? 25 Apr 2007 The Empire Test Pilots’ School – Past, Present & Future Cdr Chris Maude 2008 Marshall Aerospace Terry Holloway 2009 Concorde Operations ? Capt David Rowland ? 28 Apr 2010 RAF Future Air Power Air Cdre Mark Roberts 20 Apr 2011 Boeing 787 Dreamliner Miguel Santos 18 Apr 2012 Quantas & the A380 Capt David Evans 17 Apr 2013 Airbus A400M Flight Test Programme Tony Flynn 2 April 2014 Airbus A350 Design Phil Hamblin 22 Apr 2015 The Sabre Engine Alan Bond 20 Apr 2016 Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown Nicholas Jones 23 Sept 2017 The Story of the DH 125 Philip Birtles & others 18 Apr 2018 21st Century Naval Aviation Sir George Zambellas 9 Apr 2019 The Evolution of the All Electric Aircraft Marc Holme 21 Oct 2020 PrivateFly Air Charter Operations Adam Twidell HATFIELD BRANCH ONLINE EVENT

Student Lecture Competition

17th February 2021 18:30 This is our annual competition for the Safran The presentations will be judged by a panel from Trophy. Three students from the University of Safran, the University and the Branch. The lectures Hertfordshire will each give a 15-minute being given on the evening are as follows: presentation, followed by 5 minutes of questions. A Sustainable Space by Russell Harrison Russell will be discussing the prospect of making space living sustainable and cost effective by talking about using the ISS at the end of its lifetime to either transform it into a deep space spacecraft or lower down to the moon's surface

X-59 QUESST - A low-boom, low-drag Supersonic jet by Vaishnavi Pawar Vaishnavi will be discussing the conceptual aircraft X- 59 QUESST (Quiet supersonic technology) and introducing the X-59 Lockheed Martin- NASA concept.

Urban Air Mobility by Akshay Deshmukh Akshay will introduce the positive aspects of urban air mobility and its contribution to a multimodal mobility system, focusing on the development, feasibility and conceptual designs to make this project possible

The event is sponsored by Safran and the winner will receive a £150 prize as well as the trophy.

VENUE: PROGRAMME Online Webinar 18:30 – Online Forum Setup 18:40 – Welcome 18:45 – Lectures 20:00 – End

Members & non-members are welcome GET CONNECTED WITH RAeS Search “RAeS Hatfield Branch”, on Facebook For webinar invites Please contact the Branch Secretary on: Email: [email protected]