1984 ... eventful year Managing Director's Report

New name- Staying in 1984 has been another modestly successful year for the Company. As same pedigree the lead you will all know, we changed our Members of the company team We remain Europe's leading name at the end of August to GEC producer and the UK's top exporter Avionics and I am happy to say that now work together under a new this change has been quite well name, GEC Avionics Limited. This of avionics, enabling us to sustain received by our customers who, by identifies, to other people, our long­ the size of our team during a period and large, welcome the established role as a major part of when many companies have disappearance of confusion between Britain's largest electronic and declined. ourselves and other Marconi electrical company. Whether, as companies. individuals, our origins go back to This year, we have done considerably those of Marconi, in 1895, or of better than we anticipated in Elliott, in 1799, we carry forward acquiring new orders and, as I write, the skills and experience with which our order intake is up on last year's we have together learned to by almost 30%. However, our succeed in world markets. deliveries to customers have also increased, the net result being an order backlog increase of just over 10%. SALES AND EXPORTS TOTAL EMPLOYEES UK FACTORY SPACE These improvements in orders have 12000 3 not, however, reflected significantly ~ into the number of people we employ ..,. ~ 10000 ~ TotalSalev which has, so far, during the year, V ~ risen by only about 100. This is t..,.... ~ Total 8000 l/ -' 1- ",2 -t;r partly a reflection of considerable cj- ~ j~ ~B asildon improvements in productivity, both in o'" , Establishment I ~ 6000 engineering departments and in c '" production, as a result of the EXP;::' ~ ~ /' Borelham~ood ~ ~ A ~ Establishment ~ substantial investments which the AV 4000 1 ~ , , P company has made in computer­ -.... ! ~ .., I" 'f- .r , Rochester ..., .., ~ .- aided design, improved assembly 2000 Establishment ", facilities and automatic test .... --- equipment. In addition to this, however, the ever­ 1976 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 1976 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 1976 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 increasing number of components which can be packaged onto a single silicon chip results automatically in a smaller requirement for our own assembly effort, whilst the demand How others saw us for test and inspection will probably continue to rise. An important event was the change The British Army Equipment of an airliner's tyres (PSD) and a of our company name, from Exhibition drew attention to the system for providing digitised Looking a bit further to the future, Marconi Avionics Limited to GEC company's activities in areas other moving colour maps (GSD). the annual increase in the UK defence budget which has occurred Avionics Limited. We have for some than aerospace. So did widespread Our sponsorship of the GEC under the current administration is time been independently managed reports of CQD's Electro-Magnetic unlikely to be maintained, and we from The Marconi Company and Compatibility testing of car Avionics National Gliding must look to a levelling off of home the name change, which was well­ electronics for Ford and other Championships was well publicised defence procurement in the foresee­ publicised, is to avoid confusion. leading car manufacturers. by the National and trade able future. media. APD announced two new To maintain a reasonable rate of In 1984, our capabilities and contracts at the end of the year, The Farnborough Air Show gave expansion and, therefore, our total activities across a wide range of involving AD620K navigation successful publicity to no fewer than labour force, it will become more and products and programmes, received systems, for the Italian company 10 of our products and more essential to obtain orders from world-wide publicity. The year Aermacchi and AD660 Doppler programmes. The Foxhunter AI foreign customers and a great deal of began with two major order Velocity Sensors for CASA, of effort is currently being put into this Radar made its public debut and announcements: AD3400 (APD) for Spain. aspect of our business. the MOD, and AQS-902 (MASD) the company co-sponsored the for the Royal Swedish Navy. New FBW Jaguar which flew each day. Marshal of the Royal Air Force May I take this opportunity of thanking you all for your efforts products publicised included We also announced ADD's contract Sir Michael Beetham became a to supply the new F-16 CID HUD during the past year and wishing you ORlON automatic test equipment Director of our company and a very happy Christmas. (ATED) and FASTAR, a portable MASD's order from the Indian Navy Air Commodore 'Reggie' Spiers radar for battlefield surveillance for AQS-902 and their nomination joined us as a Marketing Executive. (APhyD). TICM II (E-OPD) orders by Fokker to equip F27 Maritime The news that top designer were announced for tanks and Enforcer aircraft. Among the Staff Ellis had won GEe's J E Pateman CBE Rapier missile guidance and highly innovative products announced, Lord Nelson Gold Medal gave Managing Director successful US flight trials of a FUR were a unique method of pleasure to everyone and was well GEC Avionics limited pod were reported. measuring the internal temperature reported. 6th December 1984 Rochester Establishment covers Rochester, Nailsea, Yeovil, and Byfleet

Foreword by Business performance at Rochester and central departments. The Foreword by While most Flight Group turnover has Future growth is confidently based on W H Alexander OBE, continues to improve and, in spite of increased use of microprocessors and R W Howard, come from long running programmes this balanced mixture of existing and Assistant Managing Director of GEC Avionics our general concern about the dearth word processors has also improved Director and General Manager of such as Tornado, Cobra, Boeing 747 new products, projects and business Limited and chief executive for the Rochester of new aircraft programmes, both sales our efficiency and I should like to pay GEC Avionics Limited and the chief executive and Lynx, these are all past their areas. Establishment and order books are being maintained. tribute to the way that all employees responsible for CACO, FARL, FeD, lSD, peak production rates and efforts are The principal manufacturing divisions Exports account for well over half of are taking in their stride the rapid PeSO and PSD. directed to finding new opportunities are ably supported by the newly our sales and whilst the United States changes in technology. for profitable future production. formed Power Conversion Systems remains our largest overseas market, Division and by FARL we are achieving success in many The EMC facility of CQD, re-housed In addition to maintaining our lead in parts of the world, especially in the and expanded at Gads HiII,is one of traditional markets, we are seeking to With successes in the Magnus and avionics retro-fit business. the few of its type in the countl)1 and develop new products and services. Montanazo programmes and studies continues to be well used, even by With the Phoenix programme, FCD on underwater vechicles, Offshore During the year we have made some outside customers such as the motor anticipates a new area of business. Projects Group is acquiring the progress towards developing more of car industry. Personnel, Works Similarly, CACD has made strong reputation needed for future growth. the control of the business into two Engineering and Accounts Depart­ proposals for management of a major groups of divisions under ments have given valuable service While working to consolidate our A-4 retrofit programme and is Peter Hearne and Ron Howard by during the year. Works Engineering market position, the efficiency of working on Long Range Stand-Off strengthening their teams with some are currently drawing up plans for the internal operations has not been Missiles with Boeing, British senior appointments. The use of the space in the main factory, neglected. Substantial investment has Aerospace and MBB. ISO is organization chart printed below illus­ vacated by Fishers. The Canteen is been made in computer aids for developing new products for ejection trates this grouping. In line with this appreciated by visitors from our design, development, manufacturing seat control and ice detection. PSD movement I have invited Peter and customers as well as by the regular and administration, supplemented by is developing Maintenance Data Ron to make their own reports for users. The recent dinner for the Long recruitment and training of the Panels and Standby Instruments for their parts of the Company and I Service Association was superbly highest quality staff. shall restrict my comments to some EAP while flight tests of a Tyre done. Against this background we can face points of general interest. Temperature Monitor continue on a Our ability to sell competitively BAe 146. the future with confidence. throughout the world is largely The most noticeable sign of progress dependent on the quality of our in looking round the establishment,is designs and it was a pleasure to see the considerable increase in the use Combat Aircraft Controls ground station equipment for the SCADC and SPEARFlSH, development this recognised by the award of the of computers to accomplish the Division continues manufacturing Uanbedr range. Production for Boeing projects are under way, including PCUs Nelson Gold Medal for Design to Tornado AFCS with over 500 equip­ 747, BAC1·11, Lynx, Rapier and for EAP, EH101 and LAPADS commercial and technical tasks. The Staff Ellis. area occupied by EDP has been re­ ment sets delivered. Prototype AM-X unmanned aircraft continues. programmes. Throughout the year, furbished and the ICL 2966 installed. Finally,1 should like to thank all computers have performed well in flight active marketing has continued both With over 200 terminals throughout employees for their contribution to trials. The Jaguar FBW programme was Powerplant Systems Division internally and outside GEC and the factory they are now able to offer the success of our business during the successfully completed, with the ACT continued to install its products across decisions are awaited on a number of a really effective service to divisions last year. demonstrator flying in the maximum the world. Automatic Powerplant Test major proposals. unstable configuration at Farnborough Systems were completed in Canada, '84. EAP AFCS development is Italy, Germany and Britain. Supervisory progressing well, with rig equipment Control, already in service with seven now under evaluation. New business airlines, and Fuel Measurement THE GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY plc. opportunities associated with LRSOM, equipmen~ with a potential order for OF ENGLAtlO Standard Autopilot and aircraft retrofits the US Navy T45, show an improving

r:; ------ELECTRONIC SYS TEMS & COMPONENTS ------I are being aggressively pursued with order situation. Among next generation E MARCQ:ll COMPANY llD; MCWCHAEL LYD MAJiCOW CDMMAtID...,1O C01lTAOl SYSTEMS lTD ElECmoWC VAlVE COMPAtIIES encouraging results. products, the Tyre Temperature Monitor tAARCOtn COW .lUII !CA1l0 rl SYSTEl.IS l TO • SAlf ORO ElECmowC INSTAUMEIllS MARCOtII OErEIIC£ SYSTEMS LTD cmelt/flATI ElECTRO'lICS CORP USA. I had a successful flight trial and Liquid MARCOtIl ELECTRONIC DEVICES LlD GEC AVlONICS CIRC urr TECH NOlOGY ilK: USA MAOCOW IIlSTRUMEIITS llD GEC AVIONICS LIMITED GEe SOflWARE llD t.tA~OW IlITERIU.notlAL MARJ,IE co l TO I Flight Controls Division has Crystal Reversionary Displays received !.tAReO/l t PAOJECTS LTD HEAD OFFICE: RQC HESTER. KENT MARCOW RAOAIl SYSTEMS LTO MARCONI SECURE RADIO SYSTEM S LTD successfully flight-demonstrated enthusiastic user reports. MARCOrH SP4CE SYSTEM S LTD MARCOtII UNDERWATER SYSTEMS llD Phoenix, its contender for the British The Board of GEC Avionics OVERSEAS SUBS/OIARIES Instrument Systems Division's limited is: Army Surveillance Unmanned Aircraft "C•• I" ___ requirement. Following deliveries of international order book includes the Chairman: Sir Robert Telford more than 200 slat and flap computers helicopter low airspeed system, with CBE I I I ROCHESTER BASILOON BOREHAMWOOD for the A310 and A300-600, FCD has over 800 now delivered to seven Managing Director. Mr J E Pateman I ESTABLISHMENT 1 I ESTABLISHMENT ESTABLISHMENT 11 J l PROJECTSAV~~~CS r been selected to supply the SFCC on countries. The Tornado Stores LIMITED Award-winning VLSl 'chip set' module CBE Management System development AvtAOOPlSE.RVlCE CEtITRALOUAlfTY AlRAOIO PflOOUCTS AlReofu/•£ RADAR the new Airbus Industry A320. Aerial is more competitive than Assistant Managing Mr W H Alexander t ,v1O REPA!R OMSKl" ~ ~ OEPARTMEtiT I I DMSlOtl• Jt SYSTEMS OMSlOU t programme has recently been extended Director. OBE target work has expanded with a conventional electronics. AlRAOIOSVSTEMS "!RBOfltlEWARllltlG AVlOefefllCS ","SEA .1 1 RE SEA RC H t,OFfSHORE PAOJECTS GROUP, ~ DMSKlH SYSTEMS OMSlOtl to incorporate the control of the I I I LABORATORY r contract to provide demonstrator Financial Director. Mr D C Rickard ALARM missile. The USAF and USN GT. BADOOW Flight Automation Research Directors: Mr P A Heame TACnCAL mFORMATlCtIl AlRBORIIE SOflWAAE I DMSIOII It OMS'''H I Standard Central Air Data activity, now Laboratory The expertise offered to Mr R W Howard I I fully qualified, is nearing the production POWER COII\'£RSIOII R£COROlflG SYSTEMS AlRAOIOSP... R£S,v1O SPECtAL f'ffOJ£CTS Product Divisions by FARL engineers is SYSTEMS OMSlOII DMSIOII SERVlCEUNH OIV1SIOtI Mr W R Paterson t I J t It I competition stage. New products being typified by their winning entry in this COMBAT AIRCRAFT AlRBORtIE 04SPlAY ELECTAC>OFflCAL introduced include microprocessor Marshal of the t COtrTR(II..SOMSIOII I """'""" I I SURVDlWK:E DM5IOI/ 1 1 ~EDPHYSK;.SDMSIOII 1 year's Haskett Trophy Competition­ Ail" controlled equipment for ejection seat Royal Force fLIGHT OOUTROlS GUIO,v/'CE SYSTEMS ElECTRCH)f'llCAL CaH RAlOUAUl"t the design, development and imple­ Sir Michael Beetham t DMSIOU t OMSIOII t t f'AOO\..ICTS OMSIOt' It OfPARTUEHT I control and an Ice Detection System. mentation of the MIL STD 1553B Data GCB CBE POWERPLAtlT SYSTEJ.IS MARrlWE AIRCRAFT I E1.ECTROOPTICAL .-.oV,vICEO I 1 LIGHtWEIGHT STRUCTURES 1 "_...,_ - ~ - --'.·1- ~~~ Transmission Chip Set using very large t DIVISIO N t SYSTEMS OMS!OIl I SYSTEMS OM5ION OfPARll.lEt-IT Dr B J O'Kane CBE Power Conversion Systems scale integration (VLSQ. Used in many INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS AUTOMATlCTEST fUTURE SYSTEMS THlCK RUI . . , is Consultant to the Board DIVISlOtI EOUIPMHIT OM SIOU LAaORATORY OfPARTMEtlT Division was formed in July 1984, Company products, this device has t t I t 11 I .... ., consolidating the growing power proVided a lead over competitors. An Non-Board Directors are: ~ I f LIGHT AUTOM• ... noll CEtlTRAL• QlJAUlY • OfPAIllMElIT I 1 RESEARCH LABORATORY ~ RESEARCH lA9OR.ATOAY I t conversion business at Nailsea into an advanced Digital Map system for RAE Technical: Prof J T Shepherd ROC HESTEA BASllOON C HATH ...... STAHUOAE RAOLETT The Company's pilotless surveillance autonomous division of the Company. and a Ry-by-Light Right Control system GlWH(;HAM HEMEL HEIoIPSTEAO Commercial: Mr C C F Naylor NAlLSEA INA B RI STOL) MILTO tlKEYHES aircraft shown contending for the YEQVIL WELWY N GAAOEN C ITY In addition to the supply of PCUs to for Airship Industries have been Personnel: Mr E J Bradley PETERBOROUGH Army's Phoenix programme. major programmes such as TORNADO, completed. Rochester Establishment continued

Foreword by The past year has seen some important aerospace and defence customers. Marconi Avionics Ine. continues location for the Mechanical Standards combination of mainframe and P A Heame, Nav Group successes and new moves Marconi Instruments is also to co-manufacturing Head-Up Displays for Laboratory has vastly improved the microcomputer programs. Accounting Director and General Manager of to improve future competitiveness. market the system for commercial the A-4, A-7 and F-16 A/B aircraft working environment and consequently services are now provided to GEC GEC Avionics Limited and the customers. Product support work for Company improved tumround time. Both environ­ Avionics Projects, GEC Software and The rapid entry into production of the products in continental USA continues mental test houses continue to diversify the Sports and Social Club in addition chief executive responsible for ADD, Guidance Systems Division, GSD, F-16 CID HUD against an order and special projects included flight trial their activities, notably the Electro­ to Rochester and Nailsea. A further task ATED, GSD, MASD, RSD and MAv Inc. was formed from IND and Gyro requirement already approaching support of SCADC and the Basildon magnetic Compatibility Laboratory. is the consolidation of accounts and Division to give a combined 1,000 systems, was a remarkable TICM 11 system, part of the night vision There, avionics testing techniques have budgets of all GEC Avionics units. capability better matched to our effort by ADD who were also involved system flown in a TA-7C at China Lake. been adapted to provide a service to competitors. GSD's Digital Map in successful night attack develop­ Development of C02 laser equipment the automotive industry in evaluating Central Machine Shop's primary Display has aroused great interest ments on the lANTlRN F-16 and the continues and current modest sales electronic systems which are used role continues to be the supply of high and is being considered for new TA-7e. could increase. A special event has increasingly on today's cars. quality mechanical assemblies and generation US fighters. been the completion and occupancy of component parts to Rochester-based MASD continued to win export orders Recording Systems Division moved the new Company headquarters and Divisions. The introduction of automatic for AQS 902 lAPADS, from Sweden from Byfleet, where the lease was manufacturing facility in Atlanta, controls into the anodising line of the and India and has teamed with expiring, to excellent new facilities at formally opened by Senator Sam Nunn Process Department has improved Fokker for ASW systems for the F27 Nailsea. (D) Georgia on 29 October, 1984. product quality. Redux bonding activity Maritime Enforcer. A breakthrough in has increased,owing partly to new Of importance to the whole company, the US market was made with the demand from Borehamwood and Marconi Inc. moved into its new start of comparative flight trials in a Basildon establishments. lAMPS 1 helicopter and with 85,000 sq ft Atlanta facility which Grumman's selection of AQS 902 has an expansion potential to retrofit S2 trackers. 200,000 sq ft. It is now able to Personnel Department.Important support present and future US to engineering recruitment and ATED successfully launched its new business and allows for further retention was the career and employee ORlON automatic test system for growth in engineering and production. development service for Rochester and GEC group careers. Publicity to schools yielded good applicants for company sponsorship schemes. The 1984 Airborne Display Division has the Royal Swedish Navies. AQS-903 guidance of missiles and torpedoes. The 'Women in Science and Engineering seen a year of significant achievement continues in development for the Digital Colour Map Unit is gaining Year' was supported. Welfare emphasis particular attention in the USA The and activity, maintaining a healthy order EHIOl. Avionics Mission Systems are Marconi Avionics Inc's new 15 acre Test facilities for 'electromagnetic was changed to occupational health and book The USAF F-16 CID and on order for the Indian Navy and have land navigation system continues facility opened in Atlanta on compatibility' are now being used for preventive medicine. To meet the I.ANTIRN HUD programmes matured been selected for the Fokker Enforcer. successful trials including gun 29 October. most UK car manufacturers. growing need for software staff, trainee and new business was obtained in Further export orders for products are applications. The low cost START gyro programmer intake was increased to 50. the Middle East Demand for avionic J is under test for new munitions. The Training schemes provide 150 expected. Offshore Projects Group's work for Electronic Data Processing systems based on an advanced HUD is Spearfish torpedo strap down guidance employees/year to Divisions and 90 of oil companies during the year included continued to extend its services and still high. Marketing is extremely active system is entering production. A new 136 YTS intake in 1983 are now in the development of a new subsea facilities to meet Divisional and and encouraging, particularly in the Far attitude and heading reference system is corporate requirements. A new ICL jobs. East. Following Night Vision Systems being developed. control system for Chevron. Next year, equipment will be installed in the 2966 computer allows additional demonstrations in the USA, orders for Divisions to use developed MAPLE GEC Avionics Research the'Cats Eyes' Helmet Mounted Displays world's deepest subsea completion in Automatic Test Equipment software and will allow the extension of Laboratory, Great Baddow, under­ are expected imminently. the Montanazo oilfield in the Division's newly launched ORlON Mediterranean. Studies have also been MAPLE facilities based on the ICL takes Company research in optics, [H, Test Systems have many applications, conducted for Shell, Exxon, Occidental product OMAC29. The establishment of air radio and radar techniques and from car park ticket machines to and Statoil. Initial development of the the EDP Information Centre proVides a associated signal processing, and advanced flight control systems. ORlON Dragonfly Remotely Operated Vehicle focal point where distributed resources provides advanced stabilisation and is attracting interest in North America (ROV) is nearing completion and the systems can be evaluated, advice and servo support. Current projects include and will be in service with the USAF in first vehicle will commence underwater gUidance obtained, requirements computer generated holographic optics 1985. All Nimrod ATE equipment has trials shortly. discussed and hardware and software for display and optical scanning and the Anti-submarine Mission Systems are been delivered. T omado ATE is being information collated. application of holography to [R systems. selected for the Fokker Maritime used with increasing confidence by UI<, Aviation Service and Repair Specialisation in passive and covert IR Enforcer aircraft Works Engineering Services' German and Italian Air Forces. Further Division has started support and radar targeting techniques include energy conservation studies resulted in work is anticipated from TICM, TIRF programmes for Nimrod and Stingray 3-5mm thermal cueing and synthetic Guidance Systems Division was two sites being converted from oil to and non-military requirements, products of Recording Systems Division. aperture radar. Avionics-related research formed in August from Gyro and natural gas for space heating. The move especially in the automotive industry. 1 The British Caledonian BAC 1-11 Cat at universities is also supported. Inertial Navigation Divisions. Its of Recording Systems Division from 3 autolanding retrofit programme is products are systems and sensors for ByfJeet to Nailsea was completed and about to commence. Logistics land, sea, and air navigation and Recording Systems Division's twelve layouts were changed for other Engineering has completed a feasibility move to Nailsea has been welcomed by divisions. The Telephone and Telex study for a major Air Staff Target for customers. Recent proposals have Department added Facsimile to its GAv Basildon/BAe and further work is yielded production contracts assisting services and the Transport Department expected. Technical Publications' Tornado's 'TV Tabular' unit is an the Division in establishing itself as a expanded its European service. The workload continues at a high level. The example of the Company's electronic major supplier of severe environmental Mailing Department was re-organised head-down displays. Customer Training School will expand recording systems. EqUipment for British following the move of Fisher Controls to six classrooms and raise instructor Gas Corporation continues to be an Ltd from the site. Maritime Aircraft Systems important aspect of the Division's strength to twelve to meet new Division is delivering a second buy business, with development and programmes. of its advanced acoustic processing production programmes anticipated. As Accounts Department's main system, AQS-901 , to the RAF and part of its growth programme, the Central Quality Department achievement has been the final transfer RAAF. AQS-902 is being further Division is adopting responsibility for proVides environmental test facilities, of accounting systems from the 503 to expanded for the Royal Navy and has New product - low cost rate sensors advanced flight data and crash and mechanical, electrical and [BM and [CL computers. These systems Customer support takes place 'up been ordered by both the Indian and revealed at Famborough Air Show. survivable recorders. environmental calibration. The new will now be enhanced using a front' as well as behind the scenes. Borehamwood Establishment covers Borehamwood, Radlett, Hemel Hempstead, Welwyn Garden City, Milton Keynes and Peterborough

Foreword by The last year has seen considerable opportunities for our products which Special Projects Division the introduction of computerised composite materials technology in GEC 01 Jackson, progress being made in many areas, we are actively pursuing. In continues to supply the RN with purchasing and production control Avionics.Experience gained through Chief Executive of the Borehamwood but difficulties are still being particular, there is serious world-wide advanced passive sonar systems. These procedures and an expansion of the production of antennas for AEW Establishment of GEC Avionics Limited. experienced in completing the interest in fitting our AEW Mission have been installed in four Leander work-force. Nimrod and T omado ADV has been development of the complex Nimrod System to various overseas aircraft, class frigates and two Trafalgar class successfully applied to numerous AEW Mission System in the and much marketing and engineering submarines. A further six submarine The Model Shop at Borehamwood, requirements for high technology challenging timescales required by effort is being put into developing systems will be in service by 1986. Radlett and Milton Keynes supports all lightweight antennas and radomes the customer. Nevertheless,the these opportunities. Using its acknowledged expertise in Herts and Bucks divisions. An important throughout the UK. This experience has been reinforced by a carbon fibre continuing development programme The development and application of acoustic signal processing, the function is close support of Research is making good progress, and over Division is about to launch new Laboratory projects, exemplified by the development programme. Recent spin­ new technology is essential to success offs from this technology include a 50% of the production systems have in the airborne radar business, and equipment for military and civil manufacture of prototypes of the been delivered. There is every applications, in markets not normally Advanced Scanner. The highly skilled break-through into the commercial therefore it is important that we aircraft interiors market expectation that the RAF will have a maintain a healthy level of research available to GAv. craftsmen are making a substantial very fine AEW capability with the and development activities both in contribution to manufacturing AEW Nimrod aircraft, albeit a little the Research Laboratory and in the Applied Physics Division is mechanical and electrical assemblies for Central Publications later than they were hoping to see it. the AEW Mission System Avionics, the product divisions. preparing to tender for two large MOD Department provides a Tornado ADV radar and other projects. Foxhunter radar deliveries are now on projects, namely Mstar, a man portable complete documentation service schedule, and the extensive flight surveillance radar,and BRSS, a embracing handbooks, specifications testing of the system has shown the battlefield remote sensor system. Central Quality Department has and software documentation. It also impressive performance capability of Experience gained with 2B298 and developed it services through the edits and prepares sales proposals, the system. Hermes should enhance prospects of introduction of the Component and brochures and reports. A success. The Division is meeting success Materials Engineering Section Although our order book is currently comprehensive reprographics facility in the USA, with sales of X-ray which is producing a component data­ includes printing, illustrating, book­ very healthy, there are also topography systems to many large base for use within the Establishmenfs substantial and growing export binding, photography and typesetting. semiconductor organisations and high On-line Purchasing System. The Word processing, employing optical intensity generators to the molecular Central Calibration Laboratories have character reading and typewriter links biology research community. further refined their capabilities to (Word-Net), is also provided. A fast calibrate pressure, vacuum and torque high quality, 35mm and 16mm Airborne Software Division. Airborne Radar Systems Airborne Warning Systems The Research Laboratory gives measuring instruments. The Environ­ microfilm service is available. Flight trials of mission system software Division. Deliveries of AI24 Division has supported RAF technological support to Divisions, mental Test Laboratory has maintained carries out feasibility studies and its level of participation in qualification for the AEW Nimrod and Foxhunter Foxhunter radars are well under way. evaluation of AEW Mission Systems Accounts Department's major advanced development and provides testing for the AEW Nimrod, A124, radar continue satisfactorily. Software Recent trials in T omado F2 aircraft Avionics in parallel with continuing task of the year was to take over the expertise and information for systems MADS 7 Radars and the 2026 Sonar for the AEW Training Simulator has confirm that Foxhunter leads European development and production data processing operations and data design, engineering, manufactUring and System progressed to schedule and is now competitors in long range, multi-target programmes. The build-up of support preparation responsibilities from GEC marketing. Some thirty R & 0 items entering final integration.Two major tracking capability. The Sky Ranger low­ facilities at RAF Waddington for AEW Computer Services Ltd. Despite initial include coherent laser detection courses to train RAF software main­ cost ranging radar is being delivered, as Nimrod is well advanced, including the Thick Film Deparbnent has problems, a full service is now provided techniques, optical signal processing, tenance teams have been completed. part of the GAv Enhanced Avionics Mission Simulator and the Mission continued to expand production of thick to the Divisions and Central Depart­ and reconfigurable electronic signal The Software Training School is now System, for up-dating lightweight fighter Analysis and Software Maintenance film microcircuits for Divisions and ments at Borehamwood. The MECCA processing including the Laboratory's extending its range of Ada training. aircraft Preliminary work is being done facilities. World-wide demand for a low external customers. This includes the system has been introduced for Custom Chip Design which has a Work has begun on two Alvey on developing a family of multi-mode cost AEW aircraft grows and GAv's Ministry of Defence, where progress on purchasing activities and extension of its variety of applications. Other R & 0 collaborative projects involving radars, aimed at the European Fighter AEW Mission System fitted to a variety the design of several items has led to scope is being examined. Intelligent Knowledge-Based Systems Aircraft and future lightweight combat of available aircraft could be a prime items are microwave integrated circuits, more orders. The recent acquisition of advanced scanning aerials and systems (IKBS) and software tools. aircraft contender. automatic component placement and Personnel and Training studies for future manned and wire bonding machines has Significantly Deparbnents. With emphasis on un manned aircraft increased production capabilities. Extending the product range:- engineering and software requirements, 551 people have been recruited during Central Machine Shop provides Lightweight Structures the year in a highly competitive market the mechanical manufactUring and Deparbnent is the design and Training facilities have been doubled in assembly facility for Borehamwood manufactUring centre for advanced size to provide specialist engineering Establishment's contracts. This service courses with concentration on has substantially improved through supervisory and management develop­ increased familiarity with the expanded ment programmes. In particular, they numerically controlled machining plant. will provide most of the off-the-job Further improvement is anticipated from technician apprentice training and increased Youth Training Scheme SKYRANGER lightweight airborne radar. participation. The exceptional success of this year's students on the M. Eng degree sponsored course at Bath University will encourage extension of C02 laser tank sight the arrangement

Site Services directed the construction of the new Laboratory and Canteen/Social Club buildings at Milton Keynes. These were taken over during the summer. A new Reliance SLX digital telephone exchange has been Software engineering is making an installed at that site. Schemes for more efficient and cheaper use of energy increasing contribution to mission FASTAR battlefield radar. HERMES remote target sensor. Advanced carbon fibre composite systems of every kind. and honeycomb radar aerial element have been introduced at all sites. Basildon Establishment covers Basildon and Stanmore

Foreword by Based on a good order book, saleable Basildon products and capability 'Helitele'stabilised surveillance system, Standards Calibration and Repair, W R Paterson, products and a sound technical depend on advanced technology. To for helicopters has been ordered by Quality and Engineering Standards and Director and General Manager of capability, 1984 has been a year cope with changing circumstances, several countries. Manuals, and Softwa,re Quality GEe Avionics Limited and the chief when the site improved its position in there is a continuing need to up rate Assurance and Control. Central QA executive for the Basildon Establishment the marketplace. Several new the site's technical skills and invest­ covers activities in connection with programmes got under way this year ment. The training and investment administration and conduct of system and if successful will lead to programmes in 1984 bear witness to and product audits, including vendor significant orders over the next five the site's commitment to staying up assessment and audit The major years. The production order for the with the leaders. responsibility is Software QA and Control, covering development and Wideband Secure Speech System was 1985 can be approached with preparation of Software Codes of good news. Great effort is being confidence. However, the challenge of Practice and Procedures, and conduct directed at the export market,in being and staying competitive must of software audits. particular the USA. Again, thanks be accepted by everyone involved in are due to the staff operating the operations. overseas and away from base. A special mention must be given to Works Engineering Department, those involved in the airborne responsible for implementing thermal imaging trials at China Lake management policy to uprate Basildon in the USA Successful trials were facilities, has reworked two site also conducted on board the aircraft buildings, greatly improving production carrier USS Enterprise. areas and the working environment The need for energy control and The Government's declared policy is conservation justified the purchase of to increase competition in defence new heating and ventilating systems to procurement. The divisions are replace old, inefficient equipment adapting to take account of the Considerable savings in fuel costs are tougher stance adopted by MOD(PE). already being achieved.The work to accommodate two newly formed Divisions is proceeding. Electro-Optical Advanced delivered to Borehamwood for system Systems Division. Flight trials of integration. LRUs for the main series Services Control continued to Airadio Systems Division has thermal cueing equipment for target production batch have also been provide communications, transport, completed the design and production of AD 660 Doppler sensor for airliners tracking have been successful. Further completed. central purchasing and stores services. the AEW integrated communications has now been ordered for Spanish trials in the USA are scheduled for Communications have further improved system and continues with product and Italian military aircraft 1985. International collaborative with the installation of the support and simulator upgrades. There Future Systems Laboratory projects include a US missile fire control continues to expand both in size Communication Data Network for is high production activity to supply system and thermal sights for TRlGAT, and activity. Major emphasis is on sourcing computers on site and off site. digital speech systems for maritime a European anti-tank weapon system. future systems definition and aircraft and full development of the Production programmes for the operational analysis supported by Accounts Department has EHI0l communications system is Stingray Signal Processor, the engineering of prototype equipment for completed the change of the Cost Code proceeding. Automatic Speech Spearfish Disc Correlator and TV evaluation by potential customers. numbers, started in early 1984. A Recognition is being examined for recording systems for Seawolf are major Designs for an electro-optical simulator substantial programme of systems inclusion in avionics systems of the contributors to the Division's business. for BAe, a new high volume data store enhancement and development is in future. and a fibre optic video distribution hand. The first phase involves using Electro-Optical Products system for future aircraft are well microcomputers to mechanise the Tactical Infonnation Division Division has further production advanced. Applied research projects, nominal ledger, the site budget has been formed within the Airadio contracts for EO guidance units for the expected to result in products within consolidation and site accounting Group of Divisions because of the Army's Javelin missile system. Export five years, include lR Staring Array reports, all of which is being undertaken magnitude and importance of the orders are expected shortly. The V3800 Sensors, new forms of imagers and by existing staff. Future phases will Systems engineering contract to naval fire control thermal imager automatic recognition systems. direct attention to Chelmsford introduce JTIDS (Joint Tactical development is nearing completion and Computer Centre main frame systems Information Distribution System) to UK production orders have already been Central Machine Shop, continues including transfer to the MECCA Air Defence. TID will exploit received. Proposals have been to be supported by investment in (Manufacturing Engineering Cost further application of JTIDS and submitted to the Royal Navy and other numerically controlled machine tools Control Application) system. related technology. navies, for imagers to be integrated with and computerised control systems, surveillance, gUided weapon and gun improving production and service to Personnel and Training Airadio Products Division. systems. Other development activities customers. A 12-pallet machining Departments. The intake of Recent orders include the first for the Electro-Optical Surveillance include fibre-optic transmission systems centre was added this year. A engineers and technicians increased AD620K advanced navigation system, Division has delivered many and charge-coupled device solid state computerised Manufacturing Control during the year and, in particular, over from Italy, AD660 Doppler Velocity Thermal Imaging Common Modules for imagers. System, now fully operational, was also 50 direct entry graduates were Sensor and navigation computers, from UK defence programmes and won a purchased with support of a recruited. The overall number of Yugoslavia and AD660 from Spain. second major production order for Airborne Radar Systems Department of Industry grant. 90% of employees has now increased to There is world-wide interest in the Low MOD. The successful trials of the Division continues to manufacture machined parts and mechanical 2350. The Training Department Cost Anti-Jam data system and AD150 TICM 11 FUR with the US Marine Corps power supply units and transmitters for assemblies produced go to Basildon maintained its normal levels of Voice Conditioning Unit. New in California should help the Division to the Tornado's terrain following radar. Divisions. Most of the remainder are apprentices and trainees, and applications of the Division's doppler win production contracts in the USA Over 400 LRUs have been delivered to supplied to other GEC Avionics successfully completed the training of measuring techniques includes a speed Building of the ASETS gimballed AEG-Telefunken, Ferranti and Fiar. The Establishments. 30 YTS trainees this year. In sensor fitted to a MAGLEV Mass platform for the US Air Force has Foxhunter radar for the Air Defence addition, it launched a new 2 year Transit vehicle at Birmingham started. Impressive imagery has been version of the Tornado has moved into Central Quality Department was accelerated technician training Exhibition Centre and shell velocity obtained from the FUR turret built for FUR night vision pod for aircraft has full production. LRUs for the first twenty formed during 1983. Activities programme for 'N level school measurements for army gunnery. the company's Phoenix contender. proved its success in US trials. pre-production radars have all been include Central Quality Assurance, leavers. 11Iia-~"".beeft d'iIIIgiied ,....,.,.. uaiag an automatic video composition system, by thft Technical Publications Department of AviaUon Service and Repair Division. It is balled OD data fumiahed by all Divlaions of Gee Avionlcs limited and other departments, whose partlelpafton 18 gratefully acknowledged.

GEe Avionics Limited AVIC)NI s Head Office: Airport Works Rochester Kent England Telephone: Medway (0634) 44400 Telex: 96333/4

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