http://www.theengineer.co.uk http://www.theengineer.co.uk http://www.theengineer.co.uk/magazine/graphics/logo.png http://www.theengineer.co.uk http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/news/technology-strategy-board-secures-budget-of-440m/1016307.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/news/technology-strategy-board-secures-budget-of-440m/1016307.article The Technology Strategy Board has secured a budget of £440m to support businesses and drive growth across the UK. Tue, 14 May 2013 15:16 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/eads-reports-solid-first-quarter-results/1016296.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/eads-reports-solid-first-quarter-results/1016296.article First quarter results for EADS show revenues and profitability driven by commercial aircraft deliveries, plus stability in defence revenues due to development programmes and long-term contracts. Tue, 14 May 2013 10:49 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/cassidian-to-protect-mps-from-hackers/1016285.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/cassidian-to-protect-mps-from-hackers/1016285.article Cassidian has been awarded a contract by the UK Parliament for ICT security provision aimed at protecting the parliamentary ICT environment against cyber attack. Tue, 14 May 2013 08:02 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/electronics/news/verification-system-aims-to-guarantee-software-function/1016288.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/electronics/news/verification-system-aims-to-guarantee-software-function/1016288.article Researchers at Strathclyde University are developing software that will help prevent incidents such as the loss of NASA’s Mars Climate Orbiter Spacecraft in 1999. Tue, 14 May 2013 00:02 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/middle-east-customers-order-istar-systems/1016244.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/middle-east-customers-order-istar-systems/1016244.article Contacts worth over £2.5m have been awarded to a team from Marshall Land Systems and UTC Aerospace Systems to develop ISTAR imagery ground control stations for two Middle East armed forces. Wed, 8 May 2013 14:31 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/invisible-woven-patterns-could-help-detect-counterfeit-clothing/1016217.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/invisible-woven-patterns-could-help-detect-counterfeit-clothing/1016217.article A researcher in Sweden has developed a thread with optical properties that can be used to create invisible patterns in fabrics, a development that could help customs officers spot counterfeit clothing.   Tue, 7 May 2013 11:44 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/design-engineering/news/seahorse-tail-inspires-robotic-arm-team/1016199.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/design-engineering/news/seahorse-tail-inspires-robotic-arm-team/1016199.article Researchers are hoping to create a flexible robotic arm equipped with muscles made out of polymer by mimicking the structure of seahorse tails. Thu, 2 May 2013 09:41 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/fokker-awarded-60m-f-35-contracts/1016145.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/fokker-awarded-60m-f-35-contracts/1016145.article Fokker Aerostructures has signed two contracts worth €60m for F-35 work with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:58 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/news/the-engineer-qa-laser-weapons/1016080.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/news/the-engineer-qa-laser-weapons/1016080.article Directed energy weapons - once the preserve of science fiction - are about to become reality, but what are the engineering challenges behind them and how might they change warfare? Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:09 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/grant-scheme-targets-smes-in-west-midlands/1016063.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/grant-scheme-targets-smes-in-west-midlands/1016063.article A new funding scheme for West Midlands SMEs is aiming to award 200 grants over the next two years in a bid to help manufacturing businesses boost their competitiveness. Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:15 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/electronics/news/premier-league-votes-to-introduce-goal-line-technology/1016035.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/electronics/news/premier-league-votes-to-introduce-goal-line-technology/1016035.article English football’s Premier League has voted to introduce goal-line technology in time for the 2013 - 2014 season. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:21 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/ricardo-to-continue-foxhound-assembly/1015997.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/ricardo-to-continue-foxhound-assembly/1015997.article Ricardo has received an order from General Dynamics Land Systems-Force Protection Europe for the assembly of 76 Foxhound vehicles for the UK Ministry of Defence. Mon, 8 Apr 2013 15:02 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/aerospace/news/automated-face-recognition-speeds-up-plane-boarding/1015936.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/aerospace/news/automated-face-recognition-speeds-up-plane-boarding/1015936.article Aircraft embarkation times and border security could be improved following the trial of a self-boarding system at Heathrow’s Terminal 1. Wed, 3 Apr 2013 08:30 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/electronics/news/sensory-helmet-could-help-firefighters-feel-their-way/1015926.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/electronics/news/sensory-helmet-could-help-firefighters-feel-their-way/1015926.article A new vibrating helmet that could help firefighters navigate through dark or smoke-filled buildings is under development at Sheffield University. Tue, 2 Apr 2013 11:38 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/military-and-defence/news/nanocrystals-could-be-key-to-low-cost-radiation-detectors/1015869.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/military-and-defence/news/nanocrystals-could-be-key-to-low-cost-radiation-detectors/1015869.article Researchers have shown that nanoparticles can be incorporated into scintillation devices capable of detecting and measuring X-rays and gamma rays emitted by nuclear materials. Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:55 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/manufacturing-output-to-rise-sharply/1015851.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/manufacturing-output-to-rise-sharply/1015851.article Manufacturers expect output to accelerate sharply in the next three months, according to the CBI’s latest monthly Industrial Trends Survey. Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:58 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/news/engineers-and-manufacturers-disappointed-in-budget/1015831.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/news/engineers-and-manufacturers-disappointed-in-budget/1015831.article Engineers have expressed disappointment at limitations to measures announced by the chancellor in today’s budget speech. Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:40 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/electronics/news/us-engineers-unveil-transformer-style-robotic-chimp/1015749.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/electronics/news/us-engineers-unveil-transformer-style-robotic-chimp/1015749.article A robot with rubberised tracks on the extremities of its four limbs has been selected for a competition that will test its ability to cope with disastrous terrain. Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:02 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/video/take-cover-bigdog-can-throw-bricks/1015700.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/video/take-cover-bigdog-can-throw-bricks/1015700.article BigDog, the rough terrain robot designed and built by Boston Dynamics, is now capable of handling and throwing heavy objects. Thu, 7 Mar 2013 10:45 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/military-and-defence/news/navys-new-type-23-frigate-radar-five-times-more-efficient/1015689.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/military-and-defence/news/navys-new-type-23-frigate-radar-five-times-more-efficient/1015689.article BAE Systems has installed the first of a new class of Type 23 frigate radar it claims is five times more efficient than existing systems. Wed, 6 Mar 2013 00:11 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/news/manufacturing-survey-shows-fall-in-activity/1015667.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/news/manufacturing-survey-shows-fall-in-activity/1015667.article The UK’s manufacturing sector returned to contraction in February, a situation exacerbated by falling output, orders, headcount, and purchasing activity. Fri, 1 Mar 2013 11:35 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/military-and-defence/news/carrier-takes-shape/1015543.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/military-and-defence/news/carrier-takes-shape/1015543.article HMS Queen Elizabeth’s Forward Island completed her 600 mile journey from HM Naval Base Portsmouth to Babcock’s facility in Rosyth, Scotland on Monday February 11. Thu, 14 Feb 2013 12:22 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/news/method-finds-picogram-of-explosive-in-complex-mixtures/1015534.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/news/method-finds-picogram-of-explosive-in-complex-mixtures/1015534.article Researchers have devised a more sensitive method of screening for explosives. Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:08 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/news/cocaine-sensor-uses-natures-techniques-to-boost-sensitivity/1015535.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/news/cocaine-sensor-uses-natures-techniques-to-boost-sensitivity/1015535.article An international team of researchers has developed a way of detecting molecules such as cocaine more accurately and quickly. Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:06 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/rolls-royce-awarded-84m-to-supply-v22-engines/1015512.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/rolls-royce-awarded-84m-to-supply-v22-engines/1015512.article Rolls-Royce has been awarded an $83.7m contract for engines to power 19 V-22 aircraft. Tue, 12 Feb 2013 09:56 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/rolls-royce-awarded-97m-us-air-force-contract/1015505.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/rolls-royce-awarded-97m-us-air-force-contract/1015505.article Rolls-Royce has been awarded a $97.3m contract from the US Air Force to support its C-130J transport fleet in 2013. Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:25 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/news/fund-looks-to-turn-scientific-advances-into-useable-products/1015452.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/news/fund-looks-to-turn-scientific-advances-into-useable-products/1015452.article A Cambridge University academic has been awarded £1.2m to help innovators turn their scientific advances and technological developments into product ideas suitable for manufacture, distribution and use. Wed, 6 Feb 2013 11:45 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/chemring-wins-us-army-chemical-detection-order/1015381.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/chemring-wins-us-army-chemical-detection-order/1015381.article Chemring Detection Systems has been awarded a $28.5m (£18m) delivery order against a multi-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract to supply chemical detection systems to the US Army. Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:38 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/skills-and-careers/uk-faces-36800-shortfall-in-qualified-engineers-by-2050/1015304.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/skills-and-careers/uk-faces-36800-shortfall-in-qualified-engineers-by-2050/1015304.article Britain faces a shortfall of 66,800 construction workers and 36,800 qualified engineers by 2050 due to skills shortages, an ageing workforce and restrictive migration policy, according to Randstad CPE. Tue, 22 Jan 2013 00:02 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/design-engineering/news/efficient-sensor-could-find-use-in-airport-security-technology/1015280.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/design-engineering/news/efficient-sensor-could-find-use-in-airport-security-technology/1015280.article Engineers have developed a sensor claimed to be more efficient and versatile for potential use in airport-security scanners or collision-avoidance systems for cars. Fri, 18 Jan 2013 12:53 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/royal-thai-navy-set-to-buy-essms-for-upgraded-frigates/1015181.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/royal-thai-navy-set-to-buy-essms-for-upgraded-frigates/1015181.article The Royal Thai Navy has signed a letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) with the US government to purchase nine Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) systems for its two Naresuan frigates currently undergoing overhauls and upgrades. Mon, 14 Jan 2013 17:04 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/electronics/news/radiation-source-could-lead-to-more-compact-x-ray-scanners/1015130.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/electronics/news/radiation-source-could-lead-to-more-compact-x-ray-scanners/1015130.article An engineering team has invented a compact source of X-rays and other forms of radiation — a development that could lead to smaller handheld X-ray scanners. Wed, 9 Jan 2013 11:02 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/airbus-military-is-preferred-bidder-for-iaf-a330-contract/1015113.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/airbus-military-is-preferred-bidder-for-iaf-a330-contract/1015113.article Airbus Military has been selected by the government of India as the preferred bidder to supply its A330 MRTT multi-role tanker transport to the Indian Air Force. Tue, 8 Jan 2013 12:58 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/electronics/news/camera-takes-3d-colour-x-ray-photographs-in-near-real-time/1015107.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/electronics/news/camera-takes-3d-colour-x-ray-photographs-in-near-real-time/1015107.article A camera capable of taking 3D colour X-ray images in near real time has been developed at Manchester University. Mon, 7 Jan 2013 17:36 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/video/us-details-plans-for-unmanned-anti-submarine-warfare-vessel/1015085.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/video/us-details-plans-for-unmanned-anti-submarine-warfare-vessel/1015085.article US military research agency DARPA has revealed the details of a proposed autonomous anti-submarine warfare vessel. Thu, 3 Jan 2013 10:14 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/uk-mod-successfully-launches-military-satellite-into-space/1015071.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/uk-mod-successfully-launches-military-satellite-into-space/1015071.article The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has successfully launched into space a new satellite designed to provide secure military communications for the UK’s armed forces. Fri, 21 Dec 2012 17:01 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/saab-set-to-supply-helicopter-self-protection-equipment/1015075.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/saab-set-to-supply-helicopter-self-protection-equipment/1015075.article Defence and security company Saab has received an order worth around ZAR130m (£9.4m) for helicopter self-protection and electronic intelligence systems from AgustaWestland. Fri, 21 Dec 2012 17:01 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/mod-agrees-258m-deal-to-supply-sea-king-helicopters/1015059.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/mod-agrees-258m-deal-to-supply-sea-king-helicopters/1015059.article The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has agreed a £258m contract to supply Sea King helicopters, which will sustain 500 jobs across the UK. Thu, 20 Dec 2012 17:55 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/skills-and-careers/gcs-report-suggests-likelihood-of-a-post-recession-reshuffle/1015060.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/skills-and-careers/gcs-report-suggests-likelihood-of-a-post-recession-reshuffle/1015060.article A ‘post-recession reshuffle’ could see large numbers of permanent workers leaving their jobs to go into contracting, according to a new report. Thu, 20 Dec 2012 17:48 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/fmv-contracts-saab-to-upgrade-heavyweight-torpedo-system/1014982.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/fmv-contracts-saab-to-upgrade-heavyweight-torpedo-system/1014982.article Defence and security company Saab has received two contracts with a total value of SRK194m (£15m) from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) covering the upgrade of the heavyweight Torpedo 62 system and support for underwater weapon systems. Fri, 14 Dec 2012 15:03 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/dio-invites-firms-to-tender-for-defence-construction-projects/1014964.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/dio-invites-firms-to-tender-for-defence-construction-projects/1014964.article The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has invited 10 private-sector companies to begin tendering for a new framework agreement to deliver construction projects across the UK defence estate. Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:43 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/image-scan-announces-results-for-year-ending-30-september/1014936.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/image-scan-announces-results-for-year-ending-30-september/1014936.article Image Scan, an AIM-listed company specialising in the field of real-time X-ray imaging for the security and industrial inspection markets, has announced its preliminary results for the year ending 30 September 2012. Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:15 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/agc-aerospace-and-defense-acquires-paul-fabrications/1014928.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/agc-aerospace-and-defense-acquires-paul-fabrications/1014928.article Oklahoma-based AGC Aerospace & Defense has acquired Paul Fabrications, a designer and manufacturer of complex fabricated and machined metal parts and assemblies. Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:58 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/frazer-nash-receives-safety-contract-for-merlin-upgrade/1014916.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/frazer-nash-receives-safety-contract-for-merlin-upgrade/1014916.article Engineering and technology company Frazer-Nash has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to become the independent safety auditor for the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP). Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:49 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/skills-and-careers/qinetiq-increases-its-graduate-intake-for-2013-from-60-to-75/1014908.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/skills-and-careers/qinetiq-increases-its-graduate-intake-for-2013-from-60-to-75/1014908.article Qinetiq has announced that its graduate intake for 2013 is to increase from 60 to 75. Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:47 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/babcock-receives-vanguard-system-definition-contract/1014893.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/babcock-receives-vanguard-system-definition-contract/1014893.article Babcock has been awarded a contract for the system definition of the tactical weapons handling and launch system (WHLS) and submerged signal ejector (SSE) for the UK’s future strategic nuclear deterrent, the Vanguard replacement submarine. Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:57 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/bae-systems-set-to-maintain-royal-navy-combat-system/1014865.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/business-briefs/bae-systems-set-to-maintain-royal-navy-combat-system/1014865.article BAE Systems has been awarded a £46m contract to support and maintain a new sophisticated combat system across the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet. Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:48 GMT http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/news/novembers-top-10-engineering-business-stories/1014885.article http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/policy-and-business/news/novembers-top-10-engineering-business-stories/1014885.article Each month, we pick 10 of the most notable news stories from The Engineer’s Business Briefs archive. Fri, 7 Dec 2012 15:03 GMT