 Western Aerospace Centre
On 19th November 2003, the University of Bristol was once again host to the annual Prestige Lecture of the Western Aerospace Centre, which is part of the Aerospace Industries Division of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The objective of the Regional Aerospace Centres is to play a leading role in advancing the science of mechanical engineering within the aerospace industry, promoting excellence at every level. The Western Centre was the first of a number of planned regional centres of excellence to be set up and its aims and objectives will be furthered through lectures, seminars, aerospace partnerships and the co-hosting of events with the RAeS, IEE and other professional bodies.
The speaker Alan Bond with representatives
of the University of Bristol and the WAC
Honorary Secretary.
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This year’s lecture was given by Alan Bond, Managing Director of Reaction Engines Ltd, his theme being “From Kitty Hawk to the Moon in 100 years – Where Next?” The proceedings were hosted by David Lowe, Hon Secretary of the Western Aerospace Centre and the speaker was introduced by Professor Nick Lieven, Head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Bristol.
The presentation opened with a celebration of the past 100 years, during which aviation has matured into a global industry with huge impacts upon the world and the way that we live. During the first seventy years of the last century the pace of growth of space technology was equally if not more impressive, with the first man landing on the moon in 1969. At that time it looked as though the human race was set to head off into the universe……. However, since then, not only has the pace of advance slowed greatly but the will to embrace space technology amongst the politicians and the public in this country has wilted and faded to the extent that it is now seen as the province of a few interested “fanatics”. Details were then given of some of the concepts and designs for a re-useable space plane – Skylon – on which Reaction Engines Ltd is currently working. Looking forward to the next one hundred years, the presenter outlined his vision of the progress that man could make and he expressed the hope that, like Sir George Cayley’s vision at the start of the nineteenth century, he would see this country once again play a prominent part in this fascinating and important field of human and technological endeavour.
“I am well convinced that Aerial Navigation will form a most prominent feature in the progress of civilisation during the succeeding century; and under this impression I am anxious that while foreign countries are displaying their attention to this subject, England should at least show a similar ardour.” Sir George Cayley ( 6 Oct 1804).
The lecture was very well received by a distinguished audience from the region's major aerospace industrial companies, staff and students of academic institutions and local members. A vote of thanks was proposed by Mr Mike Zdybel, Head of Propulsion Systems Design, Rolls-Royce plc.
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