Royal Aeronautical Society Podcast

An Introduction to the Airlander

Chris Daniels & Andy Barton give an overview of Hybrid Aircraft and the Airlander, outlining how it combines the best of aerodynamic and aerostatic lift. They explain why this green and innovative form of flying is so ground-breaking.

Sopwith Named Lecture 2014 - The Aerospace Technology Enterprise: Latent Growth or Losing Ground?

Sir Brian Burridge, Vice President Strategic Marketing, Finmeccanica speaks at the 2014 Sopwith Lecture and discusses the sustainability of 'Growth Partnerships' in the aerospace and defence sectors and what are the long-term implications for the creation of intellectual property in the UK?

New EU Frameworks for Consumer Complaints: Time for an Air Ombudsman?

Professor Hodges is the leading expert on consumer ADR
systems and explain the options for air carriers and the
strategies that need to be addressed moving forward.

Europe’s Comet Chaser

This lecture, delivered by Paolo Ferri, Head of Mission Operations Department at the European Space Operations Centre within the European Space Agency, introduces the Rosetta mission and its scientific objectives, describing also the spacecraft, its payload and its lander.

The Introduction of the RAF Jet Aircraft: Engineering and Supply Issues

This lecture explores the categories of influence against the build-up of jet aircraft in the period from 1945 -1955. It will cover the significant contribution made by Sir Frank Whittle to in-service jet engine reliability and maintainability, the issues of new types of fuel and lubricants, flight line hazards and handling, aircraft support and aircrew survival systems, trade skills and technical organisation as the RAF entered the jet age.

Edwin A Link 2014- Simulation - Before, During and After Flight Test

This lecture reviews the use of simulation during the early development of the 787, and then highlights how flight testing contributed to the final development of the 787 training simulators.

NASA Exploration Programme - A Path To Mars

This lecture provides an overview of NASA’s plans to develop a human exploration pathway to Mars, including plans for a human mission to an asteroid, with a specific focus on how science and technology will shape, and be shaped by, these ambitious plans. Dr Stofan also discusses the opportunities for international cooperation.

Handley Page Named Lecture 2014

The 2014 Handley Page Named Lecture was delivered by Dr Gareth Williams and considering the Clean Sky Programme.

Train Aerodynamics

This presentation gives an overview of the current concerns in the field of train aerodynamics and describes the work being carried out by the Aerodynamics team at the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education, using computational techniques, physical models and on-track measurements.

Howard Pixton: Britain’s First Schneider Trophy Winner

This Historical group lecture is delivered by Philip Jarrett. In only four years from his first involvement with aviation in 1910, Cecil Howard Pixton established himself as a leading British pioneer aviator. He will forever be remembered as the first pilot to win the Schneider Trophy seaplane race for the Great Britain, which he did a century ago, on 20 April 1914, flying a Sopwith Tabloid. As well as describing that event, Philip Jarrett surveys his early flying with Avro, Bristol and Sopwith, and also looks briefly at his First World War career and his subsequent continued involvement in aviation.