Royal Aeronautical Society Heathrow Branch April 2018 Lecture -
"Past, Present & Future of Atmospheric Research Flying in the UK"
by Dr Guy Gratton, Head of Airborne Science & Technology at National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS)


ABSTRACT:
During World War 1, as aviation expanded and warfare became dependent upon science, Britain formed the world’s first dedicated research flying organisation – the Royal Flying Corps Meteor Flight.

This emphasis on flying research has been nearly continuous ever since – keeping Britain in a global lead in atmospheric science and now climate science to the present day where this flying is mainly done by the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements, FAAM.

In this lecture, Dr Guy Gratton will cover the history of national effort on atmospheric research, and explain why it’s as important as it ever has been. He will present to the audience some of the biggest achievements, as well as the future challenges as Britain goes into its second century of atmospheric research flying, in a future of increasingly international science and new challenges such as climate change, urban pollution and the search for ever better weather forecasts – as well as the opportunities created by unmanned aircraft, airships and satellites.


ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Dr Guy Gratton is the Head of Airborne Science and Technology to the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, and a visiting Professor at Cranfield University.

He has managed research projects in the UK and overseas, and also two high profile research facilities – FAAM at Cranfield for 6 years, and MoD Environmental Test Facilties at Boscombe Down for 1 year.

Dr Gratton is a Chartered Aeronautical Engineer, who also holding current flying instructor, commercial pilot and test pilot qualifications. He has an international reputation for his research work on aviation safety and has worked across military and civil aviation, including airborne research, airworthiness.

Dr Guy Gratton is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.