COBHAM PLC

EME COBHAM PLC

From deep sea to deep space

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MISSION Honouring the pioneering legacy of its founder Sir Alan Cobham, Cobham Plc has become a go-to supplier of leading edge connectivity and knowledge across a vast expanse of subsectors within aerospace, defence and beyond Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold

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he explosion of connectivity across all walks of life is one of the great hallmarks of the past decade.

Take a simple observation – there are now comfortably more mobile connections around the world than human beings. Indeed, over the

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last 10 years the number of mobile connections worldwide has more than doubled from 4.02 billion in 2008 to 8.24 billion in 2018, a trend which is only set to travel upwards.

By 2020 more than nine billion mobile connections will be in operation, while the number of IoT-

powered connected devices (cellular and non-cellular) will pass 25 billion by 2025, creating an opportunity worth $1.8 trillion.

The remotest corners of the earth and outer space are also being joined up by technology.

From the launch of nanosatellites to commercialised space shuttle excursions, there are few areas of our planet and immediate universe that cannot be connected.

Even while travelling in the air at breakneck speed, passengers and pilots (both commercial and military) are able to connect and communicate with the wider world.

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N READY Such unprecedented levels of connectivity are the result of a relentless drive to innovate and improve all areas of life by both public and private enterprise.

In the UK, Cobham Plc is renowned for providing solutions to complex problems in challenging environments, be it in the air, on land, at sea or in space.

With specialisms spanning many subsectors across the broad spectrums of defence, aerospace and space industries, it provides both leadingedge products and services to a host of clients all around the world, from private companies and governments

to domestic and international defence organisations.

Ahead of his time

It was a complex problem which sparked the company’s founder, Sir Alan Cobham, to bring his pioneering spirit to the then fledgling aviation space.

After winning the Kings Cup Air Race in 1924, his reputation as an aviation pioneer grew steadily, and it was his dream to make aeroplanes an efficient and effective mode of transport capable of transporting people long distances without stopping.

Having shot to fame with his flying

circus tours in the 1930s, Flight Refuelling Ltd was created on October 29, 1934 to focus Cobham’s efforts on air refuelling and its wider application.

It is a story which to this day inspires Air Marshal Greg Bagwell CB CBE, Cobham’s Executive Vice President of Business Development.

“We are still the biggest and only makers of certain air to air refuelling products, which are sat on Airbus, Boeing and Embraer aircraft all around the world, including the new F35,” he says.

“Sir Alan Cobham’s story is just fascinating. He actually saw air to

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stablished in 1974 R&G Precision Engineering Ltd commenced business offering high quality engineering to demanding tolerances. Today the Company is operating even high tolerances combined with quality levels for which we have become renowned.

Supplying a variety of different industries we pride ourselves on the level of service we always attempt to deliver to our customers.

To maintain quality and accuracy levels we constantly invest in state of the art plant and measuring equipment. Our quality control department operates under strictly controlled temperature and atmospheric conditions.

Ensuring that the product is right keeping it that way is extremely important to us.

To assist in this process we are supported by skilled engineers who keep us at the forefront of computerised machining techniques. The range of materials we machine is equally impressive

ranging from soft nonferrous to exotic steels up to 62HRC, plastics and duplex materials.

We are a dynamic alert company aware of the need to face change. We won’t shrink from a challenge - even if it means some further investment in essential plant and necessary expertise.

We specialise in: CNC Grinding, Wire Erosion, Milling, 3D Machining, Spark Erosion, CNC Turning, CNC Mill/Turn, CNC Sparking, Hard Metal Machining, Sliding Head Turning and Light Assembly.

If you have an important need for consistently accurate components, then talk to us. You won’t be disappointed, we know about quality and tolerances and we would only be too pleased to hear from you.

T: +44 (0) 1933 411662 F: +44 (0) 1933 411663 www.rgprecisionltd.co.uk

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air refuelling through a commercial lens initially with a view to getting passengers across to Australia without stopping on the way, but quickly saw the potential for military application.

Now, we’re on every tanker in the world.”

Cobham was clearly onto something in thinking there was an opportunity to be reaped in mega long-haul passenger flights, demonstrated by how much Qantas has invested in launching the world’s first direct commercial flight from Australia to Europe in 2018.

“He was one of the original pioneers of the UK industry,” Bagwell adds, “and not only this, he also brought aviation to the masses and gave opportunities for kids to fly. He transported tens of thousands, and absolutely got the idea of getting the word out there about Cobham and aviation.”

Knighted in 1926 by King George V having spent 18 months flying from South Africa and Australia, Cobham drew in a crowd of more than a million to watch him land on the River Thames.

A true icon of the industry, Cobham Plc today looks to honour his legacy and thirst for innovation by not only continuing to lead the air to air refuelling space, but drive progress across a tremendous array of aerospace, defence and space segments.

Portfolio power

Today the company’s portfolio stretches over four major segments: Communications and Connectivity; Mission Systems; Advanced Electronic Solutions; and Aviation Services.

This translates into a workforce of around 10,000 people spread across the UK, USA, Europe, South Africa and Australia, with clients and partners operating in more than 100 countries all over the world.

From the depths of the ocean to outer space, Cobham’s products can be found in almost any challenging

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ONE COBHAM, COUNTLESS CAPABILITIES Cobham’s product and service portfolio is both extensive and at the leading-edge of innovation.

Its capabilities can be divided into four major sectors:

Communications and Connectivity:

Provides high performance equipment and solutions to enable reliable connectivity across the most demanding environments in aerospace, avionics, satellite and radio, wireless and mobile connectivity.

Mission Systems:

Provides safety and survival systems for extreme environments, aerial refuelling systems and wing-tip to wing-tip mission systems for fast jets, transport aircraft and rotorcraft. The primary focus is serving niche areas of the defence and security market globally, supplemented by an expanding presence in commercial aviation markets.

Advanced Electronic Solutions:

Provides critical solutions for communication on land, sea, in the air and in space through off-the-shelf and customised products including radio frequency, microwave, and high reliability microelectronics, antenna subsystems and motion control solutions.

This incorporates defence, including missile, radar and electronic warfare, X-ray imaging, medical and industrial markets.

Aviation Services:

Delivers outsourced aviation services for customers worldwide, including military training, special mission flight operations, outsourced commercial aviation, including fly-in, fly-out services to the natural resources industry and aircraft engineering.

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stablished in 1974, R&G Precision Engineering Ltd commenced business offering high quality engineering and catering to the demands of a variety of different and demanding clients.

Today, the company has grown exponentially, substantially expanding its capacity to deal with even higher tolerances, maintaining its esteemed reputation that it has become renowned for.

One-stop engineering shop The company specialises in a number of different areas, including erosion, milling, 3D machining, spark erosion, CNC turning, CNC mill/turn, CNC sparking, hard metal machining, sliding head turning and light assembly.

Providing these services and supplying a variety of different industries, the firm prides itself on upholding its high self-imposed standards.

Further, in order to achieve this, R&G Precision Engineering consistently executes a sound investment strategy, incorporating state-of-the-art plant and measuring equipment. Its quality control department operates under strictly controlled temperature and atmospheric conditions.

To assist in this process, the firm is supported by skilled engineers who keep it at the forefront of computerised machining techniques. The range of materials it works with is equally impressive, ranging from soft nonferrous to exotic steels up to 62HRC, plastics and duplex materials.

“The management of R&G Precision adhere to a policy of continuous development and improvement in the effectiveness of its manufacturing, production and quality systems enabling it to grow with its customers whilst continuously meeting regulatory requirements,” the Company states.

“Every employee has a part to play in supporting the organisation and its structures, policies and objectives.

Management recognise that it is only through the development of its employees that the company can continually satisfy its customers’ requirements and expectations.

“At R&G Precision Engineering, we embrace quality as a keystone of our business and it is our policy to continually challenge and to improve upon our quality goals.”

Depicting dynamism Known for being dynamic and alert, readily facing industry innovation and change head on, the company willingly tackles any challenge, from further investments to expanding its expertise.

“If you have an important need for consistently accurate components, then talk to us,” R&G Precision Engineering states.

“You won’t be disappointed, we know about quality and tolerances and we would only be too pleased to hear from you.”

Emphasising quality Quality control is of the upmost importance to R&G Precision Engineering. From inspection to washing to despatch, it is in continual control and strives for perfection across all areas of operation.

T +44 (0) 1933 411662

www.rgprecisionltd.co.uk

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environment where communication is paramount to a successful outcome, be it in commercial or military settings.

“The size of our portfolio can sometimes be difficult to comprehend in that you cannot sum it up in a 30-second pitch, however our depth is a strength we sometimes don’t fully realise,” Bagwell explains. “We are engaged in so many different areas in so many different ways, and the quality of what we produce is also a real eye opener – this is cutting edge.”

Bagwell also points towards a blurring of the lines between military and commerce in that the latter is now often advancing solutions that military organisations want to utilise.

“Back when I was in the military in the 1980s, it was us who had the innovations first,” he says. “In 1982 I went onto a Tornado which had a 64K computer, which was only available in the shops a couple of years later.

“Now, the military is eyeing up what

the commercial players are up to, and we therefore have an increasing presence in the commercial arena, which is overlapping with military and defence more and more. Having that blend within the company is a massive strength for us.”

Crossing boundaries

Bagwell himself neatly represents this merging of expertise.

Working through the ranks of the British Royal Air Force for 36 years from 1981, he brings with him firsthand experience of the realities of air defence and what its requirements are from suppliers like Cobham.

“Like all young boys, you want to play football for England, realise it’s a pipedream and the next best thing is to become a fighter pilot,” Bagwell recalls. “I was 14-15 when it became clear joining the RAF was what I wanted to do, and I went there straight from school at the age of 18.

ASSENT COMPLIANCE

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ssent Compliance is a supply chain data management company that provides cloudbased SaaS solutions to help identify and assess third-party risks, educate stakeholders on regulatory and data program requirements, and increase transparency between businesses.

The Assent Compliance platform is a centralised supply chain data management platform that leverages automated supplier engagement and logic-driven data validation to provide actionable insight into supply chain risk.

The platform is leveraged by companies across multiple sectors, including aerospace and defense, electronics, manufacturing, oil and gas, and medical devices. Cobham is one of hundreds of companies that leverage Assent’s industry-leading supply chain data management solution.

Assent’s platform allows Cobham to streamline supplier communications by running targeted email campaigns, while 24-seven multilingual support allows for a more efficient data collection process.

With the collected data, Cobham is able to show due diligence for the regulations it is in scope of, and use analytics and reporting capabilities to make informed business decisions.

Assent is proud to be Cobham’s trusted solution, providing world-class services, supplier support and market-leading technology to facilitate the company’s compliance goals.

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Cobham has expertise spanning multiple subsectors across the aerospace industry

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“To be in command and have responsibility in what have been some tricky moments in history has been fascinating. I would sum it up as hard work, good fun and defined by an outstanding group of people.”

After such an illustrious career with the RAF, what was it that led the Air Marshall to seek new opportunities in 2017?

“I felt like another challenge was possible, and Cobham more or less found me when I was doing some consulting work,” Bagwell continues.

“The company fascinated me. I knew a little about what they did with the air force but that was less than 10 percent of the bigger picture – I had no real appreciation for how broad Cobham is.

I knew about its excellent reputation for delivery, especially from my experience as a customer, so maybe it was fate that I ended up here.”

Fate decided, it is now Bagwell’s job to ensure Cobham maximises the

potential of its tremendous depth of products and services, knowledge network and geographical reach.

“My role is quite simple – it is to aggregate up everything that Cobham does,” he explains. “When you begin to understand the totality of what Cobham does it changes your mindset… we are the UK’s third largest defence aerospace company, and I’m not sure how many people both in and outside of the group actually know that. Getting our profile out there is so important to how we are perceived.

“Further, we must also realise our synergies across specialisms and territories and make the most out of them. For example, most of employees are not actually in the UK, shown by the fact that around 40 percent of our business comes from US defence. Our individual business units must be able to exploit the international, global standing that Cobham has.”

WIND RIVER®

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ind River® is pioneering the infrastructure technologies that are driving the transition to software-defined systems in aerospace and defense. For nearly four decades, Wind River software has been running the mission critical systems for aircraft, space exploration, and military operations which demand the highest standards for certified safety, security, and reliability. The company’s portfolio of software platforms is proven in over 1,000 projects by over 650 customers, driving greater affordability into aerospace and defense programs.

VxWorks® is the world’s most widely deployed real-time operating system, delivering deterministic performance for high-integrity devices. Companies such as Airbus, Boeing, NASA and Northrop Grumman leverage VxWorks to create award-winning, innovative products effectively and efficiently. Cobham Air Refuelling & Auxiliary Mission Equipment uses VxWorks and COTS safety certification evidence for the 900E series air refuelling pods.

Cobham Gaisler partners with Wind River to provide a LEON SPARC support for VxWorks. The LEON processor offers an open and well supported instruction set. Combined with VxWorks this provides an ideal solution for embedded applications requiring radiation hardened solutions.

Simics, Wind River’s platform simulation solution, supports the Cobham Gaisler LEON processor, as well as all other major processor architectures, providing Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx development andxxxxxxxxxxx maintenance lifecycle optimization.

Cobham’s work with the airforce is substantial, yet constitutes just one small portion of company’s wider portfolio

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Wind River brings also the latest hardware and software innovations by creating virtualisation technologies that enable the consolidation of multiple standalone platforms on one multicore processor, deploying unmodified guest operating systems such as Wind River Linux, tools and simulation technologies.

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LEADERSHIP FOCUS

AAGE HEMEL GROUP

AIR MARSHAL GREG BAGWELL CB CBE, EVP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

he Aage Hempel Group, renowned for its expertise in marine electronics, is established as a market leader across a number of countries including Spain, Gibraltar, Portugal, Malta, Morocco, Panama and the Netherlands.

As Executive Vice President of Business Development, Greg Bagwell provides invaluable customer perspective, operational knowledge, and a wealth of international defence experience to Cobham plc CEO David Lockwood.

He has been at the heart of UK military operations and joint warfare development and training for the last decade, and has worked very closely with many international Air and Defence Forces and industry partners worldwide.

Bagwell served with great distinction for 36 years in the Royal Air Force, the latter half of his service career seeing him become the RAF’s most experienced operational commander, where he oversaw combat operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Syria, as well as numerous humanitarian and peace keeping missions worldwide.

In addition, Bagwell is the President of the UK Air Power Association, and he continues to mentor senior UK defence commanders and lecture widely on defence and air power issues and his leadership experience. He is also an Associate Fellow of the Royal United Services Institute and an RAF Volunteer Reservist Pilot providing air experience flights for air cadets.

He is a trustee of the not-for-profit organisation Flying for Freedom, which assists wounded and injured servicemen in learning to fly microlights, and, ultimately, aims to be the first to fly with them to the South Pole.

Everything critical we connect

Like Sir Alan Cobham and air to air refuelling, connecting the seemingly unconnectable has become another hallmark of the company.

This is particularly evident in the aerospace sector, which continues to contribute enormously to the UK economy and will no doubt prove a vital source of export business in a post-Brexit environment.

Last year the industry turned over £31 billion, £27 billion of which derived from exports which represents a jump of 40 percent since 2010. And with the global demand for commercial aircraft set to reach $255 billion by 2028, the opportunity for Cobham to continue

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supplying global manufacturers is enormous.

“There are many elements to our work in aerospace communications, one of them being the working end and aeroplanes and crews being able to communicate backwards and forwards,” says Bagwell.

“For example, our products are sending live reports on energy performance and engineers at Rolls-Royce will already be looking at data and thinking this engine will need looking at in an hour’s time. They will know the plane is landing in, say, Sydney, and they’ll get the engineers there on standby. It is about predictive maintenance, forecasting faults before they happen.”

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Specialising in the supply, installation, commissioning and service of a range of different solutions, the firm has become renowned as an expert in the navigation, communication, IT networks, satcom solutions, GMDSS/ VSR-SVDR surveys and worldwide service arrangement segments.

Providing a broad range of products and equipment to its customers within each of these sectors, Aage Hempel prides itself on its ability to ship globally within 48 hours in emergency cases. An example of some of these can be seen as follows: Marine navigation equipment: RADAR, Speed Logs, GPS / Chart Plotters, GPS/ DGPS, Autopilots, ECDIS,Echo Sounder, AIS, Gyro Compass.

Marine communication equipment: Fleetbroadband, Fleet family, Sat-C (inc SSAS & LRIT) MF/HF Radio, VHF & UHF Radio, Weatherfax, Navtex and Satellite TV. Safety at seas equipment: EPIRB, BNWAS, SARTS, SSAS, VDR-SVDR, Cameras, LRIT. GMDSS Systems.

In total, the company holds more Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx than €3.5xxxxxxxx million xxxxxxxxxxx worth of spare parts and new equipment for all major manufacturers, constantly updating this resource pool in line with market trends and rising levels of innovation.

“Navigation, communication and safety equipment is exposed to many environmental conditionals during its life span which can cause premature or sudden failure,” the company states.

“Here at Aage Hempel we have over 60 years’ experience in the maritime electronics industry.”

www.aagehempel.com

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www.aagehempel.com

AAGE HEMPEL is a well established company in the maritime market specialized in the supply, installation, commissioning and service of Navigation, Communication, safety and other maritime equipments as well as a Satcom solutions provider.

WORLDWIDE COVERAGE AAGE HEMPEL delivers worldwide service through our own offices and our global service network of certified partners wherever you sail. Aage Hempel is committed to fulfill our customers’ requests as quickly, efficiently and effectively as possible. Our offices all around Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Malta, The Netherlands and Panama enable us to provide 24/7 service and support to our customers.

OUR SPECIALITIES ARE NAVIGATION, COMMUNICATION, IT NETWORKS, SATCOM SOLUTIONS, GMDSS / VDR-SVDR SURVEYS AND WORLDWIDE SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS. Dedicated to provide our customers with: • Quality service and repair.

• Competitively priced equipment & installation.

• Excellent customer service.

• S.B.M Contracts.

• International Service Arrangements.

AAGE HEMPEL ACCREDITATIONS IN OUR MARKET: • Over 13,000 services annually.

• Very high First Time Fix rate.

• Highly trained staff with continual training program.

• Experienced in a wide range of equipment covering all major manufacturers.

• Approved by major Classification Societies: GMDSS and S-VDR / VDR APTs. • 24 hour service, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

• Large stock of equipment and spare parts.

Service is our main product Quality our key stone

NAVIGATION | COMMUNICATION | SAFETY | SATCOM SOLUTIONS GMDSS AND VDR / SVDR SURVEYS | WORLDWIDE SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS |

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SOUTHERN UNITED LTD

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outhern United specialise in producing high quality labels and nameplates for aerospace and other Industries. Having extensive knowledge and use of aerospace grade materials including aluminium, polyimide, aluminium foil and stainless steel to name just a few, Southern United will ensure that your finished product comes out to your exact specifications. Southern United ensure that your plate will be secured with holes, whilst also stocking a wide variety of permanent adhesives such as 3M to ensure your label lasts in even the harshest environments and on any surface.

Cobham’s most significant portion of business, however, is conducted with the US Department of Defense. Around 40 percent of the firm’s revenue is derived from US defence and security contracts’ The connectivity further extends into the passenger environment, with Wi-Fi and streaming now a rudimentary offering for many airlines. Part of the SATCOM range, Cobham’s AVIATOR portfolio of SwiftBroadband and Classic H+ systems provides voice and data connectivity for both cockpit and cabin communications, enabling passengers and crew to remain connected in the sky.

“Customer experience is a big part of what we do here now, as airlines are wanting to meet rising consumer expectations,” Bagwell adds. “Within the next few years it will be a small minority of planes that are unconnected.”

In the maritime space, Cobham SAILOR and Sea Tel solutions are designed to meet the communications needs of any sized vessel or fleet of ships, no matter where they are.

“Our SATCOM portfolio extends to the likes of Maersk and their ships, and

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we also sponsored and supplied all the ships on the Volvo Ocean Race,” Bagwell says. “If you want guaranteed connectivity out at sea and in harsh environments, then Cobham will deliver it for you.”

On land, the company’s portable satellite and mobile products serve the likes of government, emergency services, law enforcement, media, transport, energy and mining clients.

Working with companies all over the world, Southern United has been providing high quality labelling to exact drawing requirements with full traceability in a very fast turnaround for over 70 years now. We hold AS9100 certification, and our in house quality team will ensure that your bespoke label or name plate adheres to all regulations set out. Southern United also holds certificates of registration for BS EN ISO 9001:2008. We can provide COC’s and FAIR’s to AS9102 when required for all of your items including materials supplier demand.

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In defence of the world

Cobham’s most significant portion of business, however, is conducted with the US Department of Defense.

Around 40 percent of the firm’s revenue is derived from US defence and security contracts, while UK and rest of the world defence accounts for another quarter of overall income.

Again, this area of business comprises solutions aimed at operations at air, land, sea and in space.

Sales: sales@sunited.co.uk Accounts: carole.accounts@sunited.co.uk Quality: quality@sunited.co.uk T +44 (0)1273 418636 F +44 (0)1273 423979

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THE SPECIALIST LABEL

MANUFACTURERS

We are specialist label manufacturers working with businesses across London, the UK and overseas. We provide plastic, metal and brass industrial labels, name plates, panels and other items for the aerospace, defence, and commercial sectors.

We are approved to ISO9001: 2008 and are a Safran Approved Supplier.

Sales: sales@sunited.co.uk Accounts: carole.accounts@sunited.co.uk Quality: quality@sunited.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0)1273 418636 Fax: +44 (0)1273 423979 www.sunited.co.uk

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Examples of Cobham’s leading-edge defence products on land include ground penetrating radar, which delivers enhanced detection capability of improvised explosive devices, and thermal control vests, restraints and cryocooler technologies, designed to improve efficiency and safety in hostile environments. Further, more than 150,000 vehicle intercom systems are in military service worldwide.

At sea, coast guards across the globe use Cobham SATCOM equipment while specialist diving products are used by military forces internationally.

Additionally, Cobham’s microwave and radar technologies are fitted into the most advanced maritime defence hardware, including the AEGIS class cruiser.

In the air, the company’s technology is embedded on many of the world’s most modern military aircraft, from helicopters to the ground-breaking F-35 fighter plane.

“The headline is that this is fifth generation, and we are accelerating at

a rapid pace,” says Bagwell. “The real quantum shift with this is not necessarily the aircraft, which itself is a feat of engineering, but all the systems and sensors inside it, and how this allows you access, process and act on information.

“In my day you would pass information off radar by voice. Now we have systems that use multiple sensors, and I would describe the F-35 as a quarterback that can see the entire battlefield – it is an orchestrator.

“We supply a lot of the electronics on the project, more than 100 components… the sum of the parts is impressive.”

Cobham also contributes significantly to defence capabilities in space, with microwave equipment on many major European military communications satellites. The firm also produces regulators for missile defence systems and hypersonic test vehicles, while every new wideband global satcom satellite relies on 100plus microelectronics modules made

by Cobham.

CONTEXT

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ontext’s focus is on helping clients manage their cyber risk, avoid potential breaches and to deter, detect and respond to the most sophisticated cyber-attacks.

We provide specialist technical consultancy and cyber advisory services, from penetration testing and assurance, to incident management and response, and technical security research.

We are working with leading aerospace, defence, and engineering companies to maintain a competitive advantage, protecting their business-critical intellectual property, systems, and assets from industrial espionage and advanced threat actors.

T +44 (0)207 537 7515 E info@contextis.com

www.contextis.com

GENERATOR

LEADERSHIP FOCUS DAVID LOCKWOOD, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER David Lockwood joined Cobham as Chief Executive Officer in December 2016.

Prior to joining Cobham, he served as CEO of Laird plc and has held a number of senior industry positions at the likes of BT Global Services, Thales UK and BAE Systems.

Lockwood was honoured with an OBE for services to industry in Scotland and in 2005 he received the Scottish Entrepreneur of the Year for Technology. Lockwood is also a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS), Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (FCA), Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts (FRSA) and has a degree in Mathematics from the University of York.

In addition, he has worked with the UK Cabinet Office as part of the Cyber Security Industry Working Party, developing the nation’s strategic agenda for cyber security, and he has chaired the Scottish Government’s Technology Advisory Group.

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enerator is an integrated marketing and design agency that shares Cobham’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

Our STANDOUT approach to marketing and communications is a proven way for companies to identify their target audiences and speak to them with impact and relevance.

With creative energy and innovative use of media we cut through the interference to make you STAND OUT to your internal and external audiences and differentiate you in the marketplace.

For an insight into what we could do for you, please get in touch.

Call us on 01425 651951 or email info@generator.uk.com

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Cyber protection for aerospace, defence, and engineering T: +44 (0)207 537 7515 E: info@contextis.com www.contextis.com

BRANDING

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DIGITAL

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Where Cobham gets its creative energy T +44 (0)1425 651951 E info@generator.uk.com

Where Cobham gets its WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM

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CISTELAIER

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istelaier S.p.A. is the Italian PCB manufacturing Company of the PCB Division of Finmasi Group.

The PCB Division, consisting of three PCB manufacturing companies, Cistelaier in Italy, Techci Rhône-Alpes in France and EPN Electroprint in Germany, enhances the specific competences of the three factories to offer customers excellent results.

With more than 40 years’ experience, Cistelaier has manufactured thousands of PCBs for businesses active in the Aerospace & Defense sector, including Cobham, which we thank for their ongoing support and collaborative efforts.

Our PCB Division accreditations: EN9100, NADCAP, IRIS, IATF16949, ISO13485 T +39 059 269711 E info@cistelaier.com

www.cistelaier.com

HOSUNG TECHNICS CO LTD Secure service

Asides supplying vital components, Cobham also provides training to military forces the world over, one such specialism being in electronic warfare.

“We make a lot of the components, so we know how the system works and are perfectly placed to come in and provide these services,” continues Bagwell, who goes on to explain how Cobham creates complex simulations for American and European air forces to respond to.

“The contract we are working on currently is a project called O2O, which we have been delivering for the past 25 years. That involves Cobham Falcon jets and we can replicate various electronic signals, meaning we can simulate fighting enemy X and see how your radar stands up to certain jamming attempts. We then debrief

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and walk through the tactics and strategies to counter that threat.

“People judge military forces on the number of ships and number of aircraft, but the true performance indicator is the way you train and the environment you are able to operate in. Investing in the best training is where the real value lies.”

Until recently Cobham also delivered helicopter training services for the UK Ministry of Defence, a capability it is exploiting further with military and non-military clients around the world. Now operating as the Cobham Helicopter Academy out of its base in Newquay, the organisation offers a unique blend of military and commercial experience and expertise.

Its offering is split into four major categories comprising rescue, military, emergency and civil training services.

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ince its founding in 1993, HoSung Technics Co Ltd has specialised in the manufacture of various connectors for high-frequency telecommunication equipment, such as RF components, connectors, cable assemblies and modules. Placing particular emphasis on quality management, the company conducts thorough quality control from receipt of materials to packaging.

As a result, ISO 9001 and 14001 certification has been acquired, which attests to the great strides made in quality management. The company aims to give its customers full satisfaction in terms of technology, quality, delivery and competitive pricing and believes that high reliability and quality service underpins its growth and success.

T + 82 32 717 8227 E hstos4@hstcns.com

www.hstcns.com

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Cobham was founded as an air-to-air refueling business, a trademark still vital to this day

In Australia, Cobham even manages a specialist airline on behalf of Qantas for oil and gas workers. Carrying around 1.5 million passengers a year to remote areas which require specialist rough landings, it operates like a commercial airline with full customer and cabin services.

Watch this space

It is space, however, which for Bagwell represents the most exciting area of growth for Cobham in the commercial arena.

The firm has enormous pedigree here. Every US astronaut since John Glenn has breathed through a Cobham regulator, while it also developed the world’s first demisable composite propellant tank, a system which extends the life of satellites.

NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory Mission, successfully launched in 2011, relied on Cobham equipment, and the

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Although a lot of our work is classified, we are on most satellite constellations in one way or another” firm further supplies command and data handling to some of the most powerful flight-proven commercial spacecraft in existence, such as the Lockheed Martin A2100 satellite.

“Space is a big area to watch over the coming years,” says Bagwell. “Although a lot of our work is classified, we are on most satellite constellations in one way or another – if you aggregate up everything we can offer the space industry, it is a huge growth area for us.

“What we are now beginning to see are whole networks of smaller satellites being deployed because people want control over their own

constellations. A few years ago, a satellite going up was a big deal – now it is occurring on an almost daily basis.

The technology and what you are able to do in space has come on in leaps and bounds, and Cobham is at the forefront of this processing and the electronics involved.

“How you control this environment is going to be key,” he continues, “and we have some of the world’s most advanced testing facilities which allow this to happen. Space is complicated.

It is not about throwing a computer quite high in the air. The electronics needed are robust.”

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1920s Cobham Flying Circus – By the start of the 1930s, Cobham was more than ever determined to make the public ‘air minded’. He therefore embarked on what he called his National Aviation Day display tour of the British Isles, visiting nearly 1,000 locations between 1932 and 1935.

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Finger on the pulse

If Cobham is to fully exploit the opportunities presented by not only space, but all the other areas it harnesses expertise, then paying attention to internal processes is going to be critical.

“This is about keeping on top of our manufacturing processes, the technologies we use, some of which we’ll have inhouse and others we’ll use partners for,” Bagwell explains. “Data handling, for example, is another increasingly important area now, understanding the risks associated with loss of data and cyber threats.”

The conversation takes a natural turn to the importance of attracting, developing and retaining the necessary skills to futureproof the business.

From graduates out of university to seasoned engineers looking for a new challenge, ensuring that the brightest minds choose Cobham over rival organisations could be a defining factor of the firm’s future.

“One of our real advantages is our global reach, meaning we can

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For young kids wondering what to do at university, the marketplace for engineering is exploding right now, and there are hundreds of specialisations that organisations like ours need” look at every university around the world,” adds Bagwell. “For young kids wondering what to do at university, the marketplace for engineering is exploding right now, and there are hundreds of specialisations that organisations like ours need, and we are fishing in a relatively small pond at the moment.

“One thing Cobham is really championing is getting more women into engineering jobs. Half of the workforce are women, so it makes complete sense to train up and encourage this half of the population to pursue engineering as a career. We need people who are agile and ready to adapt as the times move.”

This philosophy is backed up in practice. Around seven percent of Cobham’s revenue is dedicated to research and development, a vital commitment if the company is to remain at the forefront of developments across its industries.

The power of partnership

Bagwell also readily admits that Cobham alone cannot innovate and invest in every leading-edge development.

The firm relies on an external network of partnerships to complement its inhouse capabilities, and over the years has also acquired and absorbed a variety of companies, each with their own unique pedigree and story.

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“We are also primarily a subcontractor, a part of the supply chain, so appreciate what it is like to be loved by an original equipment manufacturer,” adds Bagwell. “We absolutely feel what our suppliers feel.

“If the supply chain doesn’t work, the product, which ultimately has a Cobham stamp on it, doesn’t work either. I mentioned the need for us to find skills and capability, but at the same time we know we can’t do it all, so partners and suppliers are critical to us. It is about finding these smaller companies who are pioneering and giving them the opportunity to bring innovation to market.”

Utilising the pioneering spirit of smaller companies also helps larger players such as Cobham to manage risk.

“Our relationships are collaborative and our R&D investment isn’t all about spending money on things, rather investing in ideas and finding new partners,” continues Bagwell.

“Big companies by nature are more risk averse, so we must interact with the smaller players who may have that little spark we need to make the next step. We have so many engineers and people out there networking, and Cobham’s network of

Cobham’s technology allows pilots to stay connected in the air

LEADERSHIP FOCUS DAVID MELLORS, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Mellors was CFO of QinetiQ, the FTSE250 science and engineering group operating primarily in the defence, security and aerospace markets, a position he had held from 2008, and was interim Chief Executive for a period during 2015.

Previously, he was Deputy Chief Financial Officer of Logica plc, Chief Financial Officer of Logica’s international division, covering operations in North America, Australia, the Middle East and Asia, and prior to that he was the Group Financial Controller.

Mellors formerly held various roles with CMG plc, Rio Tinto plc and PwC. He is a Chartered Accountant, holding a degree in physics from Oxford University.

knowledge is something even we may underestimate.”

Looking ahead

Collaboration, both with external partners and internally across geographies and business units, will ensure Cobham continues to serve its diverse portfolio of clients around the world.

For Bagwell, a key priority for the coming period is communicating an effective message about what the

company is and what it is capable of.

Cobham is rightly revered as a specialist in numerous technological applications in niches across aerospace and defence – now is the time for the dots to be joined and for the firm to be recognised as one major, multifaceted entity.

Bagwell concludes: “We have a lot more to offer, and I want us to exploit that. I think you will see the brand become increasingly well-known as we continue to do this – we are up there with the world’s largest and more is to come.

“If you are looking for a business that is representing Britain on a global platform, working in some of the most hi-tech environments in space and aerospace with an exporting outlook, that is Cobham. We represent the UK, and I am optimistic that we are going to remain and develop as a force to be reckoned with in markets worldwide.

“Our diversity is massive, and our operation is global.”

Cobham Tel (Marlow office): +44 (0) 1628 472072 info@cobham.com www.cobham.com

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