§ Mr. ToddTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those civil developments which he assesses to have resulted from Government-funded military research and development since 1990. [38332]
§ Mr. SpellarThe transfer of technology from military research and development into civil markets is promoted by the Ministry of Defence, in support of the wider Government objectives of increasing wealth creation within the UK industry.
An exhaustive list of civil developments resulting from Government-funded military research and development would be difficult to compile; however, recent examples include:
Uncooled infrared thermal imaging technology, which enables clear sight in total darkness or even through smoke, is now in use in helmet-mounted cameras for fire-fighters and hand-held cameras for security, law enforcement, drug interdiction, industrial thermography and wildlife protection worldwide.Light, strong casing technology, designed for the LAW-80 antitank rocket, has been adapted for use in torus-shaped compressed air containers which are shortly to be tested by the Health and Safety Executive. These could be a major improvement over current cylindrical designs, due to their reduced weight for the same air pressure and volume.Research into damping vibrations in military helicopters led to the discovery of a thin, flat structure with excellent sound radiation properties. This technology, which will allow flat panel loudspeakers for wall mounting or mobile public address systems, has been licensed to a civil firm for development and production.The scope for DERA's dual use activities is under consideration, both as part of the Strategic Defence Review, and with the publications of the Defence Diversification Green Paper on 5 March 1998.