19th Jun 2006 08:00
Ultra Electronics Holdings PLC19 June 2006 For immediate release 19 June 2006 Ultra Electronics Holdings plc ("Ultra" or "the Group") Ultra Technical Director awarded OBE in Queen's Birthday Honours List Ultra announces that Alan Wignall, Technical Director of its Sonar &Communication Systems business, has been made an Officer of the Order of theBritish Empire (OBE) in the Queen's Birthday Honours List. Alan, aged 47, is aninternationally recognised expert in Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) technology. Through his energy, determination and enthusiasm, he has driven real innovationin the design of sonobuoys, the acoustic sensors that are used to detectsubmarines, and in the associated on-aircraft signal processing equipment. He ispersonally responsible for the world-leading Sonobuoy Positioning System whichis used to determine the position of the sonobuoys from some distance away. Theaircraft no longer needs to maintain position above the deployed sonobuoys andis therefore less vulnerable to attack. Alan devised the highly complexmathematical model that facilitated a practical solution within the constraintsof modern ASW operations. The unique features of his invention have enabledUltra to export defence electronic systems to the US, France, Canada, Italy,Sweden and Turkey as well as to enhance the UK's own ASW capability. Alan demonstrates immense attention to detail and an unstoppable drive andcommitment. He coaches and mentors younger engineers and is intent on passing onthe benefit of his experience and knowledge to the next generation. Alan is passionate about attracting bright students into electronic engineeringas a career and regularly visits schools to talk to 6th form students to explainhow challenging and rewarding a career in the electronics industry can be. Alanalso invests much of his own time mentoring the undergraduate students whoundergo placements at Ultra. Douglas Caster, Chief Executive of Ultra, commented:"I congratulate Alan on gaining this award. Alan is a truly exceptional engineerwhose genuine innovations have rightfully earned him international recognitionas a world expert in the specialist area of anti-submarine warfare. Theachievements of Alan and the teams that have worked with him over the yearstypify the innovation and market focus that have driven the success of Ultra" - Ends -Enquiries:Ultra Electronics Holdings plc 020 8813 4321Douglas Caster, Chief Executive www.ultra-electronics.comAndy Hamment, Group Marketing Director [email protected] Weber Shandwick Square Mile 020 7067 0700Susan Ellis / Louise Robson Notes to editors: Ultra Electronics is a group of specialist businesses designing, manufacturingand supporting electronic and electromechanical systems, sub-systems andproducts for defence, security and aerospace applications worldwide. Ultra, which employs 3,000 people in the UK and North America, focuses on highintegrity sensing, control, communication and display systems with an emphasison integrated information technology solutions. The Group concentrates onobtaining a technological edge in niche markets, with many of its products andtechnologies being market leaders in their field. Ultra's products and services are used on aircraft, ships, submarines, armouredvehicles, surveillance systems, airports and transport systems around the world.Ultra also plays an important role in supporting prime contractors byundertaking specialist system and sub-system integration using the combinedexpertise of the Group businesses. Ultra is organised into three divisions as follows: Aircraft & Vehicle Systems including miniature airborne compressors; highintegrity software and systems; aircraft system electronics; aircraft cockpitindicators; aircraft noise and vibration control systems; airframe protectionsystems, armoured vehicle electronic information and control systems; human/computer interface equipment and shared working environment solutions. Information & Power Systems including command and control systems equipment;weapons interfacing electronics; radar tracking; electro optical tracking;surveillance systems; naval data processing and distribution; airport andairline information management systems; ID card systems; naval power conversion;signature management of naval vessels; transit system power conversion andcontrol. Tactical & Sonar Systems including secure tactical line-of-sight radio systems,multiplexers and switches; voice communication systems; tactical data links;cryptographic equipment; active, passive and multi-static sonobuoys; sonobuoyreceivers and processors; distributed surveillance sensor arrays; ship's sonarsystems; acoustic countermeasure systems and ship's torpedo defence systems. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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