Latest news with #AndrewMaggs
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New oxygen system a 'game changer' for battlefield
A new portable oxygen delivery system has been developed to improve casualty survival rates for soldiers and civilians. The system, which was developed by the Wiltshire-based Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and the Defence Medical Service (DMS), weighs just 5kg (11lb) and is able to offer sustained oxygen supply in a safer and easier form than conventional gas cylinders. "The ability to deliver oxygen at the point of injury represents a game-changing advance in battlefield medicine," said Major Andrew Maggs, DSTL military advisor. The system works by taking air from the environment and removing nitrogen to leave a breathable oxygen-rich gas that can be delivered to patients. Oxygen therapy is critical for trauma patients suffering from blood loss, head injuries and lung trauma. By getting oxygen delivery directly to the point of injury, the system can dramatically improve the likelihood of survival and recovery. "By reducing logistical burden and improving safety, the system will provide critical care in situations where every second counts," Major Maggs explained. Dr Paul Hollinshead, DSTL chief executive, added: "In operational terms, this system will reduce the logistical strain on supply chains while improving battlefield care. "The ability to also reuse the system with external power or replaceable batteries means it offers unparalleled flexibility." It is not yet known when the system will be first used, but 15 prototypes will soon be ready to deploy. DSTL is also working on a mass-producible version that can withstand rigorous military use. The system currently costs £15,000 per unit but it is hoped a more cost effective version can be designed. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Military families speak out on mouldy homes Thousands of UK gas masks being sent to Ukraine Statue displays warn of military land dangers DSTL
BBC News
25-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
New oxygen system a 'game changer' for battlefield
A new portable oxygen delivery system has been developed to improve casualty survival rates for soldiers and system, which was developed by the Wiltshire-based Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and the Defence Medical Service (DMS), weighs just 5kg (11lb) and is able to offer sustained oxygen supply in a safer and easier form than conventional gas cylinders."The ability to deliver oxygen at the point of injury represents a game-changing advance in battlefield medicine," said Major Andrew Maggs, DSTL military advisor. The system works by taking air from the environment and removing nitrogen to leave a breathable oxygen-rich gas that can be delivered to patients. 'Every second counts' Oxygen therapy is critical for trauma patients suffering from blood loss, head injuries and lung trauma. By getting oxygen delivery directly to the point of injury, the system can dramatically improve the likelihood of survival and recovery."By reducing logistical burden and improving safety, the system will provide critical care in situations where every second counts," Major Maggs Paul Hollinshead, DSTL chief executive, added: "In operational terms, this system will reduce the logistical strain on supply chains while improving battlefield care."The ability to also reuse the system with external power or replaceable batteries means it offers unparalleled flexibility."It is not yet known when the system will be first used, but 15 prototypes will soon be ready to is also working on a mass-producible version that can withstand rigorous military system currently costs £15,000 per unit but it is hoped a more cost effective version can be designed.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Remote-controlled mine sweeper trial successful
A robot designed to clear minefields without the need for operators on site has been successfully tested, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said. The remote-controlled prototype, called Weevil, is expected to replace current mine-clearing methods that require a three-person crew to operate in dangerous areas. The mine sweeper was successfully tested in Newcastle and the British Army is expected to further develop the technology. Luke Pollard, minister for the armed forces, said: "It won't be a moment too soon when we no longer have to send our people directly into harm's way to clear minefields." He added the robot was expected to be able to tackle the fatal threat of mines "in the most challenging environments". By cutting through minefields, the device clears explosives and pushes them aside, opening a safe path for troops to move faster and more safely towards enemy positions, the MoD said. The robot was developed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and Newcastle-based firm Pearson Engineering. Maj Andrew Maggs, a military adviser with DSTL, said Weevil was the "perfect combination" of tried and tested technology and modern advancements. He added: "By enhancing existing vehicles with new capabilities, we're able to maximise their potential and give our troops a much-needed advantage, particularly in missions where time and safety are critical." Follow BBC Newcastle on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Ronin the rat sets new landmine-sniffing record Deminers: Women excavating the explosive remnants of war Ministry of Defence
BBC News
10-04-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Remote-controlled mine sweeper trial in Newcastle successful
A robot designed to clear minefields without the need for operators on site has been successfully tested, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) remote-controlled prototype, called Weevil, is expected to replace current mine-clearing methods that require a three-person crew to operate in dangerous mine sweeper was successfully tested in Newcastle and the British Army is expected to further develop the Pollard, minister for the armed forces, said: "It won't be a moment too soon when we no longer have to send our people directly into harm's way to clear minefields." He added the robot was expected to be able to tackle the fatal threat of mines "in the most challenging environments".By cutting through minefields, the device clears explosives and pushes them aside, opening a safe path for troops to move faster and more safely towards enemy positions, the MoD robot was developed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and Newcastle-based firm Pearson Andrew Maggs, a military adviser with DSTL, said Weevil was the "perfect combination" of tried and tested technology and modern added: "By enhancing existing vehicles with new capabilities, we're able to maximise their potential and give our troops a much-needed advantage, particularly in missions where time and safety are critical." Follow BBC Newcastle on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Minefield-clearing robot to be trialled for British Army front lines
A robot mine sweeper is being trialled by the British Army to eventually clear explosives on the front lines. It is hoped the device, called WEEVIL, will replace current mine-clearing methods that require a three-person crew to operate in hazardous areas. The new technology can be operated via remote control by a single person from several miles away and is fitted with a mine plough to clear a safe path. The prototype was successfully tested in Newcastle on a surrogate minefield, and the technology is now being passed to the British Army for further development. Luke Pollard, minister for the armed forces, said: 'It won't be a moment too soon when we no longer have to send our people directly into harm's way to clear minefields. 'This kit could tackle the deadly threat of mines in the most challenging environments, while being remotely operated by our soldiers several miles away.' The robot was developed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and Newcastle-based firm Pearson Engineering. The Ministry of Defence said there are no current plans to provide it to Ukraine. DSTL military adviser Major Andrew Maggs said: 'WEEVIL is the perfect combination of tried and tested technology and modern advancements. 'By enhancing existing vehicles with new capabilities, we're able to maximise their potential and give our troops a much-needed advantage, particularly in missions where time and safety are critical.'
