Latest news with #DSTL
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.
Telegraph
17-04-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
Electric cars threaten national security, defence chiefs warn
Electric cars pose a potential threat to national security as they are vulnerable to Chinese spying, according to an official defence assessment by the Government's spy lab. A report by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) found that there were concerns Beijing – which dominates the market – could effectively eavesdrop on conversations using the vehicles, which are to be introduced for all ministers and officials by the end of 2027. The warning in the report, which was delivered to the previous Tory government, contributed to fears at senior levels in Rishi Sunak's administration that electric cars were 'basically mobile spying platforms' and even those made in the West using Chinese parts were susceptible. The concerns were raised amid the government fleet going green, given China's dominance in electric vehicles. Fears of Chinese spying were sufficiently high that the DSTL, an executive agency of the Ministry of Defence, was commissioned to look at so-called 'connected vehicles' and whether they were vulnerable to spying by Beijing. All electric vehicles are deemed to be ' connected ', meaning that data and information are sent out beyond the vehicle, sometimes over the internet. Increasingly, petrol and diesel cars are also 'connected'. It is understood the first assessment from the defence scientists flagged broad concerns that electric vehicles and other connected cars could be used by the Chinese state to spy. A second, more detailed examination was then commissioned by the Sunak government. That report had not been returned when the snap general election was called for July 2024, leading to the Tories being removed from office. One source in the Sunak government close to the conversations called it an 'oh s---' moment when the implications of the government's electronic vehicle push were realised. The source said: 'They are basically mobile spying platforms. The array of data you can pick up from these things is extraordinary, particularly conversations that happened in the car.' In 2023, it was claimed by a Tory MP that Mr Sunak's car had been found to have a hidden Chinese tracking device. The claim was not denied by Downing Street at the time. A security exemption does exist for the scheme to make all government vehicles electric by 2027, but it appears to be narrowly drawn. The Government has publicly said 'vehicles that must regularly conduct covert surveillance operations' can be excluded. To get this additional security exemption, a government body must 'provide evidence to demonstrate it has explored all available options to meet the commitment'. The Government is publicly committed to making its fleet of 40,000 vehicles electric by 2027, but many are still petrol-run. The private assessment raises the possibility that the plan could yet be ditched. It could also have ramifications for the wider electric vehicle push, with consumers expected to increasingly demand assurances over security. The Department for Transport responded by insisting that it remains committed to the 2027 government electric vehicles target. There is no blanket ban on Chinese-made electric vehicles being purchased for the government fleet, despite concerns about potential spying. There are some signs of changes inside Whitehall, however, with the i newspaper revealing on Wednesday that electric cars with Chinese components are now banned from sensitive military sites. The concerns have surfaced after claims that the Chinese company that was preparing to close blast furnaces run by British Steel was committing 'industrial sabotage'. Sir Keir Starmer stepped in to take over control of British Steel. Chinese government figures have pushed back on suggestions of any wrongdoing. The row is now widening out into a public debate about the degree of involvement Chinese companies and the Chinese state have in areas of UK critical national infrastructure. The government fleet, comprising 40,000 cars and vans, is used not only to drive Cabinet ministers between meetings but for all types of government activity. Hitting the 100 per cent electric vehicle by 2027 target could prove challenging. In 2022, about a quarter of the government fleet was electric. Campaigners calling for a tougher stance towards China called for a 'rethink' on the push to make the government fleet electric by 2027. Luke de Pulford, the executive director of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, said: 'Any device requiring remote software update is vulnerable to manipulation. 'The issue with Chinese electric vehicles is that Beijing's regulations make it possible for the Chinese government to use this capability for ill. With China having already been accused of spying on a ministerial car, this is a risk we should not take. 'If we can only meet the 2027 target by purchasing Chinese electric vehicles, with attendant security risks, the policy needs a rethink. National security comes first.' Charles Parton, an adviser to the Coalition of Secure Technology, which campaigns to raise awareness of the threat posed by technology produced by potentially hostile states, said about the government fleet: 'Do not use a car that is Chinese. And do not use a car that has a Chinese cellular module. 'If you have ministers talking in the back of their cars then that information is vulnerable.' A DfT spokesman said: 'We remain committed to ensuring all central government car and van fleets are zero emission by the end of 2027'.
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.
