** ROY'S RESEARCH YEARS **
This page is the 29 Sept 2004 edition of this page.
PRE-GRADUATION
================
Even before getting involved in the professional side of this side of my life, I was always 'into'
research as a 'private' individual, in school, in university and at home.
SCHOOL
Whilst at school, at all levels, I was interested in ALL aspects of 'knowledge' and was always seeking
answers to interesting things. Even at school, realising that if I could take more 'notes' than anyone else,
it would be even more interesting. This 'realisation' dawned on me during a very-fast-talking set of lectures
by our chemistry master - so I found my parent's 'short-hand' books at home and learned the 'Pitmans
Shorthand' method.
At the time of our next exams, my 'distinction' proved both the extensive notes and my method of revision and
other preparations. I scoured the shelves and books for lots of information (either on the syllabus or not) -just
for interest!
UNIVERSITY
Whilst at University, I perfected my 'revision methods' as pioneered by my school-work. I didn't get myself,
unlike my contemporaries, involved in the 'last night cramming'. Together with my Pitman's Shorthand techniques
and my very full notes, I wanted to know everything at all times - NOT just on the day of the exams!! I also
cross-coupled similar topics from different subjects - for pleasure and knowledge!
For me, the 'last night' was NOT 'cramming', but pure relaxation! Of course, with exams spread over a week
or two, that meant a week or two of pure relaxation!!
With my four years at City University, I developped these techniques to make the 'learning experience' a
GREAT PLEASURE.
As a student of "Applied Physics" my final-year project and thesis was on "The measurement of High
Field Strengths by a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance method" - but, like many of my records, the actual thesis
was 'binned' in recent years to save space.
VACATION RESEARCH
I had various mini-research projects which linked in with my course-work, one for each of the three vacations! Each
of these lasted 6 months the size of each element of my 'sandwich'.
Topics, not necessarily in order, included:-
(a) Chrystallography with electron microscopy
(b) Chrystal growing techniques & Thin-Film technology applications
(c) Ferrite Ring technology and applications
POST-GRADUATION
=================
On getting back to my Establishment, I had found out that the Physics Department was "full of
Chemists" (albeit Physical Chemists!). We were overpopulated with physicists, - so I spent some
time in the Guided Weapons Dept - researching different hunting algorithms with an ANALOGUE
COMPUTER. I wasn't to start with the 'Digitals' for about a year!!
I then went into RADAR Techniques research with digital computers (1962-70), following this with
ATC Simulations investigating several problems and solutions (1970-76)
From 1976 until 1986, I was in the Ground Radar and ATC Group (later to be entitled the Air
Defence and ATC Group) where I researched AEW (Airbourne Early Warning) Systems dealing,
firstly, with AEW Nimrod before moving onto AWACS. There, I built several 'scenario generators' and
researched 'tracking algorithms' before deriving a few 'assessment packages' and providing advice for MOD's
HQ, NATO and USAF on feasibility issues.
I was part of the UKAEW assessment team for selecting from options and alternatives in 1985/6, and
from 1986 to 1987, I was part of the NIS-ISS (NATA Identification System's [Indirect sub-system])
Team.
From 1988 until 1990 I was working on our RADIS (Relational Air Defence Information System) and our
contracts for it. In 1990 and 1991, I researched the 'support problems' for JTIDS by two of our projects. I was
more 'on my own' from 1991 onwards when I researched the feasibility and methods of Implementing Mode 'S'
SSR in IUKADGE.
RETIREMENT
============
Just prior to, and in the early years of my retirement, I did much research into the WLSR (World Landspeed
Record) - and, indeed, wrote many briefings and articles on the subject.
Many landspeed vehicles (from two to five wheels) were designed by me, including the Thrust3-like
PETERS OLYMPUS which exceeded 1000mph on my simulator at work (lunch-breaks). I also had a
set of Supersonic Train developments with a complete costed project (from London's M25 to Birmingham's
M42).
Even before this and the ISS (International Space Station), I did my own development and progress of my
own space-station (including man-management of the increasingly large crew) which went far beyond anything
that the USA and RUSSIA have still done!!
Although, most closely, I was part of the "MACH 1 CLUB" of the THRUST project and had been in contact
with Richard Noble since his Thrust2 days. During, and after the supersonic runs at Blackrock Desert (Nevada),
Richard and I EMailed each other on a number of topics.
The Aussi contender (Rosco McGlashen) and his wife were frequent readers and followers of my web-site. Like
most of my correspondents, I've kept and treasured their responses. Even the members of the AMERICAN EAGLE
team communicated with me. They had 'big ideas' but not the practical and organisational advances of the British
Thrust Project.
In parallel with these projects, I was making Geographical and Geological studies around the world - researching many
places that interested me.
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