BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Events.Aero//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN BEGIN:VEVENT UID:sBSvZl@events.aero DTSTAMP:20261010T175518Z DTSTART:20261214T180000Z DTEND:20261214T193000Z SUMMARY:RAeS Lecture: RAF Defford - Telecommunications Research Establishme nt DESCRIPTION:This RAeS lecture explores the fascinating history of flight tr ials for government research and development of radar\, tracing back to 19 35 when radio waves from a BBC transmitter were reflected by a Heyford bom ber\, enabling its detection by a ground receiver.\nDuring World War II\, the Special Duty Flight provided aircraft to serve as targets for ground r adar systems and to conduct trials of airborne radar for the RAF and Fleet Air Arm. As the conflict progressed\, the Telecommunications Flying Unit\ , and later its successor the Radar Research Flying Unit\, tested and eval uated systems for government radar establishments until the unit's disband ment in 1977.\nThe lecture describes the diverse range of aircraft employe d for these critical tasks and illustrates unique examples of engineering innovation that were required—often on a scale otherwise unknown outside the aircraft industry. Dr Dennis Williams\, a materials scientist with li felong aviation passion and current Trustee of the Malvern Radar and Techn ology History Society\, will present this compelling account of RAF Deffor d's contributions to radar research.\nThe event is free for both members a nd non-members. Lectures form an important part of the Royal Aeronautical Society's charitable mission\, sharing aerospace knowledge\, inspiring fut ure professionals\, and promoting understanding of aviation\, aerospace an d space across the wider community. Under 18s are welcome when accompanied by a guardian.\nEvent timings: Registration 18:00–18:30\, Lecture 18:30 –19:30. LOCATION:Royal Aeronautical Society\, London URL:https://events.aero/gb/events/raes-lecture-raf-defford-telecommunicatio ns-research-establishment GEO:51.5045000;-0.1494000 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR