A new BBC2 series Made in Britain features BAE Systems’ aircraft manufacturing operation in Lancashire, where presenter Evan Davis was given a firsthand demonstration of a Eurofighter Typhoon.
The programme will look at the strengths and importance of UK manufacturing and how the aerospace manufacturer, as the country’s largest industry-specific employer, has remained at the forefront of the sector.
As well as highlighting manufacturing work underway to develop unmanned aircraft (also known as drones in the UK and US military), the programme will focus mainly on offering viewers a fascinating insight into the specialist work undertaken to produce the new generation fighter aircraft, Typhoon, as well as the production of components for Lockheed Martin’s F35 Lightning II.
BAE Systems pulled out all the stops to organise a Typhoon flight for presenter and host of BBC2’s Dragon’s Den Davis. Five months of careful planning and close work with the BBC production team resulted in a 60-minute sortie over the north of England in what is widely regarded as the world’s most advanced combat aircraft.
Nat Makepeace, BAE Systems’ test pilot who flew Mr Davis said: “It’s a rare opportunity for us to provide firsthand experience of the true capability of Typhoon, so I was delighted to be able to share this experience with Evan.”
“He was a tremendous passenger, holding his nerve throughout a complex testing sortie and despite pulling maximum G-force. I was proud to share the phenomenal performance and capability of this aircraft with him.” Mr Makepeace also said he is looking forward to BBC 2 viewers being able to see the Typhoon in flight from the seat that matters most.
Made in Britain will be broadcast on BBC 2 at 9pm on Monday 20th June, Monday 27th June and Monday 4th July.
George Archer
