I undertook front-line research at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough for fourteen years (1962-76) and later managed Aerodynamics Department for four years (1988 - 92). In other phases of my MoD career spanning 33 years, I interacted with the various government defence research establishments which were later combined into DERA. Subsequently I submitted evidence (on behalf of the Defence Engineering Group at University College London) to successive HCDC enquiries on the MoD's decision to adopt a PPP for DERA, and acted as a specialist advisor to the Committee through that period. I therefore feel reasonably well placed to offer some comments on this NAO Report.
David Kirkpatrick
26th November 2007