|
 |
|
 |
| |
 |
While the Lola name is synonymous with motor sport throughout the world, it is a well kept secret that the company’s winning technology stretches across the Defence and Aviation industries. The secret of the multi-faceted Lola is a reflection of the sensitive nature of these territories.
From developing state-of-the-art technology for winning Le Mans cars to building the entire shell for military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, how do the contrasting industries of motor sport, defence and aerospace find a common denominator in Lola? The highest level of security, cutting-edge technology, managing multi million pound budgets and working to pressurised lead times all work hand-in-hand within these specialist industries.
In 2008, Lola will celebrate a memorable 50 years in motor sport. The enviable position of the British marque has been consolidated since 1997, under the ownership of Executive Chairman Martin Birrane, whose vision has helped make Lola into a worldwide contender in many aspects of design and technology. |
|
|
behind the production of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV’s). Altanet Technologies, the defence arm of the Lola Group since 1998, was responsible for building |
 |
the entire structure of the Talisman UUV constructed for BAE Systems. It’s about the size of a family car and capable of a wide range of maritime operations including neutralising a number of mines on a single mission. BAE recently presented Altanet the Chairman’s Silver Award for its work undertaken on the UUV.
From 1998 onwards Altanet has been instrumental in the design and manufacture of SCOT (Shipborne Communications Terminal) Radomes. The Scot enables the transmission and reception of naval operational communications (voice, fax, command and support data, imagery, Internet, E-mail, broadcast and welfare services), providing uninterrupted operation under the most adverse weather and sea conditions, while co-existing with advanced sensors and weapons |
|
|
|
 |
|
Having secured contracts with some of the biggest names in defence and aerospace, including the MOD and BAE Systems, Martin Birrane welcomed the recent appointment of Andrew Manahan as the Managing Director of Lola. With a proven track record |
|
 |
|
| |
in leading-edge technology, Manahan has been charged with maximising the group’s position as a worldwide leader in design, engineering and manufacturing.
Manahan explains why such a diverse offering works so well, “The defence and aerospace experts tend to have a natural fascination with the technology that goes into motor sport, and the motor sport world has equal respect for the technology behind these industries. Lola’s heritage and success in motor sport has helped make us a globally recognised brand with an excellent reputation for product quality. The Lola badge therefore delivers a really strong feel good factor for our defence and aerospace customers.”
2007 marked Lola’s first-ever appearance at the DSEI exhibition, which is one of the biggest defence shows in the world. The exhibition provided Lola a prestigious arena to showcase its latest defence and aerospace products on a global stage.
With some of the worlds greatest drivers having taken the wheel of Lola race cars, it is slightly ironic that the British manufacturer was |
|
systems. SCOT has been procured by 11 navies worldwide and has been fitted to over 140 ships.
Having dominated the race tracks and established itself with offshore technology, Lola is now trying to rule the skies, having recently joined the prestigious Watchkeeper programme to build Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). With Lola Composites’ 20 years experience in creating technically advanced structures, the consortium led by Thales UK identified Lola as a key partner to work on the UK Ministry of Defence contract worth a reported £700m.
Whether testing a Formula One car or advancing the aerodynamics of a military aircraft all these operations involve the highest level of client confidentiality. Huntingdon based Lola is one of the few companies in the world that can boast its own wind-tunnel and vehicle dynamic test-rig. Renowned as the best commercial facilities available in the UK, this world class service gives leading technologists the capabilities to work behind closed doors and benefit from a full research and development programme. |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
