General Atomics

Babcock becomes Bluebird K7 engineering partner

Donald Campbell’s record-breaking jet hydroplane, Bluebird K7, returned to her home at the Ruskin Museum in Coniston last month and was back on display in time to celebrate what would have been Donald Campbell’s 104th Birthday.



Above: Bluebird’s new engines installed.
Courtesy Babcock


Bluebird was back home on Saturday 22nd March, having been away since Monday 24th February at St Athan where engineers from The Horizon Aircraft Services were carrying out the installation of Bluebird’s Bristol-Siddeley / Rolls Royce Orpheus 101 engine.

To support the preservation and planned operation of the hydroplane, Babcock International Group (Babcock) have joined the team at the Ruskin Museum as engineering partner with Babcock’s senior engineering managers having already carried out initial inspections to scope any required works.

Chairman of Trustees for the Coniston Institute and Ruskin Museum, Jeff Carroll said: “It’s fantastic to have Babcock on board.

"Its reputation and breadth of engineering expertise means that we can ensure that Bluebird K7 will be in the best possible hands to help prepare her for the runs on Coniston Water in 2026.”

John Howie, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Babcock said: “Bluebird K7 is an iconic piece of maritime history which Babcock is honoured to support.

"The hydroplane has been lovingly restored and our skilled team of engineers will take great care and pride in supporting the project as we play our part in readying it for its run next year.”

Bluebird will be away again during the low season later this year and early 2026 to ensure that all aspects of engineering, both structural and mechanical are in tip top condition in time for her running on Coniston Water in 2026.

Related

TechPoint strengthens UK manufacturing capabilities with Esprit Electronics acquisition
TechPoint manufacturing
TechPoint strengthens UK manufacturing capabilities with Esprit Electronics acquisition
Basingstoke headquartered TechPoint has expanded its Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) expertise with the acquisition of Southampton based Esprit Electronics.
Aerospace Member News

14 Oct 2026

Stansted Airport reports record-breaking September
London Stansted Airport
Stansted Airport reports record-breaking September
Having experienced its busiest ever summer season, London Stansted has gone on to post record-breaking passenger numbers for September, surpassing the previous record set two years ago.
Aerospace

14 Oct 2026

UK drone companies ‘starved of oxygen’ after successful trials, warns Evolve Dynamics
The Wolfe drone by evolve dynamics, one of many made in the UK
UK drone companies ‘starved of oxygen’ after successful trials, warns Evolve Dynamics
British drone companies risk proving their technology only to find the orders needed to scale never arrive, Evolve Dynamics CEO Tom Redman has warned.
UK Connect Defence launches Rapid Broadband Kit
UK Connect Defence's RBK
UK Connect Defence launches Rapid Broadband Kit
A new solution designed and manufactured in the UK, is set to deliver resilient integrated 5G and LEO satellite services broadband connectivity via a single rugged unit, connecting people, systems and services for defence, humanitarian and remote operations, with no external supporting infrastructure.
RAF Eurofighter Typhoon squadrons test ability to fight from dispersed bases
Ex AGILE OWL is taking place at RAF Lossiemouth and Kinloss Barracks between the 5-9th October 2026. This exercise will build upon lessons identified during Ex AGILE WARRIOR and our ongoing Transition to Conflict initiatives, providing a valuable opportunity for collective training across station. The exercise is designed to test and evaluate our preparedness, resilience and ability to operate effectively as we continue to posture towards Ex STEADFAST DEFENDER 27. Exercise AGILE OWL will challenge individuals and teams to apply recent learning, validate procedures and identify further opportunities for improvement in a realistic operational environment.
RAF Eurofighter Typhoon squadrons test ability to fight from dispersed bases
RAF Coningsby and Lossiemouth tested their ability to sustain combat air operations from dispersed locations during Exercise Agile Owl.
Defence

14 Oct 2026

Royal Navy’s only ice patrol ship towed into Devonport amid repair doubts
These are the voyages of HMS Protector , her 5 year deployment, to explore the Antarctica in support of UK interests
Royal Navy’s only ice patrol ship towed into Devonport amid repair doubts
Why the Royal Navy may be without an ice patrol ship for years even as it faces more demands in the High Atlantic and South Atlantic.
Defence

14 Oct 2026

ClearSpace selected to deliver UK’s first active debris removal mission
ClearSpace removing space debris
ClearSpace selected to deliver UK’s first active debris removal mission
The UK-led programme will remove two defunct satellites while creating specialist jobs, supporting supply chains and building capability in the growing in-orbit services sector.
Space

15 Oct 2026

UK Connect Defence launches Rapid Broadband Kit
UK Connect Defence's RBK
UK Connect Defence launches Rapid Broadband Kit
A new solution designed and manufactured in the UK, is set to deliver resilient integrated 5G and LEO satellite services broadband connectivity via a single rugged unit, connecting people, systems and services for defence, humanitarian and remote operations, with no external supporting infrastructure.
Excelerate delivers Malta Mobile Command Centre and Lab to the University of Malta
Malta Mobile Command Centre and Laboratory
Excelerate delivers Malta Mobile Command Centre and Lab to the University of Malta
The University of Malta now has a mobile connected operational environment housing workstations, real-time data processing, live video streaming and drone deployment in a single vehicle, that can be deployed wherever it is needed.
Member News Security Space

14 Oct 2026

Warwickshire Police turns to AI to review the quality of investigations
Chat with AI or Artificial Intelligence technology. Man touching chatting virtual with an intelligent artificial intelligence asks for the answers he wants. Smart assistant futuristic, Chatbot,
Warwickshire Police turns to AI to review the quality of investigations
An eight-agent system checks investigation records against policing standards, with officers retaining responsibility for decisions.
Security

14 Oct 2026

UK Connect Defence launches Rapid Broadband Kit
UK Connect Defence's RBK
UK Connect Defence launches Rapid Broadband Kit
A new solution designed and manufactured in the UK, is set to deliver resilient integrated 5G and LEO satellite services broadband connectivity via a single rugged unit, connecting people, systems and services for defence, humanitarian and remote operations, with no external supporting infrastructure.
Excelerate delivers Malta Mobile Command Centre and Lab to the University of Malta
Malta Mobile Command Centre and Laboratory
Excelerate delivers Malta Mobile Command Centre and Lab to the University of Malta
The University of Malta now has a mobile connected operational environment housing workstations, real-time data processing, live video streaming and drone deployment in a single vehicle, that can be deployed wherever it is needed.
Member News Security Space

14 Oct 2026