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

Manufacturers warn Government over UK steel import tariffs
UK steel manufacturing
Manufacturers warn Government over UK steel import tariffs
As a petition highlighting the negative impact of Government-imposed steel import tariffs on UK manufacturing surpasses 10,000 signatures, industry calls for an urgent review.
UK airport reliability ranked: Heathrow leads globally while Manchester is near the bottom
Heathrow Airport, British Airways Airbus A380 engine, Feb 2015
UK airport reliability ranked: Heathrow leads globally while Manchester is near the bottom
A new study ranks Heathrow as the UK's most reliable airport, with Edinburgh ahead of Gatwick and Stansted, and Manchester near the bottom globally.
Aerospace

5 Aug 2026

Gatwick Northern Runway expansion clears Court of Appeal challenge
Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Northern Runway expansion clears Court of Appeal challenge
London Gatwick’s plans to bring its existing Northern Runway into routine…
Aerospace Most Read

5 Aug 2026

Manufacturers warn Government over UK steel import tariffs
UK steel manufacturing
Manufacturers warn Government over UK steel import tariffs
As a petition highlighting the negative impact of Government-imposed steel import tariffs on UK manufacturing surpasses 10,000 signatures, industry calls for an urgent review.
BAE Systems to maintain Royal Navy torpedoes
Spearfish
BAE Systems to maintain Royal Navy torpedoes
A new £135 million contract to has been awarded to BAE Systems to maintain and repair Royal Navy torpedo weapons.
Defence Member News

5 Aug 2026

Tempest demonstrator in final assembly ahead of planned first flight in 2027
The bulbous central fuselage section of BAE Systems' CAFD demonstrator is seen underway at the firm's facility in Samlesbury, Lancashire, in July 2026. Image: BAE Systems
Tempest demonstrator in final assembly ahead of planned first flight in 2027
BAE Systems' new Tempest prototype, otherwise known as the Combat Air Flying Demonstrator (CAFD), has passed the halfway point in final assembly, with its rollout and first flight remaining on track for 2027.
SSTL racks up smart storage solution
SSTL racks up smart storage solution
A smart racking solution from Altus has helped Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) integrate its materials management processes.
Member News Space

5 Aug 2026

Seraphim Space deploys first capital from £137m C share raise
Seraphim Space deploys first capital from £137m C share raise
The investments have been made in businesses involved in key areas that are driving the next phase of growth within the space sector.
Member News Space

4 Aug 2026

AccelerComm underpins Eclipse Space’s 5G physical layer for satellite constellations
UK From Space-Telecom
AccelerComm underpins Eclipse Space’s 5G physical layer for satellite constellations
Flight-proven 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) tech from Southampton based AccelerComm, is supporting a scalable direct-to-device and broadband architecture from Starlink veterans behind Eclipse Space.
Member News Space

31 Jul 2026

Manufacturers warn Government over UK steel import tariffs
UK steel manufacturing
Manufacturers warn Government over UK steel import tariffs
As a petition highlighting the negative impact of Government-imposed steel import tariffs on UK manufacturing surpasses 10,000 signatures, industry calls for an urgent review.
UK AISI test exposes AI agent’s attempt to plant malicious code
Lockheed martin cybersecurity
UK AISI test exposes AI agent’s attempt to plant malicious code
The UK’s AI Security Institute uncovered unexpectedly autonomous and deceptive behaviour during a cyber evaluation, including an attempted attack on open-source software.
Most Read Security

5 Aug 2026

CAA explores future for BVLOS drone ops
Amazon PrimeAir MK30 drone
CAA explores future for BVLOS drone ops
A new report from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) outlines a vision for enabling routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) commercial drone operations alongside existing UK airspace users.
Aerospace Security

3 Aug 2026