Technical Team

John Hardwick studied Natural Sciences at Cambridge and received his PhD in High Energy Physics from the University of Liverpool. He researched in particle physics at various laboratories including CERN Geneva, before starting at Culham Lightning (now trading as Cobham Technical Services) in 1983. In his role as Technical Manager he continues to be involved in testing and certification work, providing consultancy and testing services aimed at minimizing the effects of lightning on aircraft structures and systems.

He has been a member of the European Committee for Aviation Electronics (EUROCAE) Working Group 31 on lightning since its inception in 1987, until recently serving as secretary. He has authored and co-authored numerous papers published in the proceedings of the International Conference on Lightning and Static Electricity series.

Stephen joined Culham Lightning (now trading as Cobham Technical Services) in 1986, following a degree in Physics at Oxford University and several years working in industrial R&D. As the Principal Scientist for our Lightning Testing and Consultancy business, he has been responsible for the research work on lightning fuel ignition hazards and the testing programme on composite aircraft structures. He also is responsible for much of the work on lightning induced effects, in particular the prediction of the levels of lightning induced transients using computational methods, and the use of this approach in aircraft certification.

He managed technical contribution to the EU programme on Lightning Protection of Wind Turbines (1996-99), and is presently Coordinator of an EU programme on lightning protection of composite lightweight aircraft (2005-2007). He has made a significant contribution to knowledge of lightning physical effects and the development of lightning protection through the many papers he has authored and the production of international standards for aerospace as a member the EUROCAE committee.

Since having studied for an HNC in Electronics in 1972, John has spend all of his professional career working with high current and high voltage test applications, including many years in developing Fusion technology at the UK Atomic Energy Authority. He has been with Culham Lightning (now trading as Cobham Technical Services) since 1999, and has had operational responsibility for the 300 kV Lightning Direct Effects test facility. As one of the most experienced test engineers, John assists our clients with undertaking the high level electrical impulse testing required to ensure that they are resistant to the effects of lightning.