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b'Britain has always been at the forefront of aeronautical research and development. When it was really needed, the country\\u2019s industry, research establishments and individuals stepped up to the mark \\u2013 that was the summer of 1940.\\n\\nToday, we call the period between 10 July and 31 October of that year the Battle of Britain. This is the 80th year when RAF Fighter Command\\u2019s aircrew were the first line of defence \\u2013 the tip of a long spear which included essential workers, civilians and those in uniform; trades as diverse as GPO linesmen and bakers.\\n\\nPaul Beaver will examine the secret work which enabled the Royal Air Force to stay on top of the Battle as it engaged and then bettered the world\\u2019s most successful air fighting force \\u2013 the Luftwaffe. The key technologies and concepts included high octane fuel, changes to carburation of the Merlin engine, civilian repair units, radar (then called RDF), integrated command & control systems. The talk is illustrated with PowerPoint slides.'