Institution news
Staff Sergeant Matt Chapman IEng MIMechE - now promoted to WO2 (AQMS) - has been praised for his ability, ingenuity and dogged determination, as well as his exceptional artisan hand skills.
The Bloodhound Supersonic Car project, which is sponsored by the Institution, is aiming for an audacious double: to break the land speed record in 2017 and then pass 1000mph the following year.
The IMechE Best REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) Senior NCO award is to recognise the individual who is deemed to have made the best contribution to engineering during the year. Any Regular or Reserve Sergeant to WO1 is eligible for consideration for the award.
WO2 Chapman said: “Bloodhound was a really, ‘all day every day’ intense experience which definitely tested my love of engineering.
“You needed to be very reactive. There was always something to make. I was being constantly required to solve engineering problems."
He added: “It has been a great experience meeting different people at the top of their game. I intend to stay involved in the project where possible.”
WO2 Chapman, who began his career as an apprentice, is now based at the Defence Accident Investigation Branch at MoD Abbey Wood.
He said: “Professional accreditation with the Institution gives you validity as an engineer in accident investigation. I want to be a chartered engineer - it’s the pinnacle of our profession. Engineering is my hobby as well as my career.”
The relationship between the Institution and the REME provides a well-developed path for individuals of all ranks to achieve professional registration.
WO2 Chapman was seconded as a senior machinist working on the manufacture and assembly of the Bloodhound Supersonic Car.
As the second-in-command of the British Army’s involvement in the project, he is one of the Army’s founding Bloodhound ambassadors.
WO2 Chapman’s achievements include:
- Applying practical engineering expertise to manufacture bespoke components to critical tolerances
- Providing professional opinion to assist design engineers to assess whether components can be turned in-house
- Personally saving the project tens of thousands of pounds by manufacturing intricate components that would intimidate even the most experienced of fitter turners
- Delivering artisan hand skills at the lathe and three axis milling machine which rival cutting-edge computer-based machinery
- Delivering some of the most innovative tooling in order to manufacture over 40 separate components for the vehicle, notably components that are safety critical with little or no margin for error
WO2 Chapman, who was accompanied by his OC Major Allan Tribe, received his award at our London offices from the Institution’s CEO Stephen Tetlow MBE.