SettingsBritish inventions
Amatol
Amatol is a highly explosive material made from a mixture of TNT and ammonium nitrate.
Amatol is a highly explosive material made from a mixture of TNT and ammonium nitrate.
Armed boarding steamer
An armed boarding steamer was a type of warship used by the United Kingdom during World War I. Usually converted merchantmen, AB steamers or AB vessels were specifically designed for boarding an...
An armed boarding steamer was a type of warship used by the United Kingdom during World War I. Usually converted merchantmen, AB steamers or AB vessels were specifically designed for boarding an...
Armour-piercing discarding sabot
Armour-piercing discarding sabot (APDS) is a type of kinetic energy projectile fired from a gun to attack armoured targets.
Armour-piercing discarding sabot (APDS) is a type of kinetic energy projectile fired from a gun to attack armoured targets.
Baratol (explosive)
Baratol is an explosive made of a mixture of TNT and barium nitrate, with a small quantity of wax used as a binder.
Baratol is an explosive made of a mixture of TNT and barium nitrate, with a small quantity of wax used as a binder.
Battenburg markings
Battenburg markings are a pattern of high-visibility markings used primarily on the sides of emergency service vehicles.
Battenburg markings are a pattern of high-visibility markings used primarily on the sides of emergency service vehicles.
Centrifugal governor
A centrifugal governor is a specific type of governor that controls the speed of an engine by regulating the amount of fuel admitted, so as to maintain a near constant speed whatever the load or...
A centrifugal governor is a specific type of governor that controls the speed of an engine by regulating the amount of fuel admitted, so as to maintain a near constant speed whatever the load or...
Chaff (countermeasure)
Chaff, originally called Window by the British, and Düppel by the Second World War era German Luftwaffe (from the Berlin suburb where it was first developed), is a radar counterm...
Chaff, originally called Window by the British, and Düppel by the Second World War era German Luftwaffe (from the Berlin suburb where it was first developed), is a radar counterm...
Chobham armour
Chobham armour is the name informally given to a composite armour developed in the 1960s at the British tank research centre on Chobham Common, Surrey, England.
Chobham armour is the name informally given to a composite armour developed in the 1960s at the British tank research centre on Chobham Common, Surrey, England.
Clyde Broadcast
Clyde Broadcast is a specialist manufacturer and integrator of radio studio products.
Clyde Broadcast is a specialist manufacturer and integrator of radio studio products.
Cordite
Cordite is a family of smokeless propellants developed and produced in the United Kingdom from 1889 to replace gunpowder as a military propellant.
Cordite is a family of smokeless propellants developed and produced in the United Kingdom from 1889 to replace gunpowder as a military propellant.
Crayford focuser
The Crayford focuser is a simplified focusing mechanism for amateur astronomical telescopes.
The Crayford focuser is a simplified focusing mechanism for amateur astronomical telescopes.
Crossword
A crossword is a word puzzle that normally takes the form of a square or a rectangular grid of white and shaded squares.
A crossword is a word puzzle that normally takes the form of a square or a rectangular grid of white and shaded squares.
Depth charge
A depth charge is an anti-submarine warfare weapon intended to destroy or cripple a target submarine by the shock of exploding near it.
A depth charge is an anti-submarine warfare weapon intended to destroy or cripple a target submarine by the shock of exploding near it.
Destroyer
In naval terminology, a destroyer is a fast and maneuverable yet long-endurance warship intended to escort larger vessels in a fleet, convoy or battle group and defend them against smaller, powe...
In naval terminology, a destroyer is a fast and maneuverable yet long-endurance warship intended to escort larger vessels in a fleet, convoy or battle group and defend them against smaller, powe...
Electric motor
An electric motor is an electromechanical device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.
An electric motor is an electromechanical device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.
Electromagnetic oscillograph
An electromagnetic oscillograph is an oscillograph which measures variations of electric current by having it go through a magnetic coil.
An electromagnetic oscillograph is an oscillograph which measures variations of electric current by having it go through a magnetic coil.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass, is a fiber reinforced polymer made of a plastic matrix reinforced by fine fibers of glass.
Fiberglass, is a fiber reinforced polymer made of a plastic matrix reinforced by fine fibers of glass.
Flush toilet
A flush toilet is a toilet that disposes of human waste by using water to flush it through a drainpipe to another location.
A flush toilet is a toilet that disposes of human waste by using water to flush it through a drainpipe to another location.
Fog Investigation and Dispersal Operation (FIDO)
Fog Investigation and Dispersal Operation (FIDO) (which was sometimes referred to as "Fog Intense Dispersal Operation" or "Fog Intense Dispersal Of") was a system used for dispersing fog from an...
Fog Investigation and Dispersal Operation (FIDO) (which was sometimes referred to as "Fog Intense Dispersal Operation" or "Fog Intense Dispersal Of") was a system used for dispersing fog from an...
Frost Airship Glider
The Frost Airship Glider was designed and constructed by William (Bill) Frost in the mid-1890s.
The Frost Airship Glider was designed and constructed by William (Bill) Frost in the mid-1890s.
Glass-reinforced plastic
Glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), also known as glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP), is a fiber reinforced polymer made of a plastic matrix reinforced by fine fibers of glass.
Glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), also known as glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP), is a fiber reinforced polymer made of a plastic matrix reinforced by fine fibers of glass.
Gyro gunsight
A gyro gunsight (G.G.S.) is a modification of the non-magnifying reflector sight in which target lead (the amount of aim-off in front of a moving target) and bullet drop are allowed for automat...
A gyro gunsight (G.G.S.) is a modification of the non-magnifying reflector sight in which target lead (the amount of aim-off in front of a moving target) and bullet drop are allowed for automat...
Harpic (cleaning product)
Harpic is the brand name of a toilet bowl cleaner launched in England in the 1920s and now marketed by Reckitt Benckiser.
Harpic is the brand name of a toilet bowl cleaner launched in England in the 1920s and now marketed by Reckitt Benckiser.
Harrier Jump Jet
The Harrier, informally referred to as the Jump Jet, is a family of British-designed military jet aircraft capable of vertical/short takeoff and landing operations.
The Harrier, informally referred to as the Jump Jet, is a family of British-designed military jet aircraft capable of vertical/short takeoff and landing operations.
Hawk-Eye
Hawk-Eye is a complex computer system used in cricket, tennis and other sports to visually track the trajectory of the ball and display a record of its most statistically likely path as a moving...
Hawk-Eye is a complex computer system used in cricket, tennis and other sports to visually track the trajectory of the ball and display a record of its most statistically likely path as a moving...
Head-up display
A head-up display or heads-up display—also known as a HUD—is any transparent display that presents data without requiring users to look away from their usual viewpoints.
A head-up display or heads-up display—also known as a HUD—is any transparent display that presents data without requiring users to look away from their usual viewpoints.
Hedgehog (weapon)
The Hedgehog (also known as an Anti-Submarine Projector) was an anti-submarine weapon developed by the Royal Navy during World War II, that was deployed on convoy escort warships such as des...
The Hedgehog (also known as an Anti-Submarine Projector) was an anti-submarine weapon developed by the Royal Navy during World War II, that was deployed on convoy escort warships such as des...
Heroin
Heroin, also known as diamorphine, is an opiate analgesic synthesized by C.R Alder Wright in 1874 by adding two acetyl groups to the molecule morphine, a derivative of the opium poppy.
Heroin, also known as diamorphine, is an opiate analgesic synthesized by C.R Alder Wright in 1874 by adding two acetyl groups to the molecule morphine, a derivative of the opium poppy.
Hesco bastion
The HESCO bastion is both a modern gabion used for flood control and military fortification and the name of the British company that developed it in the late 1980s.
The HESCO bastion is both a modern gabion used for flood control and military fortification and the name of the British company that developed it in the late 1980s.
High explosive anti-tank warhead
High explosive anti-tank warheads are made of an explosive shaped charge that uses the Munroe effect to create a very high-velocity partial stream of metal in a state of superplasticity th...
High explosive anti-tank warheads are made of an explosive shaped charge that uses the Munroe effect to create a very high-velocity partial stream of metal in a state of superplasticity th...
Holography
Holography is a technique that allows the light scattered from an object to be recorded and later reconstructed so that when an imaging system is placed in the reconstructed beam, an image of th...
Holography is a technique that allows the light scattered from an object to be recorded and later reconstructed so that when an imaging system is placed in the reconstructed beam, an image of th...
Jubilee Clip
A Jubilee Clip is a circular metal band or strip combined with a worm gear fixed to one end.
A Jubilee Clip is a circular metal band or strip combined with a worm gear fixed to one end.
Minol (explosive)
Minol (pronounced mine-ol) is a military explosive developed by the Admiralty early in the Second World War to augment supplies of Trinitrotoluene (TNT) and RDX, which were then in short supply.
Minol (pronounced mine-ol) is a military explosive developed by the Admiralty early in the Second World War to augment supplies of Trinitrotoluene (TNT) and RDX, which were then in short supply.
Missile launch facility
A launch facility, also known as a missile silo, is an underground vertical cylindrical container for the storage and launching of intercontinental ballistic missiles.
A launch facility, also known as a missile silo, is an underground vertical cylindrical container for the storage and launching of intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Mulberry harbour
A Mulberry harbour was a British type of temporary harbour developed in World War II to offload cargo on the beaches during the Allied invasion of Normandy.
A Mulberry harbour was a British type of temporary harbour developed in World War II to offload cargo on the beaches during the Allied invasion of Normandy.
Oil tanker
An oil tanker, also known as a petroleum tanker, is a merchant ship designed for the bulk transport of oil and acts as a mobile target for somali pirates.
An oil tanker, also known as a petroleum tanker, is a merchant ship designed for the bulk transport of oil and acts as a mobile target for somali pirates.
Operation Pluto
Operation Pluto (Pipe-Lines Under The Ocean) was a World War II operation by British scientists, oil companies and armed forces to construct undersea oil pipeli...
Operation Pluto (Pipe-Lines Under The Ocean) was a World War II operation by British scientists, oil companies and armed forces to construct undersea oil pipeli...
Postage stamp
A postage stamp is a small piece of paper that is purchased and displayed on an item of mail as evidence of payment of postage.
A postage stamp is a small piece of paper that is purchased and displayed on an item of mail as evidence of payment of postage.
Radio
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by electromagnetic waves with frequencies significantly below visible light, in the radio frequency range, from about 3 kHz to 300&nb...
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by electromagnetic waves with frequencies significantly below visible light, in the radio frequency range, from about 3 kHz to 300&nb...
Radome
A radome (radar dome) is a structural, weatherproof enclosure that protects a microwave or radar antenna.
A radome (radar dome) is a structural, weatherproof enclosure that protects a microwave or radar antenna.
Rolls-Royce Thrust Measuring Rig
The Rolls-Royce Thrust Measuring Rig was a pioneering vertical take-off and landing aircraft developed by Rolls-Royce in the 1950s.
The Rolls-Royce Thrust Measuring Rig was a pioneering vertical take-off and landing aircraft developed by Rolls-Royce in the 1950s.
Rose turret
The Rose turret (sometimes known as the Rose-Rice turret) was a gun turret armed with two M2 Browning heavy machine guns which was fitted to some British Avro Lancaster heavy bombers in 1...
The Rose turret (sometimes known as the Rose-Rice turret) was a gun turret armed with two M2 Browning heavy machine guns which was fitted to some British Avro Lancaster heavy bombers in 1...
Sellotape
Sellotape is a European brand of transparent, cellulose-based, pressure sensitive adhesive tape, and is the leading brand of clear, pressure sensitive tape in the United Kingdom.
Sellotape is a European brand of transparent, cellulose-based, pressure sensitive adhesive tape, and is the leading brand of clear, pressure sensitive tape in the United Kingdom.
Sonar
Sonar (originally an acronym for SOund Navigation And Ranging) is a technique that uses sound propagation (usually underwater, as in Submarine navigation) to navigate, co...
Sonar (originally an acronym for SOund Navigation And Ranging) is a technique that uses sound propagation (usually underwater, as in Submarine navigation) to navigate, co...
Steam engine
A steam engine is a heat engine that performs mechanical work using steam as its working fluid.
A steam engine is a heat engine that performs mechanical work using steam as its working fluid.
Steam locomotive
A steam locomotive is a railway locomotive that produces its power through a steam engine.
A steam locomotive is a railway locomotive that produces its power through a steam engine.
Sun and planet gear
The sun and planet gear (also called the planet and sun gear) was a method of converting reciprocal motion to rotary motion and was utilised in a reciprocating steam engine.
The sun and planet gear (also called the planet and sun gear) was a method of converting reciprocal motion to rotary motion and was utilised in a reciprocating steam engine.
Supersonic transport
A supersonic transport (SST) is a civilian supersonic aircraft designed to transport passengers at speeds greater than the speed of sound.
A supersonic transport (SST) is a civilian supersonic aircraft designed to transport passengers at speeds greater than the speed of sound.
Synergy School Radio
Synergy School Radio is a digital integrated radio studio built and designed by Clyde Broadcast.
Synergy School Radio is a digital integrated radio studio built and designed by Clyde Broadcast.
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with or without accompanying sound.
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with or without accompanying sound.
Theatrograph
The Theatrograph was also known as the Animatograph.
The Theatrograph was also known as the Animatograph.
Tin can
A tin can, tin (especially in British English), steel can, or a can, is a sealed container for the distribution or storage of goods, composed of thin metal.
A tin can, tin (especially in British English), steel can, or a can, is a sealed container for the distribution or storage of goods, composed of thin metal.
Torpex
Torpex is a secondary explosive 50% more powerful than TNT by mass.
Torpex is a secondary explosive 50% more powerful than TNT by mass.
Traveling-wave tube
A traveling-wave tube (TWT) is an electronic device used to amplify radio frequency(RF) signals to high power, usually in an electronic assembly known as a traveling-wave tube amplifier (TWTA).
A traveling-wave tube (TWT) is an electronic device used to amplify radio frequency(RF) signals to high power, usually in an electronic assembly known as a traveling-wave tube amplifier (TWTA).
Waveguide
A waveguide is a structure which guides waves, such as electromagnetic waves or sound waves.
A waveguide is a structure which guides waves, such as electromagnetic waves or sound waves.
X-ray computed tomography
X-ray computed tomography, also Computed tomography (CT scan) or Computed axial tomography (CAT scan), can be used for medical imaging and industrial imaging methods empl...
X-ray computed tomography, also Computed tomography (CT scan) or Computed axial tomography (CAT scan), can be used for medical imaging and industrial imaging methods empl...