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Dr. John Challans, BEng, PhD, CEng, MIET
Electronic systems and electrical power generation
John Challans has participated in developmental activities involving almost all of Quicksilver's on-board systems since joining the team in 2005. In particular, he has played a leading role in the development of the craft's electrical power-generation system and a manual throttle system, both of which are now operational. –
Away from the Quicksilver project, John runs Rophea, a company specialising in fibre-optic control and sensor technology.
John graduated from Sheffield University with an Honours degree in Electronic Engineering in 1966, then gained a PhD in 1969 following research in microwave waveguide components. He joined Standard Telephones and Cables' (STC's) Microwave Transmission Division in 1970, moving shortly thereafter to Standard Telecommunication Laboratories (STL) to work on the development of military microwave radios, including those for both the Mallard and Ptarmigan military communications systems. After an eight-year stint, John returned to STC in 1978 to participate in the development of fibre-optic cable technology.
In 1980, John joined Plessey Connectors, then transferred to Plessey Optoelectronics in 1983 to head the development and manufacture of fibre-optic connectors. A high proportion of these were military connectors, including many of those used on the Rapier anti-aircraft missile system.
Upon leaving Plessey in 1988, John commenced self-employment with his Rophea enterprise, developing and manufacturing fibre-optic components and sensors, including several for the Eurofighter Typhoon multi-role aircraft and the Canadian Iris miltary communication system.
John – who was born in Hull – resides in the village of Kislingbury, near Northampton.