Meet the Expert

How long have you worked at Darcy?

I started working at Darcy (on Ayles Fernie products) in June 2018. So approximately 5 years, 2 months, 1 week and 48 hours.

What's your background?

I have always had a great passion for mechanical engineering. From a very early age, I have enjoyed taking products apart in order to gain a better understanding of what makes products work or fail.

Having a strong background, which was gained working on the tools as an apprentice fitter and from working on the shop floor in previous roles, I can relate to the problems that can occur when trying to build prototypes, repair, or service equipment.

I believe that the design phase can greatly reduce downtime when taking equipment offline for maintenance.

As such, whenever it’s time to assemble equipment that I have designed, I try to get my hands dirty and assist with production. I think that It’s this dedication that allows me to understand how designs can be improved.

Can you give a brief description of the Stratus project?

The STRATUS project was initiated to develop a system that would allow a helicopter to spray dispersant – thereby allowing rapid response to oil spill threats. The criteria were to keep the weight to a minimum and keep the profile of the system as aerodynamic as possible. Consequently, maximising fuel efficiency, transit & spraying speeds and range.

What was it like working at Darcy and on this project in particular?

Interesting, frustrating, challenging & rewarding.

For sure it’s been a very interesting project to work on, mostly due to the following:

Frustrating – because that’s engineering, and things don’t always work the way we expect the first time.

Challenging – when things don’t work, there is no giving up. I’d often get stuck with a problem and find it hard not to think about it all night. Luckily, we have a great team of thinkers.

Rewarding – seeing the STRATUS take flight after many months in the workshop was such a buzz.

What was your personal involvement in the project?

I was involved from the very first design sketches. From looking into mass and load calculations to building the first prototype. I even drove the van with the STRATUS on a trailer up to Scotland for flight testing. To say we got some funny looks on the motorway would be an understatement!  

What are the unique selling points of STRATUS?

I think it gives companies the ability to combat oil spills quickly or in locations that would be hard to get a vessel quickly. The ability for the customer to request different size tanks and configure the systems that control the user interface.

What’s the impact of the project?

The project's impact can be seen in improved spill response capabilities, minimised environmental damage, increased safety, and potential advancements in aerial dispersant technology. By providing a more efficient and adaptable solution for spill response, the project contributes to safeguarding the environment and protecting precious natural resources.

Why is innovation important for Darcy?

I think innovation is important for everybody, for Darcy the STRATUS was an advancement and progress of our already excellent portfolio of products for combating oil spills. The STRATUS filled a gap between our Boatspray (vessel) systems and the Nimbus Aerial Spray system. We have already re-designed and improved the next STRATUS, which is currently being built in the workshop.

Innovation is the only way.