Communications and Connectivity: Provides high performance equipment and solutions to enable reliable connectivity across the most demanding environments in aerospace, avionics, satellite and radio, wireless and mobile connectivity. Mission Systems: Prov

air refuelling through a commercial lens initially with a view to getting passengers across to Australia without stopping on the way, but quickly saw the potential for military application. Now, we’re on every tanker in the world.”

Cobham was clearly onto something in thinking there was an opportunity to be reaped in mega long-haul passenger flights, demonstrated by how much Qantas has invested in launching the world’s first direct commercial flight from Australia to Europe in 2018.

“He was one of the original pioneers of the UK industry,” Bagwell adds, “and not only this, he also brought aviation to the masses and gave opportunities for kids to fly. He transported tens of thousands, and absolutely got the idea of getting the word out there about Cobham and aviation.”

Knighted in 1926 by King George V having spent 18 months flying from South Africa and Australia, Cobham drew in a crowd of more than a million to watch him land on the River Thames.

A true icon of the industry, Cobham Plc today looks to honour his legacy and thirst for innovation by not only continuing to lead the air to air refuelling space, but drive progress across a tremendous array of aerospace, defence and space segments.

Portfolio power

Today the company’s portfolio stretches over four major segments: Communications and Connectivity; Mission Systems; Advanced Electronic Solutions; and Aviation Services.

This translates into a workforce of around 10,000 people spread across the UK, USA, Europe, South Africa and Australia, with clients and partners operating in more than 100 countries all over the world.

From the depths of the ocean to outer space, Cobham’s products can be found in almost any challenging