Oxford fusion firm wins Defence Science and Technology contract

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 20:32 · Archive

First Light Fusion has been selected to deliver a defence research project exploring how graphite behaves under high-velocity impacts.

First Light Fusion, an Oxford-based fusion energy company, has secured a contract with the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) to conduct experimental research on graphite behaviour under high-velocity impacts.

The study will involve firing steel projectiles at graphite targets at speeds exceeding 3km/s using the company's gas gun and pulsed power testbeds. The experiments will replicate a 2017 study which investigated the impact of steel projectiles on porous graphite, with the aim of validating experimental methods and measurement accuracy while investigating material performance changes at extreme impact speeds.

Paul Holligan, vice president of commercial and partnerships at First Light Fusion, said the programme demonstrates growing demand for the company's capabilities beyond fusion energy. A Dstl spokesperson said the research would generate valuable experimental evidence to deepen understanding of how materials behave under hypervelocity impact, supporting ongoing studies into material strength transitions, crater formation and energy dissipation mechanisms under extreme loading.

Oxford fusion firm wins Defence Science and Technology contract — Image: Oxford Mail

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Oxford fusion firm wins Ministry of Defence research contractFirst Light Fusion, based in Oxford, has been selected by the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) to deliver an experimental research project.Oxford Mail · 24 Oct, 20:00
Oxford fusion firm wins Ministry of Defence research contractFirst Light Fusion, based in Oxford, has been selected by the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) to deliver an experimental research project.Oxfordshire Guardian · 24 Oct, 20:00

In this story: First Light Fusion · Defence Science and Technology Laboratory · Oxford · Paul Holligan

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