December 2021

It is with great sadness Drumgrange announces that our colleague Dr Andrew McLean passed away on 17 November 2021.

After completing his PhD, Andrew joined the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) in 1994 to work in the Underwater Systems Division and transitioned through the privatisation of DERA to QinetiQ. He became a deep technical specialist in sonar signal processing, algorithm development, underwater acoustics and data analysis specialising in passive sonar for submarine applications.

During this time, his work was focused on advanced concepts and techniques for the MoD Research Programme where he provided technical analysis and advice to the MOD and wider naval stakeholders. He also supported the development of in-service operational sonar systems and was instrumental in advancing the understanding and performance of those systems.

He transferred to Atlas Elektronik UK Ltd in 2009 where he led a small team of like-minded physicists and mathematicians continuing to work on a broad range of sonar research and development projects.

In 2013 he joined Drumgrange Ltd where he provided technical leadership in the sonar domain working across the company and becoming the head of the scientific function. He developed a number of innovative solutions which have been implemented and are now in operational use. He successfully forged collaborations with other companies and customers where his expertise was always in high demand.

As well as being a national expert in his field, he also supported International Research Collaboration initiatives and actively participated in programmes of work with his overseas counter-parts.

Andrew was a larger than life personality with exuberant amounts of enthusiasm for his field of work which he gladly shared with all he worked with. He pioneered opportunities to advance the field and would always be willing to help colleagues solve complex technical challenges.

He is a great loss to Drumgrange as well as the wider sonar community.

Our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

The family have requested family flowers only and if people wish to make a contribution in lieu of flowers, they would be grateful for contributions to the British Heart Foundation. This can be done at the following website https://www.funeraldirector.co.uk/funeral/andrew-mclean/.