1976 - 1979: COMPUTER CONSULTANCY - MILITARY SYSTEMS, SCICON (BP), London
Joel Cayford was responsible for Project Leading the production of large systems computer simulations to Dutch and UK Defence Ministry committee requirements. He prepared proposals and development plans, liaised with clients, responsible for feasibility studies, functional specs and other documentation, and tested software on mainframe machines. Simulated final homing phase of Stingray anti-submarine torpedo. Joel designed and built a ship survival simulation which assessed warship sea defences and tactics in event of sea-skimming missile, pop-up missile and laser guided missile attack.
He wrote about this experience upon his return to New Zealand. The NZ Herald published it. NZ Defence sources have said this was the most serious public criticism of New Zealand's frigate project. It was part of the pressure to install the Phalanx quick-firing gun anti-missile defence system on NZ's new frigates. (Personally - I'd rather New Zealand had purchased fast coastal patrol boats like Iceland.)