Catalogue description Ministry of Aviation and successors: Aviation Operational Research Branch and successors: Registered Files (EX Series)

The work of the Ministry of Aviation's Aviation Operational Research Branch (AORB) included research into civil air operations in such fields as noise reduction, ground facilities and air traffic control. The branch and its work transferred to the Board of Trade in 1966 where the EX prefix was used firstly by the Aerodromes (General) Division, Aviation Operational Research Branch and then by the Civil Aviation Division, Aviation Operational Research Branch. As a result of the recommendations of a Committee on Civil Aviation Research and Development Objectives (the Brundrett Committee) a permanent Scientific Advisers Division (Civil Aviation) was established in the Board of Trade during 1969. The Scientific Adviser became the Chairman of the Committee on Civil Aviation Research and Development Objectives. This final division was responsible for co-ordinating research and development in the civil aviation field and undertaking longer term operational planning.

The first reference to the EX series dates from 1963, but the prefix may have been in use at an earlier date.