David Herschell
Senior Specialist Fellow – Deactivation and Disposals, Defence Recycling and Disposals Team (DRDT)
Royal Air Force
David Herschell is a DE&S Senior Specialist Fellow in Deactivation and Disposal and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, specialising in Defence aerospace, airworthiness, and sustainable endoflife systems for military aircraft. He has extensive experience in aircraft structural integrity, MOD–industry collaboration, and circular economy innovation. David leads initiatives in recycling, material recovery, and responsible disposal, including aeroengine recycling and recovering critical materials from avionics. He is driven by improving Defence sustainability and advancing circulareconomy practices across the supply chain.
Fleet Sustainability & Circular Transition
How airlines and OEMs extend aircraft life, reduce embedded emissions, and build circular material loops. Focus on recycling innovations, 3D-printing case studies, rare earth dependency, and supply chain
