The Aeronautical Research Committee was a UK government committee established in 1919 in order to coordinate aeronautical research and education following World War I. Its scope was both military and civil applications.
During the deteriorating international situation of the 1930s (see Events preceding World War II in Europe), the committee was given fresh impetus with the appointment of Sir Henry Tizard as Chairman in 1933. He had been a member since 1920; originally an independent member, then representing the D.S.I.R., from 1929 independent again. One of the committee's most important decisions was to speed the development of a national system of air defence based on radar. Tizard was also instrumental (on the Engine subcommittee) in supporting the use of higher octane fuel, and in development by Whittle of the Jet engine
The Tizard Committee (also known as the Committee for the Scientific Study of Air Defence) was formed in 1935. These committees were also affected by the rivalry between Frederick Lindemann (Lord Cherwell) and Tizard.
Clark, Ronald W: Tizard (1965, Methuen, London)