Cobham slips despite plane demand

A leading defence and aerospace firm whose equipment played a role in this week's mission to Mars has reported a drop in profits, despite better demand from a resurgent plane-making sector.

Dorset-based Cobham, which is best known for making systems that allow planes to refuel in mid-air and antennae for fighter jets, has been affected by lower military spending, particularly in the run-up to the US election.