Man-Portable Obstacle Breaching
Wescom Group: Providing Integrated Survival Solutions for Defence and Maritime
Wescom Group, a global leader with over 150 years of expertise, has established itself as a global force in survival solutions. Operating across Germany, Spain, Australia, and the UK, including key locations in Derby, Hull, Nottingham and Basildon, with a dedicated workforce exceeding 350 employees worldwide, the company is renowned for its commitment to safety, quality, and reliability.
Defence Sector Excellence
Pyrotechnics and Detection Technologies
In the defence sector, Wescom Group serves as a trusted manufacturer and supplier to the UK MoD, German BMVg, and NATO allies and organisations worldwide. The company’s capabilities include pyrotechnics for signalling, illumination, screening, minefield breaching and battlefield training and simulation within its Defence division. Wescom Group further contributes high-quality chemical detection technologies, staying ahead of evolving challenges in the defence sector.
Maritime Sector Dominance
Distress Signalling and Emergency Systems
Wescom Group is the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of SOLAS, MED, and USCG approved pyrotechnic marine distress signals. Additionally, Wescom Group integrates emergency beacons, eflare systems, emergency food and water rations, and Marine First Aid Kits. This holistic approach to marine survival solutions establishes Wescom Group as a single, reliable source for mandated marine products.
Wescom Group provides a comprehensive suite of survival solutions backed by a legacy of expertise and a commitment to excellence, offering unparalleled reliability and peace of mind in the face of maritime and defence challenges.
6 MANUFACTURING SITES 500 PRODUCTS
450 EMPLOYEES
COUNTRIES
Live Systems
Conventional minefields, booby traps, unexploded ordnance and man-made obstacles, such as triple barbed wires and concertina coil will stall military operations. This has a devastating cost, as operational momentum and surprise once lost is hard to regain. Time spent clearing enemy obstacles and minefields will severely degrade mission success and expose troops to hostile fire. Creating safe corridors, quickly through minefields and obstacles is essential to maintaining surprise and minimising casualties.
Traditional methods for clearing minefields involve low technology equipment such as grapnels or mechanised minefield clearing equipment. Use of heavy equipment requires combat engineers adding logistical burden to operating forces. Overcoming the limitations of existing minefield breaching systems Wescom has developed a stateof-the-art Portable Obstacle and Minefield Breaching System (POMBS). A proven system and product of choice for militaries, elite users and Special Operations Forces. POMBS can also be used for humanitarian land recovery.
Heavy Portable Obstacle and Minefield Breaching System (H-POMBS)
H-POMBS is a rocket projected detonating cord, with containers filled with 248 blast grenades, each grenade contains 100g of plastic explosive, mounted at 0.22m intervals. The system is lightweight, transported by 2-persons, and set up in under 60 seconds. After detonation, a clearly visible pathway ~55m is established.
H-POMBS Clears complete path 50cm wide by 55m length
Light Portable Obstacle and Minefield Breaching System (L-POMBS)
L-POMBS is a rocket projected detonating cord, with containers filled with 75 blast grenades; each grenade contains 100g of plastic explosive and mounted at 1m intervals. The system is lightweight and can be carried by one person and set up for use in 60 seconds. After detonation, a clearly visible pathway ~74m is established.
Camo-pattern or plain
L-POMBS Clears 1m interval step holes for 74m length
H-POMBS L-POMBS
Training Systems
TL-POMBS & TH-POMBS replicate operational minefield breaching systems in form and function, but are fully inert. A pyrotechnic consumables kit, comprising live rocket (smaller than equivalent live system for safety), rocket igniter, detonator simulator and comprehensive instructions to optimize the training experience and minimise recurring costs.
Training for Heavy and Light Portable Obstacle and Minefield Breaching System
To optimise skilled use POMBS comprehensive training of personnel using the systems in operational areas is paramount. TH-POMBS and TL-POMBS have been designed to enable realistic training, for use both in classroom and field firing settings. Training comprises a system overview, kit familiarization using inert components, safe to handle in the classroom. Trainees then migrate live fire training. Both TH-POMBS and TL-POMBS can be used 10 times after replacing the pyrotechnic kit.
Consumable Kit for Training
Training system pyrotechnic consumables kit consist live rocket, rocket igniter, blast detonator simulator, firing instructions, along with one set of packaging inserts and repack instructions.
TH-POMBS
TL-POMBS
Camo-pattern or plain
High Heat Energy
Thermite Torch
The Thermite Torch is a lightweight high heat energy source that can be operated both electrically and non-electrically in order to destroy a specific target. Ignition is instantaneous and the composition burns at a minimum temperature of 1,800°C and consumes the outer tube dropping molten thermite composition onto the target area.
The Thermite Torch (EOD) is a lightweight incendiary device intended to facilitate the destruction by burning of explosives and propellant in unexploded ordnance and to initiate the burning of other less combustible materials.
Thermite Incendiary Grenade
The Thermite Incendiary Grenade is a hand deployed source of high heat energy for use in a combat environment when there is a need to destroy equipment, conduct general destruction or sabotage operations. It can be deployed quickly in order to achieve the specific purpose.
The Thermite Incendiary Grenade is used primarily to provide a source of intense heat to destroy equipment or for general destruction or sabotage. The flare burns from the base producing intensive heat sufficient to burn through up to 2mm mild steel plate.
Survey & Inspection
Wescom Defence offers a survey and inspection service to ensure POMBS systems are fit for purpose and safe to use post-delivery. The system is visibly inspected, then if required a more comprehensive audit of the ignitor and rocket motors conducted. This typically involves testing thrust and pressure generated.
Survey and inspection services are conducted by Wescom specialist technicians. A detailed report on system operability is generated. This enables the responsible authority to make informed decisions This could include replacement, repair, overhaul or procurement of sub components to extend the system life. Allowing our customers to effectively discharge safety and duty of care obligations.
Operator Training
Wescom Defence offers comprehensive training programs for POMBS. Training is delivered by our specialist technicians. This provides a comprehensive overview of the technical aspects of system components, assembles and sub-assemblies, operating procedure, safety aspects, logistics information (including ammunition categorisation), and qualification. Our specialists can also carry out learning needs analysis, to confirm where specific training skills are required. Wescom Defence training courses can be tailored to meet specific customer requirements and adjusted to meet students competence and skill levels. At the end of the training, successful candidates will be certified to safely move, store and effectively operate the POMBS.
Man-Portable Obstacle Breaching Product List
LIVE SYSTEMS
Heavy Portable Explosive Minefield Breaching System H-POMBS Light Portable Explosive Minefield Breaching System L-POMBS
HIGH HEAT ENERGY
Thermite Torch
TRAINING SYSTEMS
Training Heavy Explosive Minefield Breaching System TH-POMBS
SURVEY & INSPECTION SERVICE
Further Information
Incendiary Grenade
Light Explosive Minefield Breaching System TL-POMBS
OPERATOR TRAINING
Further Information
Thermite Torch
Thermite Incendiary Grenade
Core Competence & Capabilities
Wescom Defence is a versatile and specialist manufacturer of energetic materials, pyrotechnics and Chemical Warfare Agent (CWA) detection solutions. Our Engineering and Technology Centres boast a highly skilled & experienced team from technician level through to engineering graduates and energetic materials scientists. The team specialises in engineering, chemistry, physics, computer modelling, data acquisition and analysis. Our service involves working with and compliance with various United States Military Standards (MIL-STDs), UK Defence Standards (Def Stans) and The NATO Standardisation Agreements (STANAG) where applicable.
Chemical Detection Technologies
In Chemical Detection Technologies, Wescom Defence is a foremost producer of highquality Chemical Warfare Agent (CWA) detection solutions, excelling in rapid defence technologies. Our portfolio includes detection kits for explosives and pioneering nerve agent detectors capable of identifying all agents, even future variants.
Pyrotechnics
Our seasoned team specialises in mixing and pressing pyrotechnic materials like flash & flare. Environmental control during storage and processing is crucial for safe handling, ensuring a top-quality end product. Remaining at the forefront of manufacture, we evolve to meet bespoke demands while delivering value to customers and partners.
Smoke Compositions
At the forefront of smoke composition development and manufacturing for years, we offer low-toxic and RP smoke products tailored to specific applications. Our solutions, adaptable and robust, cater to varying needs, from vivid signalling colours to rapid dense screening smoke deployment.
Explosives
Our high explosive (HE) material expertise spans various applications, from e arly storage and pressing to present-day import, storage, and manufacturing for diverse uses.
Environmental Tests & Qualification
Our environmental test facility and engineering team offer a range of options for projects of any scale, including UN ‘Orange Book’ Series testing, bonfire testing, vibration tables, and climatic chambers. We provide end-to-end project management for product and material qualifications, leveraging our UKAS accredited partners for support as needed.
