Wescom Defence, Signal and Screening

Signal & Screening

Wescom Defence

Wescom Defence is a trusted global producer of pyrotechnics to the defence industry. Headquartered in the UK, our unrivalled reputation for technical innovation, expertise and reliability has been cemented by more than 100 years’ experience and is built on strong customer foundations. Whether you are a long-standing or new client, our aim is to develop a long-term relationship and provide you with an unmatched, bespoke service.

What we create

We design, manufacture and supply high-quality Class 1.1-1.4 energetic material and pyrotechnics at our facilities in UK, Germany and Spain that have a combined area of 293,000m2. For more than 100 years we have provided the expertise, reliability and collaboration that our customers know and trust and we will continue in our pursuit of excellence.

In 2021, we acquired PW Defence to expand our defence product portfolio, international sales network and benefit from new manufacturing and testing facilities. Our range now boasts more than 500 products and we manufacture more than 3 million pyrotechnic products a year. We are a trusted supplier to UK MoD, German BMVg, our NATO allies and friendly nations worldwide.

Why choose us

Unrivalled service

Our reputation is built on long-standing collaborations with our customers. You are at the core of everything we do and we aim to build a relationship that lasts by delivering a product and service tailored to your individual requirements.

Unmatched expertise

Our leading chemists, designers, energetic material scientists and industrial engineers work to create an extensive range of technologically advanced explosive and pyrotechnic products and payloads. Safety, quality, performance and reliability are paramount.

Security of supply

Providing assurance and a rapid response to your needs.

What we do

Our expertise covers four key areas: Signalling and screening

Our products enable effective and reliable battlefield communication for the location and extraction of combat forces in challenging operating environments, including vehicle defensive aids.

Training and simulation

We maximise combat force readiness and effectiveness by creating immersive sensory training in a safe, realistic battlefield training simulated environment.

Man-portable obstacle breaching

We clear the way ahead, facilitating effective, portable pathway clearance solutions for expeditionary forces and special operations.

Search and Rescue

We provide comprehensive, proven, and reliable capability to mark or communicate position. Effective critical asset marking, including solutions for submarines or individual position marking during daytime and night-time search and rescue operations.

270 EMPLOYEES

5 MANUFACTURING SITES

500 PRODUCTS

6 BRANDS INTL. PRESENCE

80 COUNTRIES

10 ACCREDITATIONS

Battlefield Illumination

For modern militaries and law enforcement agencies, the ability to dominate areas of operations is largely dependent on having an effective and reliable night fighting capability. The most obvious effect of night time is reduced visibility – normally favouring offensive formations.

Wescom Defence has developed a range of hand-fired rockets, for various payloads and parachute suspension (large area illumination, visual and infra-red) or free falling signalling flares. Ranges from 300 to 1,000 metres.

Multiple Effect Rocket System (MERS)

MERS is a smokeless rocket system carrying various payloads for parachute suspension (large area illumination, visual and infra-red) or free-falling flares for signalling.

• Exceptionally lightweight and compact

• Excellent visibility > 200,000 Candela

• EDB Smokeless Propellant (qualified according to STANAG 4170)

• Unique tube design and induced tailspin provide high level of accuracy in flight (300-1,000m range)

• Enhanced safety with inherent over-pressure gas escape system

• No stored energy in the initiator

• Three-stage safety ignition system

Parachute Rockets

Wescom Defence has a rich heritage of developing handfired rockets. Terrain illumination rockets enable random surveillance to reveal enemy movement, illuminate ambush situations (to reveal targets) or used as target illuminators for weapon systems.

• Handfired Parachute Rocket, Illuminating (J301)

• Handfired Parachute Rocket, Red/Green (J302A & J303)

• Handfired Parachute Rocket, Radaflare (J304)

Multiple Effect Rocket System (MERS) Illumination Rocket

Handfired Illuminating Parachute Rocket

Radaflare Rocket

Handfired Parachute Rocket - Green , Red and Illuminating

Multiple Effect Rocket System (MERS) Infrared Illum Rocket

Tactical Screening

Wescom Defence has a long history of providing tactical screening products globally, a heritage borne out of necessity to protect troops, vehicles and objects from being seen and targeted. The requirement for this type of solution will always be required and Wescom continues to evolve its range of products to suit. Our current suite of products covers everything from ergonomic designs and high volume output to rapid deployment for critical situations. Our screening payloads are deployable by various means, including hand-thrown or vehicle-launched in most calibres.

Our screening payloads are also available with our proven rubber bursting technology. This family of products can enable the user to create a wider screen effect than some of the more conventional top or bottom venting products depending on the tactical situation. This feature also ensures the grenade cannot be thrown to a different location following function at the location of its intended use, further enhancing the level of protection to the user.

Screening Smoke Grenade

Hand Thrown Smoke Grenades, with an output in visual and/or IR, for use in various training or operational scenarios such as the rapid concealment of troops, the removal of target opportunities, or to provide essential cover for the deployment of friendly forces.

Low Toxic Screening Smoke

Screening Smoke Grenade is designed to produce a dense curtain of smoke masking the removal or deployment of personnel in tactical and training situations. The grenade can be used in various military and law enforcement operational and training situations.

Remotely Piloted Vehicle Target Smoke Generator

Used primarily for visual enhancement of an aerial target. The unit c an be integrated with, and deployed from remotely piloted vehicles.

Screening Smoke Grenade

Grenade Hand Compact Screening Smoke

Bursting Screening Smoke Grenade

Low

Screening Smoke showing stay-in-place lever

Vehicle Defensive Aids

Wescom Defence’s extensive SmokeShield™ range of 66mm and 76mm vehicle-launched grenades are integral to any defensive suite employed by mechanised units from Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) to Main Battle Tanks (MBTs). The threats to vehicles from being observed and targeted in both the visual and infrared spectrum through sensorguided weapons, rangefinders & traditional anti-vehicle weaponry are potentially lethal. When SmokeShield™ is deployed, these threats are significantly reduced, as the line of sight (LOS) can be obscured.

A modular concept has been developed to include ‘Air-Burst’ and/or ‘Ground Burst’ payloads, which together, are capable of providing instant protection, augmented with a longer, denser screen as required. Our HERO qualified stores are at the forefront of modern munitions, suitable for use on the most technically advanced weapons platforms where Radiation Hazards (RAD HAZ) are present.

The product range includes training and operational variants. Red Phosphorous products (RP) offer enhanced IR protection. Wescom’s comprehensive SmokeShield™ range includes non-RP variants, which are less toxic, whilst providing a robust and realistic alternative during training, or in environments where the effects to noncombatants within close proximity need to be minimised.

SmokeShield

Wescom Defence’s solutions have been developed over many years in conjunction with a number of the leading launcher & vehicle manufacturers globally to ensure maximum interoperability and versatility

Vehicle Launched Grenade RP

Vehicle Launched Grenade Multi-Spectral

Vehicle Launched Grenade Screening

Vehicle Launched Grenade Screening RP

Search & Rescue

Wescom Defence’s state-of-the-art pyrotechnic products provide comprehensive, proven and reliable capabilities to mark or communicate position. Effective critical asset marking (including solutions for submarines) or individual position marking during day and night time search and rescue operations. This is achieved by using smoke, dyes, signal cartridges and flares.

Miniflares

The Miniflare signal kit provides an individual with the means of achieving high intensity localised signalling for personal survival (to pinpoint location) or warn-off aircraft. The compact kit can be carried unobtrusively in combat clothing, or packed into personal survival packs (PSPs).

Signal Cartridges (19mm, 26.5mm, 38mm)

Signal cartridges are fired from pistols and provide a short/medium range signal in both white light and infra-red light conditions. They provide high-intensity localised signalling for land and sea operations. Multi-colour cartridges are available (red, green, white, yellow and illuminating). Cartridges are marked to facilitate night-time operations. Signal cartridges can also be used for communications between combat forces and night-time reconnaissance.

Signal Distress Day & Night

A dual-purpose compact personal distress signal for divers, or aircrew, features an orange smoke signal at one end for daytime use and a red flare for night.

Marine Sound Signals

Marine Sound Signal is a hydrostatically-operated explosive device for communications between the surface and a submarine. The device explodes under hydrostatic pressure emitting a distinct signal clearly discernible by a submarine at depth. Simplified operation includes several safety features, which reduce danger to personnel and craft.

Diver Recall Signal

Sea Location Markers are released to illuminate, for up to five minutes, landing zones for rotary wing aircraft. They are also used to indicate distress.

Buoyant Smoke Cartridge (40mm, Orange)

Designed for use by aircrew to assess wind speed and direction over water when carrying out Search & Rescue activities.

Sea Location Markers

Sea Marker is released from ships to illuminate, for up to 5 minutes, a landing zone for rotary wing aircraft. Also used to indicate distress.

Submarine Launched Markers

Submarine launched markers are designed to be deployed from the ejection tube of a submarine to indicate position. Available in red and green flare, plus white smoke.

Miniflares and Handheld Illuminating Rocket

Signal Distress Day & Night

Light and Smoke Signal

Marine Sound Signals

Tactical Signalling and Marking

Effective communication between forces is an essential element of military operations. Wescom Defence manufactures a range of Mini Flares, Multi Coloured Smoke and Signal Cartridges. These enable effective position marking to include landing zones and wind direction.

Hand Thrown Coloured Smoke

Smoke Grenades provide combat forces with a means of communication/signalling during daylight. Besides individual signalling codes, smoke grenades are used to indicate wind direction (helicopter landing) or marking drop zones.

Signal Cartridges (16mm, 19mm, 26.5mm, 38mm)

Signal Cartridges are fired from pistols to provide a short range signal in both white light and infra-red light conditions. Multi Colour Cartridges are available (red, green, white, yellow and illuminating). These can also be used for communications between combat forces and battlefield reconnaissance at night.

Ground Flare Indicating Yellow

Marking landing zones, and wind direction indicators for aircraft as well as highlighting an emergency landing path.

Parachutist Signal Smoke

Wescom ParaSmoke™ was specifically designed for use by parachutists to mark their descent course during training and for parachutist displays. Can be used as a smoke generator for any situation where a large volume of coloured smoke is required.

Hand Thrown Coloured Smoke

Ground Flare Indicating Yellow

26.5mm Signal Cartridges

Grenade Hand Compact Signal Smoke, including low toxicity screening

Coloured Grenade Hand 83 Smoke, including low toxicity screening

Low Toxic Screening Smoke showing stay-in-place lever

19mm Signal Cartridges

38mm Signal Cartridges

Perimeter Protection

Effective manning of borders/perimeters is critical to ensure physical safety. Alarm and Trip Flares are often used both in a standalone mode and in conjunction with electronic surveillance equipment to effectively manage large perimeters/borders. Wescom Defense is a trusted partner of major military and law enforcement customers for alarm and trip flares around the globe.

Our trip and alarm flares are very versatile and offer a range of features and effects. Hand deployed and wire triggered when activated, they provide a combination of flash, sound signal and pyrotechnic flare (up to 150,000 candela) – disorienting and illuminating the trespasser.

Wescom Defence has extensive experience of designing and developing easy to use, safe and reliable ignition systems for Trip and Alarm Flares. Our unique ignition system provides the ability to connect multiple trip wires onto the same ignition systems and offers depending of the number connected trip wires multiple activation capability in a circle 360°.

Trip Flares

Our hand-deployable trip flare is a non-lethal device. When wire-triggered, it produces bright white light for ~30 seconds duration. This disorientates and illuminates an area of ~25m around the ignition point. Wescom’s infrared variant further enhances the night vision capability of the security forces.

Alarm Flares

Alarm Flares are hand-deployable, non-lethal devices. When wire-triggered, each unit produces a loud short bang at 15m height and bright white light of ~15 sec. duration. It disorientates for several seconds and illuminates an area of 25m around the ignition point.

Signal & Screening Product List

BATTLEFIELD ILLUMINATION

Multiple Effect Rocket System (MERS) Illumination Rocket, 300m

Multiple Effect Rocket System (MERS) Illumination Rocket, 600m

Multiple Effect Rocket System (MERS) Illumination Rocket, 1000m

TACTICAL SCREENING

Remotely Piloted Vehicle Target Smoke Generator

Grenade Hand Smoke Screening

Grenade Hand Bursting Screening

VEHICLE DEFENSIVE AIDS

76mm Vehicle Launched Grenade RP SmokeShield™

66mm Vehicle Launched Grenade Screening RP SmokeShield™

TACTICAL SIGNALLING & MARKING

Smoke Grenade, Coloured, 30 sec

Smoke Grenade, Coloured, 60 sec

Smoke Grenade, Coloured, 90 sec

Smoke Grenade, Screening, 30 sec, low toxic

Hand Grenade Smoke Coloured

Series Signal Smoke Parachutist

16mm Signal Cartridges

19mm Signal Cartridges

26.5mm Signal Cartridges

SEARCH & RESCUE

19mm Signal Cartridge Single Star Red, Green, White

26.5mm Signal Cart, Single Star Red, White, Green, Yellow, Flash Bang

Parachute Signal Cartridges & Illuminating

26.5mm Signal Cartridge, Single Star Red, White, Green, Yellow & Illuminating

38mm Signal Cartridge, Single Star Red, Green, White, Yellow & Illuminating

38mm Signal Cartridge, 2-Star Red, Green, White, Yellow

Salute Cartridge

Standard Military Rocket Para Illumination 9123600

Rocket Hand Fired Cluster - Red, White, Green

Day & Night Signal

Linethrower 250

White Handflare

Red Handflare

PERIMETER PROTECTION

Trip Flare DM 26

Alarm Flare DM 57

Multiple Effect Rocket System (MERS) Infrared Illum Rocket, 300m

Multiple Effect Rocket System (MERS) Infrared Illum Rocket, 600m

Multiple Effect Rocket System (MERS) Infrared Illum Rocket, 1000m

Grenade Hand Bursting Screening RP

Grenade Hand Compact Screening Smoke

Grenade Hand 83 Screenign Smoke

76mm Vehicle Launched Grenade Multi-Spectral SmokeShield™

66mm Vehicle Launched Grenade Screening SmokeShield™

38mm Coloured Smoke Cartridges

38mm Signal Cartridges

40mm Coloured Smoke Cartridges

Coloured Grenade Hand 83 Smoke – 30 seconds

Coloured Grenade Hand 83 Smoke – 60 seconds

Coloured Grenade Hand 83 Smoke – 90 seconds

Grenade Hand Compact Signal Smoke – 30 seconds

Grenade Hand Compact Signal Smoke – 45 seconds

Grenade Hand Compact Signal Smoke – 60 seconds

Red Parachute Signal Rocket

Light & Smoke Signal

Smoke Signal Orange

Signal Distress Day & Night

Miniflare 16mm

40mm Cartridge Buoyant Smoke Orange

Rocket Handfired Parachute Illuminating

Rocket Handfired Parachute Red

Rocket Handfired Parachute Green

Rocket Handfired Parachute Radaflare

Marine Sound Signal

Diver Recall Signal

Ground Flare - Indicating Yellow Tripflare Kit

Effective Battlefield Communication Signal & Screening

Core Competence & Capabilities

Wescom Defence is a versatile and specialist manufacturer of energetic materials and pyrotechnics. 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.

Pyrotechnics

Our highly experienced team are specialists in mixing and pressing of pyrotechnic materials including flash & flare. Controlling the environment during storage and processing remains critical for safe handling of pyrotechnics and explosives and ensuring a quality end product. We remain at the forefront of pyrotechnic manufacture, evolving to meet bespoke customer demands whilst remaining lean and providing value to our customers and partners.

Smoke Compositions

We have been at the forefront of developing and manufacturing smoke compositions for many years, hand-in-hand with supplying the carrying and ignitions system to match. Our portfolio includes low toxic products and RP smoke products, depending on the application required. Whether vivid signalling colour or rapid deployment of dense screening smoke is required, our solutions remain adaptable and robust for any environment.

Explosives

Throughout our history the presence of high explosive (HE) materials has been a common feature. In our early years, we stored, pressed and manufactured HE items for many different applications including pressed RDX pellets and canopy cutting cords for various fast jet aircraft as well as demolition stores including Beehives and Bangalore Torpedo. Presently we continue to import, store and manufacture raw HE materials for use in products with various applications.

Environmental Tests & Qualification

Wescom Defence’s environmental test facility and engineering team can provide a number of options for any scale of project. This includes the full spectrum of UN ‘Orange Book’ Series testing including packaged and unit drop testing (up to 12m), bonfire testing, vibration tables and climatic and conditioning chambers to name a few. Our specialist teams can provide all up project management for product and material qualifications from cradle-to-grave utilising our vast team of UKAS accredited partners for support where required.