Vehicle Defensive Aids
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.
450 EMPLOYEES
PRODUCTS
6 MANUFACTURING SITES
Enhancing Vehicle Survivability
Smoke
Fire
Control Units
Wiring
Harnessing
Grenade Launchers
Laser
Warning System
Smokeshield™ Vehicle-launched Grenades
Vehicle
Defensive Aids
Scalable & Light
Gunnery Signature
Simulator
Pyrotechnic Effects
Vehicle Defensive Aids Introduction
Wescom Defence has been delivering smoke based screening protection systems (visual and infrared spectrum) for Combat Fighting Vehicles globally for nearly 40 years. The screening systems protect the Combat Fighting Vehicles by enhancing situational awareness and interfering with the line of sight, giving the crew enough time to tactically manoeuvre out of contact.
Wescom Defence capability encompasses a complete end to end solution to include Vehicle Launched Grenades, Grenade Launchers, Fire Control Units, Laser Warning Systems and Wiring Harnesses, enabling seamless integration of different components into a complete cost effective solution for new and legacy platforms.
Prime System Integrator Expertise
Combat Fighting Vehicle Screening Protection System demands are becoming increasingly more complex to meet the evolving battlefield threats, requiring an extensive understanding of different components and subcomponents across electric, mechanical and digital domains. Wescom Defence has extensive in-house capability and prime system integration expertise, enabling us to deliver comprehensive Combat Fighting Vehicle Screening solutions.
As a Prime System Integrator, we offer complete end to end solutions to include Design, Development, Qualification/ Testing, Production, Training and Post Design Services, complete with Technical Publications. We provide a cost effective one stop shop for screening solutions for both new and legacy platforms.
Enhancing Vehicle Survivability
The threat to Combat Fighting Vehicles has evolved, increasing significantly over the years to pose a serious threat to both vehicle and crew survivability. As the threats became more effective the solution was to add heavier armour, resulting in vehicles becoming heavier (difficult to manoeuvre, cross bridges etc). Wescom Defence Vehicle Screening Protection Systems help meet the challenges posed by the new range of Anti-Tank Weapons by bringing together a suite of products, providing enhanced situational awareness through the use of laser warning systems (Detection and Indication) and screening systems (Vehicle Launched Grenades), enabling the Combat Fighting Vehicles to interfere with the weapon line of sight.
Role of realistic training
Wescom Defence launchers and simulator cartridges are at the heart of providing the most immersive training experience for defence and law enforcement agencies around the world. Realistic tank on tank training poses a number of logistical challenges and increasingly relies on the use of laser-based systems which do not provide realistic effects of a tank firing or hitting a target.
Laser-based “firing” during force-on-force training demands both a visual representation and differentiation between “firing” and “hit”. The Wescom Defence Light Gunnery Signature Simulator (LGSS) launcher has been designed to be mounted on tanks and combat fighting vehicles, providing realistic firing and hit training scenarios. A variety of ammunition including High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT), Armoured Piercing Fin Stabilizing Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) cartridges can be fired from the LGSS attached to the tank, delivering a realistic impact effect of a projectile hitting a steel target to both the gunner and ground forces.
The LGSS launcher allows the selection of ammunition to engage an opposing tank, such as HEAT and APFSDS munitions.
Integrated Laser Warning System Intelligent Fire Control Units for VLG
Weapon and Target Hit Simulator Cartridges Main Gun Signature Simulator
66/76 MM Screening Smoke Launchers
66/76 MM VLGs
Smoke Grenade Launchers
Grenade Launchers are used as a self-defence/obscurant device designed to be externally mounted to the vehicle, controlled and fired from within the vehicle cockpit. Wescom Defence can offer a wide range of launchers including 66mm, 76mm single barrel, three and four barrel, and custom mountings which are proven and in service.
Both 76 mm and 66 mm Launchers are fully qualified and in-service with a number of customers including in the UK, having achieved Ordnance Board approval. Wescom Defence is undertaking significant design and development work to reduce the size of launchers, thereby minimising their footprint. These design enhancements will provide improved suitability for a wide range of medium and light combat fighting vehicles, including deployment on UGVs.
Fire Control Units
The Wescom Defence Intelligent Smoke Grenade Launcher Fire Control Unit is capable of determining the ‘Load Status’ of individual Barrels with its inbuilt diagnostics, it will also give an indication of any faults in the system.
The individual LED’s will Illuminate Green for a loaded Barrel and Red for an unloaded Barrel. (Dependent on Grenade electrical characteristics).
Both the Intelligent and the Standard systems are capable of firing in the following arrangements:
1 Individually selected Barrel (Select Barrel, Arm System then press Fire)
2 Individually selected Left or Right Salvo (Select S Left or Right, Arm System then press Fire)
3 Dual Salvo (Select DS, Arm System then press Fire
Single 45° Launcher
RP273036
RP273037
supplier to the UK Ministry of Defence and numerous other governments and defence contractors worldwide
For Land Equipment, Repaircraft are involved with a vast range of platforms including CVR(T) Scorpion Tank, Warrior IFV, Challenger MBT, Piranha 8 x 8 etc
Wiring Harnessing
Overall Specification
For Land Equipment, Repaircraft are involved with a vast range of platforms including CVR(T) Scorpion Tank, Warrior IFV, Challenger MBT, Piranha 8 x 8 etc
To design, manufacture and support armaments, Repaircraft have a complete suite of CAD design tools, hold ISO9001 and are UK
To design, manufacture and support armaments, Repaircraft have a complete suite of CAD design tools, hold ISO9001 and are UK Police RFD and Home Office Section 5 Prohibited Weapons approved
Police RFD and Home Office Section 5 Prohibited Weapons approved
LAUNCHERS
76mm Single Barrel and Custom Mountings
FIRE CONTROL SYSTEMS
WESCOM Defence Smoke Grenade Launcher and Fire Control Unit wiring harnesses are constructed from world standard MIL-DTL / VG specification connectors, alongside Spec 44 wire and System 25 Heat-shrink components. This allows us to provide a cost-effective harnessing solution, that will provide reliable performance in the harsh environment of a Military Combat vehicle.
LAUNCHERS
Flexibility for Customers
A wide range of standard launchers are available including:
A wide range of standard launchers are available including:
Our standard design can be tailored to suit both individual vehicle and customer requirements and to integrate with existing systems.
Connector Specifications
As standard we can adapt our design to use any Mil Spec Circular connector families including.
• Mil-Dtl-5015
• VG95234
• MIL-DTL-38999 Series I & III
• MIL-DTL-26482 Series I & II
These high-density connectors have been proven to work reliably in the high shock and vibration conditions found in military and aerospace applications and meet the technical specifications set by militaries around the world.
66mm Single, Three and Four Barrel
66mm Single, Three and Four Barrel
Shielding / Wiring
All Wescom Defence harnesses are constructed from Spec 44 & 55 dual wall wire, developed specifically for aerospace and military applications. Each firing circuit is contained in a twisted and shielded pair to minimise the possibility of cross talk.
An external shielding braid surrounds the wiring bundle and is connected to each mil-spec connector back shell to provide 360 degrees of protection against external sources of electromagnetic interference.
Testing and Traceability
All harnessing is 100% tested and can be serialised with full part and test traceability.
Testing can be tailored to customer requirements and includes Hi Precision 4 wire Kelvin resistance measurements. As well as earth bond testing on external shielding as standard.
76mm Single Barrel and Custom Mountings FIRE CONTROL SYSTEMS
Custom design of Control Systems / BITE Test Systems
Custom design of Control Systems / BITE Test Systems
Group Shot Control
Group Shot Control Single Shot Control
Laser Warning System (LWS)
The Wescom Defence LWS has been designed as a low-cost capability enhancement for either new vehicles or for vehicles due for an upgrade / life extension programme. The LWS comprises of two elements, the Detector Assembly and the Indication Panel (interconnecting and power harnesses can also be supplied).
The LWS is designed to detect the direction of a laser radiation, such as those emanating from single pulse lasers (range finders) or multiple pulse systems (designators), with a resolution of 22.5deg. At the same time the Indication Panel will alert the vehicle user both visually and audibly.
Originally conceived as an add on to the in-service 76 mm and 66mm Grenade Discharger System, the LWS has been designed to also be used as a standalone system. The LWS has been designed to meet Mil-Std 410 (EMI/ EMC), Mil-Std 810 (Environmental), Mil-Std 1275 (Power).
LWS System
Smokeshield™ Vehicle-launched Grenades
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 sensor-guided 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 ‘AirBurst’ and/or ‘Ground Burst’ payloads, which together, are capable of providing instant protection, augmented with a longer, denser screen as required. 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 non-combatants within close proximity need to be minimised.
V108
V102&V101
66mm VLG firing
Scalable Gunnery Signature Simulator and Light Gunnery Signature Simulator
The LGSS is a launcher available in 16 or 32 shots versions. It is using pyrotechnic cartridges from the MECS family (Multiple Effects Cartridge System) such as the MGSS, the FBSS, the airburst and the colour smokes simulators.
By means of these cartridges the launcher delivers single shots, bursts or salvo firings and therefore provides realistic combat situations. It can be wirelessly initiated by an instructor as well as by hardwire when connected to a trigger, a trip wire or a motion sensor.
Application
To enhance realism during tactical training the possibility to simulate different weapon effects such as hostile and artillery fire, booby traps or a tank main gun, is needed.
The LGSS enables the soldier to train under stress in force-on-force or force-on-target exercises by simulating direct or indirect fire and hits. It is also deployable in urban operation training as a scalable means to simulate detonation from bombs or IED.
Characteristics
The effects characteristics depend on the cartridges configuration chosen. The firing sequence can be programmed by the user to meet requirements. The effects available are those provided by the MECS cartridges (flash-bang-smoke and coloured smokes) which stay in the launcher until they are unloaded.
Light Gunnery Signature Simulator - LGSS 32
Scalable Gun Signature Simulator - SGSS
Flash Bang Smoke Simulator - Mini FBSS
Main Gun Signature Simulator - MGSS
Direct and Indirect Fire Cue Simulator Smokes (Direct/Indirect Fire Cue)
Pyrotechnic Effects
Wescom Defence DM 29/DM 54 hit indicator simulators are designed to be used with Launcher DARKAS on tanks and combat fighting vehicles. The two hit indicator simulators through muzzle flash (and/ or sound) on the gun and weapon effect on the tank provide clear indication to all which tanks are engaged in combat training.
Vehicle Defensive Aids Product List
66MM SMOKE GRENADE LAUNCHER
66mm Single Smoke Grenade Launcher 4 Launcher Array
Electronic Circuit Tester Dummy Grenade
76MM SMOKE GRENADE LAUNCHER
76mm Single Smoke Grenade Launcher 4 Launcher Array
Electronic Circuit Tester Dummy Grenade
Cleaning Kit
Operator and Maintenance Instructions
Cleaning Kit
Operator and Maintenance Instructions
SMOKE GRENADE LAUNCHER FIRE CONTROL UNIT
Intelligent Smoke Grenade Launcher Fire Control Unit to suit QTY: 2, 4 Barrel Launchers
Standard Smoke Grenade Launcher Fire Control Unit to suit QTY: 2, 4 Barrel Launchers
Intelligent Smoke Grenade Launcher Fire Control Unit to suit QTY: 4, 4 Barrel Launchers
Standard Smoke Grenade Launcher Fire Control Unit to suit QTY: 4, 4 Barrel Launchers
Electronic Circuit Tester Dummy Grenade
Operator and Maintenance Instructions
SMOKESHIELD™ VEHICLE-LAUNCHED GRENADES
76mm Vehicle Launched Grenade RP SmokeShield™
66mm Vehicle Launched Grenade Screening RP SmokeShield™
76mm Vehicle Launched Grenade Multi-Spectral SmokeShield™
66mm Vehicle Launched Grenade Screening SmokeShield™
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.
