Wescom Defence Detection and Sensing

Detection

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.

350 EMPLOYEES

7 MANUFACTURING SITES

8 BRANDS

600 PRODUCTS 12 ACCREDITATIONS

COUNTRIES

Rapidly Detect with Certainty

Chemical Threat Detection

Portable Detection Kits

Explosive Response Kits

Advanced Nerve Agent Detection

Chemical Alarm Systems

Residual Vapour Detection Detection

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.

Wescom Defence CW RVD Kit

Chemical Threat Detection

The Wescom Defence CW RVD (Residual Vapour Detector) is an integral member of the Wescom Defence Chemical Warfare Agent (CWA) detection equipment family. The CW RVD kit provides swift and dependable chemical threat detection and is manufactured to military standards in CWA Detection, providing a straightforward, efficient, and cost-effective solution. Effectively used while wearing Personal Protective Equipment, the CW RVD Kit determines whether it is safe to unmask.

Test Capabilities

• Residual Nerve Agents

• Sulphur Mustard Agents

• Blister agents

The CW RVD Kit employs non-electronic small volume wet chemistry, showcasing sophistication in delivering colorimetric results with crystal-clear precision. Serving as a demasking aid, it reliably detects residual nerve agents, Sulphur Mustard agents, and Blister agents. Ensure comprehensive team preparedness with our dedicated Training Kit, a safe and non-hazardous solution for both classroom and field training, seamlessly aligning with real-world applications.

The CW RVD Kit offers a strategic advantage contributing to mission-critical success, featuring unparalleled detection sensitivity, specificity, and compatibility with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that redefine the parameters of preparedness. With NATO codification and approval for deployment by international CBRNE organisations, the CW RVD is used by security entities and military forces.

Key Features

• Proven Excellence: The CW RVD Kit has demonstrated its efficacy and reliability, validated through its utilisation by the UK Ministry of Defence. Trust in a solution that demonstrates resilience in addressing chemical threats.

• Rapid Decision-Making: Time is of the essence. With results delivered in under 6 minutes, the CW RVD Kit empowers your team with real-time information, ensuring swift and informed decision-making during critical situations.

• Adaptable Precision: Tailored to meet the demands of military, security services, and first responders, the portable and lightweight solution is synonymous with adaptability. Customisable cases provide versatility for every mission.

• Training Kit Availability: A safe and non-hazardous CW RVD Training Kit is available for classroom and field training, ensuring comprehensive preparedness.

• Kit Sustainability: RVD Kits Ticket packs and bottle assemblies as replacement items reduce the need to discard the entire kit, minimising operational costs.

Enhance your survival strategy with the Wescom Defence CW RVD Kit—where corporate precision seamlessly integrates with unparalleled performance for ultimate survival solutions.

Wescom Defence Nerve Agent

Immobilise, Enzyme Alarm and Detector (NAIAD)

Advanced Nerve Agent Detection

Detection of ALL known and UNKNOWN nerve agents, Operating as a Vital Survival Solution.

At the forefront of advanced chemical threat detection is Wescom Defence’s NAIAD. As the unrivalled nerve agent detection system, NAIAD represents a fundamental transformation in military and survival solutions. Unmatched in its ability to identify ALL known and UNKNOWN nerve agents, including future variants, NAIAD is your ultimate assurance in the face of evolving threats.

Test Capabilities

• ALL known and UNKNOWN nerve agents, including potential future variants

• Hydrogen Cyanide

Key Features

The NAIAD presents a host of benefits with its cuttingedge capabilities. NAIAD excels in generic sub-miosis nerve agent detection, showcasing its proven detection capabilities across diverse scenarios. Adaptability is a hallmark, as NAIAD seamlessly operates under both battlefield and homeland conditions, providing a dependable solution for various military applications. Unparalleled versatility is achieved through available formats in man-portable, fixed, or vehicle configurations, addressing diverse operational needs and enhancing practicality in the field. Beyond nerve agents, NAIAD extends its capabilities to recognise attack concentrations of Hydrogen Cyanide, adding an extra layer of threat recognition. Ensuring air analysis outside protected environments, NAIAD guarantees the safety of personnel inside, delivering a crucial advantage in survival scenarios. With built-in monitoring equipment, NAIAD confirms operational status, enhancing overall reliability. Tested and proven in demanding environments, including Naval settings, NAIAD’s demonstrated reliability over many years ensures consistent performance in critical situations.

• Universal Detection Precision: NAIAD sets the standard for nerve agent detection, offering unparalleled sensitivity at sub-miosis levels. With the unique capability to sound alarms under both attack and low-level exposure, NAIAD ensures your safety in any situation.

• Adaptive Response Excellence: Resilient to agent masking and corruption, NAIAD maintains responsiveness, minimising false alarms. Its selective nature ensures reliable detection in real-world scenarios.

• Versatility Redefined: Whether in man-portable, fixed, or vehicle formats, NAIAD adapts seamlessly to diverse operational needs.

• Extended Capabilities: NAIAD goes beyond nerve agents, detecting attack concentrations of Hydrogen Cyanide, fortifying its role in comprehensive chemical threat detection.

Enhance your survival strategy with the Wescom Defence NAIAD, where corporate precision seamlessly integrates with cutting-edge technology, setting new standards in chemical threat detection for ultimate survival solutions. Trust in the best, secure with confidence.

Wescom Defence Chemical Warfare Ship Installed Chemical Alarm System (SICAS)

Advanced Chemical Threat Detection for Unmatched Security

At the forefront of cutting-edge technology is the Wescom Defence SICAS (Ship Installed Chemical Alarm System). Manufactured with precision and unmatched expertise, the SICAS is an innovation in chemical threat detection.

Test Capabilities

• ALL known and UNKNOWN nerve agents, including potential future variants

• Hydrogen Cyanide

The Ship Installed Chemical Alarm System (SICAS) offers a range of benefits, underlining its excellence in precision and adherence to military standards. Crafted in collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), the SICAS showcases meticulous design and craftsmanship. Setting a new standard for threat detection, it boasts high sensitivity and specificity to nerve agents, ensuring unparalleled performance in the face of evolving challenges. Recognising the nonnegotiable need for swift decision-making in critical situations, the SICAS guarantees a rapid response time, contributing to enhanced survival strategies and mission success. Adaptability is a key feature, as the SICAS operates seamlessly with standalone batteries or the ship’s battery, ensuring continuous readiness in varied operational environments. Wescom Defence further ensures operational continuity by providing consumables and spares, reinforcing the system’s reliability. Prioritising safety without compromising functionality, the SICAS can be effectively utilised while wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), offering a crucial advantage in chemical threat scenarios. Effortlessly integrating with the Through Bulkhead Unit (TBU), the SICAS enhances overall air sampling capabilities, fortifying the system’s detection capabilities seamlessly.

Key Features

• Unmatched Nerve Agent Detection: The SICAS is the only global system capable of identifying ALL known and UNKNOWN Nerve Agents, including Novichok and FTA variants. Automatic alarms under both attack and low-level exposure conditions set a new standard for security.

• Hydrogen Cyanide Detection: Beyond Nerve Agents, the SICAS adds an extra layer of threat recognition by detecting Hydrogen Cyanide concentrations, offering a holistic approach to chemical threat detection.

• Precision at Sub-Miosis Levels: With detection limits reaching sub-miosis levels, the SICAS ensures heightened sensitivity. Instant alarms provide a vital generic attack warning, surpassing conventional systems in threat recognition.

• Resilience Against Masking and Corruption: Trust in resilience. Unlike conventional Nerve Agent Detection Systems, the SICAS remains responsive amidst masking and corruption. Selectivity minimises false alarms, offering accurate threat identification in realworld scenarios.

• TBU: Air Sampling Mastery: Our Through Bulkhead Unit (TBU) facilitates safe air analysis outside protected environments, ensuring the safety of those inside. Deployed on major UK Capital Ships, TBUs have proven their reliability over many years.

Develop your defence strategy with Wescom Defence SICAS—where corporate precision meets unparalleled performance, offering an advanced chemical threat detection system for ultimate survival solutions. Trust in the best, secure with confidence.

Wescom Defence XD4

Portable Detection Kit for Ammonium Nitrate-based Home-Made Explosives

The Wescom Defence XD4 is a compact and low cost solution in chemical threat detection. Developed to reliably detect Ammonium Nitrate-based homemade explosives, this compact and lightweight portable kit serves as the ultimate survival solution, ensuring the safety of security and military forces facing the pervasive threat of the ‘sugar’ variant known as ‘ANS.’

Test Capabilities

• Ammonium Nitrate-based home-made explosives

• ANS

Key Features

The Wescom Defence XD4 offers rapid and accurate threat identification through its two-part phased test, swiftly confirming the presence of Ammonium Nitratebased home-made explosives, including the ‘sugar’ variant (ANS). This capability enhances the speed and precision of threat assessment in critical situations. With a focus on operational readiness and ease of use, the XD4 is designed with user-friendly features. Its nonelectronic design eliminates concerns about battery life, while the compact, lightweight structure ensures easy carrying and deployment, enhancing accessibility in diverse military scenarios. The XD4 holds global recognition through NATO Codification, establishing it as a globally recognised solution. Its compatibility with international defence standards enables seamless integration into collaborative efforts, ensuring a standardised approach to home-made explosive threat detection.

• Proven Design: With a track record of over 50,000 units produced, the XD4 is a proven and trusted solution, offering reliability and performance in the field.

• User-Friendly: Designed for ease of use, the XD4 requires no specialised training, featuring simple pictorial instructions in each kit for accessibility.

• Two-Part Phased Test: Ensures a highly accurate result; Test 1 confirms the presence of nitrates, while Test 2, if positive, confirms the presence of ANS, providing a comprehensive analysis.

• Fast Response: Full results in under 2 minutes, with Test 1 results available in less than 30 seconds. The XD4 ensures swift decision-making during critical situations.

• Non-Electronic: Eliminates battery concerns. The XD4 is non-electronic, ensuring operational readiness without issues of flat batteries.

• Pocket-Sized and Lightweight: Compact design for easy carrying and storage, facilitating quick and accessible use in various military applications. The lightweight XD4 is designed for easy portability without compromising on performance, making it an ideal solution on the move.

• Multiple Tests in Each Kit: Equipped for extended use, with multiple tests available in each kit, ensuring prolonged functionality for various search applications.

• Global Recognition and Integration: NATO Codification establishes the XD4 as a globally recognised solution. Benefit from the unit’s compatibility with international defence standards, enabling seamless integration into collaborative efforts and ensuring a standardised approach to home-made explosive threat detection.

Manufactured for the UK MoD and Special Forces, the Wescom Defence XD4 is available to ‘UK MoD approved’ organisations under UK Export Licence Control. Enhance your chemical threat detection capabilities with Wescom Defence—where reliability meets precision for the ultimate survival solution.

Wescom Defence XD6

Portable Detection Kit for High Explosives

The Wescom Defence XD6 Portable Detection Kit is a compact, cost-effective, and manual swab-based threat detection. The XD6 is designed to specifically identify a range of high explosives, including PETN, RDX, TNT, and derivatives such as Semtex, C3, C4, and HMX, whether ‘tagged’ or not.

Test Capabilities

• High explosives

• PETN

• RDX

• TNT, and derivatives such as Semtex, C3, C4, and HMX.

Wescom Defence’s XD6 has demonstrated its reliability in various situations, providing fully proven designs for consistent performance. NATO Codification recognises and attests to the kit’s adherence to international standards and specifications, guaranteeing its reliability on a global scale. The user-friendly design requires no training, featuring simple-to-follow, pictorial instructions for quick and effective deployment. With accurate confirmation testing, the XD6 delivers reliable results, instilling confidence in decision-making processes. Respond swiftly to critical situations with rapid response times, as the kit provides results in just one minute. The non-electronic design eliminates concerns about flat batteries or malfunctions, ensuring continuous reliability in any operational environment. Its compact and lightweight construction facilitates convenient portability without compromising functionality, and each XD6 kit includes multiple tests, maximising utility and cost-effectiveness for users.

Key Features

• High Explosive Detection: Specifically designed to detect high explosives, including PETN, RDX, TNT, and derivatives such as Semtex, C3, C4, and HMX, whether ‘tagged’ or not.

• Targeted Building Blocks Detection: Unlike some detection techniques, the Wescom Defence XD6 does not rely on the presence of taggants but detects the fundamental building blocks of all high explosives: RDX, PETN, and TNT.

• Antibody-Based Technique: Utilises an antibody-based technique, ensuring exceptionally reliable confirmatory results with NO known false alarms. Widely used by Police, Army, and Security personnel to extend search and protection boundaries, the Wescom Defence XD6 Portable Detection Kit sets the standard for reliability, efficiency, and user-friendly high explosive detection solutions. Trust in the best, secure with confidence.

Wescom Defence XD8 Portable ‘Novel’ Detection Kit

The Wescom Defence XD8 stands as an efficient and secure solution for detecting the presence of explosives based on peroxides or chlorates, commonly utilised in Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Classified as ‘Novel’ due to their constituent availability and ease of manufacture, peroxide and chlorate-based devices pose a significant and recognised threat.

Test Capabilities

• TATP

• HMTD

• Sodium Chlorate

• Potassium Chlorate

Experience a multitude of advantages with the Wescom Defence XD8 Portable Detection Kit. With its proven design, the XD8 guarantees consistent and reliable performance in various scenarios. NATO Codification ensures global recognition, reflecting its adherence to international standards and specifications. Userfriendly features, including simple-to-follow, pictorial instructions, make the XD8 easy to use without the need for extensive training. Offering accurate colorimetric results for peroxide/chlorate detection, the XD8 instils confidence in decision-making processes. It can detect minute or bulk amounts of suspect materials, providing flexibility in threat detection scenarios. The non-electronic design eliminates concerns about flat batteries, ensuring continuous reliability during operations. The lightweight construction facilitates convenient portability without compromising functionality. Each kit comes complete with sufficient equipment for 50 tests, including gloves and disposal bags. Additionally, the wide temperature range (between +5°C and +50°C) ensures adaptability to diverse environments.

Key Features

• Non-Electronic Colorimetric Test Kit: Specifically developed to detect identifiable levels of peroxide or chlorate.

• Rapid Results: Provides results in less than one minute, facilitating quick decision-making in critical situations.

• Distinctive Colour Changes: Specific colour changes within the kit identify the presence of suspect materials, allowing users to take appropriate action.

• Versatile Detection: Can detect minute or bulk amounts of suspect materials, offering flexibility in threat detection scenarios.

Enhance your security protocols with the Wescom Defence XD8. With proven reliability, NATO codification, and user-friendly features, the XD8 ensures a rapid and accurate response to the growing threats posed by peroxide and chlorate-based devices. Compact, versatile, and globally recognised, this kit provides an ideal threat detection solution. Trust in the best, secure with confidence.

Wescom Defence Peroxide Explosive Response Kit (PERK)

Introduction

In the current landscape of heightened danger from terrorists and criminals lacking access to sophisticated bomb-making equipment, Peroxide Explosives pose a significant threat. These explosives, characterised by high force and low stability, can be detonated by minor shocks, thermal disturbance, or small electrical currents, making them particularly hazardous. Wescom Defence, in collaboration with UK authorities in explosives and nerve agent detection, introduces the Peroxide Explosive Response Kit (PERK). PERK is designed to mitigate the risks of detonation, safeguarding the lives of both service personnel and the general public.

Test Capabilities

• Peroxide Explosives

The Peroxide Explosive Response Kit (PERK) offers a myriad of benefits, foremost among them being the substantial reduction of detonation risks for both service personnel and the public. Its adaptable configurations allow for tailored responses to specific scenarios, accommodating varying quantities of explosive materials with precision. PERK’s quick response capabilities facilitate swift reactions to threats, minimising the time between detection and effective risk mitigation. Furthermore, PERK enhances safety measures by providing an in-situ solution for personnel regularly engaged in premises or vehicle searches, ensuring their well-being and enabling a proactive approach to threat management.

Applications

Key Features

• Specialised Expertise: Developed in collaboration with UK authorities, leveraging Wescom Defence’s experience in explosives and nerve agent detection.

• Comprehensive Threat Response: Targets the increasing risk posed by Peroxide Explosives to transport organisations, Search Teams, and Bomb Disposal Units.

• Versatile Configurations: Available in a range of configurations to suit specific applications, enabling response units to address varying quantities of explosive material.

• User-Friendly Equipment: Easy-to-use design allows authorised personnel to respond effectively and swiftly to threats, minimising the risk of detonation.

• Refill Kit Availability: Incorporating sustainable practices, offering cost savings through reusable components, refill kit availability, and an emphasis on energy-efficient manufacturing processes.

PERK is essential for various scenarios where Peroxide Explosives may be encountered, including but not limited to:

• Premises Searches

• Vehicle Searches

• Bomb Disposal Operations

• Aircraft Inspections

• House Searches

Wescom Defence’s Peroxide Explosive Response Kit (PERK) stands as a pivotal solution in the ongoing efforts to combat the rising threat of Peroxide Explosives. With its specialised features, adaptable configurations, and proven expertise, PERK is the tool of choice for authorised personnel entrusted with the critical task of safeguarding lives and property.