Man-Portable Obstacle Breaching & Demining
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
7 MANUFACTURING SITES
500 PRODUCTS
8 BRANDS INTL. PRESENCE 80 COUNTRIES
10 ACCREDITATIONS
Survey & Inspection
Operator Training
Personal
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.
Thermite Torch
Thermite Incendiary Grenade
Personal Mine Extraction Kit
Vital for safely clearing minefields and other explosive obstacles.
The lightweight Personal Mine Extraction Kit (PMEK) is designed to be carried when traveling in areas where anti personnel mines or IED’s may be present. The Kit was created to attach conveniently on ones person using Molle and contains all the necessary components to safely avoid and map out hostile environments.
The PMEK comes with a waterproof Aide Memoire which contains the best practice for using the kit as well as spotting potential warning signs and avoiding dangerous areas.
• Dimensions: 180 x 135 x 45mm
• Weight: 394g
• The item has been opened and closed 100 times.
• The lightsticks have been tested and last a minimum of 4 hours
• Mine Prodder with Point 30cm (non magnetic) NSN: 6665-99-773-7447
• Daylight Route Marking System Red (suspect) x 5 NSN: 1385-99-870-4657
• Daylight Route Marking System White (safe) x 20 NSN: 1385-99-400-2295
• Night Route Marking System Red 4hr (suspect) x 5 NSN: 6260-01-074-4229
• Night Route Marking System Green 4hr (safe) x 20 NSN: 6260-01-196-0637
• Trip Wire Feeler 1200mm NSN: TBC
• Waterproof Aide Memoire (sample) NSN: 6665-99-667-4019
• Pouch NSN: 6665-99-733-1445
Beaching Tools
Essential for overcoming physical barriers quickly and efficiently.
Moe Kinetic Tool Kit
• Securely carries the Hooligan Tool, Ram and Bolt Cutter
• Design allows for the tools to be carried at the ready under two large retention flaps
• Constructed of 1000 denier nylon
• Fully adjustable shoulder, waist and under the leg straps
Bolt Cutter
• Specifically heat treated cutting edges finest available anywhere
• For use on security chains, chain link fences and noncase hardened locks
• Handles electrically non-conductive to 100,000 volts AC
Ram
• Ideal for use on light exterior and most interior doors
• Oversized control-flex handle system reduces impact stress and allows breachers to position themselves in a safer zone even in cramped breaching situations
• Non-sparking and electrically non conductive to 100,000 volts AC
Hooligan Tool
• Heat-treated, stainless steel working ends
• Wedge features the newly redesigned tempered stainless steel wedge with counter angled friction ridge
• Counter-angled friction ridges also provide stability during breaching operations and prevent tool slippage
• Glass-busting head perfect for break-n-rake operations
• Handles will not absorb glass shards, are electrically non-conductive to 100,000 volts AC and selfextinguishing
• Safety-guard handgrips reduce the possibility of the operator’s hands slipping onto the working ends of the bar
Dynamic Moe Kit
A heavy duty tactical assault entry kit. A set of MOE tools that harness the strength of the user to gain entry to the toughest of buildings, doors and windows. The includes all the tools required, but individual pieces are available upon request.
Super Ram-It w/Sling
• Length: 101.6cm (40”)
• Weight: 22.6kg (50 lbs)
• Flexible Steel Belted Handles
• Non-Sparking Head
• One or Two Person Breaching Ram
Super Go Bar w/ Sling
• Length: 76.2cm (30”)
• Weight: 22.6kg (10 lbs)
• Solid Steel Casting
• Black Tactical Finish
• Virtually Indestructible
Super Sledge
• Weight: 4.5kg (10 lbs)
• Tactical Black Fiberglass Handle with Textured Grip
Super Snip-It Heavy Duty Bolt Cutter
• Length: 88.9cm (35”)
• Weight: 5.6kg (12.5 lbs)
• Cutting Capacity: 1/2” – Bolts – 9/16”
• Threaded Stock
• Unique replacable 3 sided cutting blades eliminates the need to ever replace the Bolt Cutter
• Non-Conductive Handle
• Super powerful cam action for added leverage
2 In 1 Go Bar Kit
• Length: 50.8cm (20”)
• Weight: 1.8kg (4 lbs)
• Perfect for use in tight spaces
• Includes a Shove It Knife to pop spring latches
• Thru the Lock Facilitator Tool included and stored in the handle
• Padded Handle
AIM-Advanced Illuminated Marker
Enhances visibility and signalling capabilities during breaching operations.
The lithium coin CR1025 battery has a high voltage of 3.2V. That means a lot of power in an ultra-compact design. Even very small devices can be provided this way with a powerful source of energy.
Primary Lithium button cells are classified by the federal government as non-hazardous waste and are safe for disposal in the normal municipal waste stream. These batteries, however, do contain recyclable materials and are accepted for recycling.
• Dispenser, pouch and tablet lights sold seperately
• High voltage (3V)
• Self-discharge is very low
• No mercury added
• A full line up for use in a wide variety of applications
• Very high weight-to-power ratio
• High leak protection
• Tablet size 20mm x 15mm x 5mm (0.79” x 0.5” x 0.2”)
• Tablet weight: 2.0 grams
• Available colours: Red, Green, Infra-red, Orange, Yellow, Blue and White
• Illumination times Duration with max light output: 24 hours
• Illumination times Dration in total until turn off: 36 hours
• Battery type: 1025 cell Li-on 3.2 V
• Number of LED per tablets: 4
• Waterproof: Yes
• Duration under water: 12 Hours
• Shelf life: The shelf life of the AIM marker is 5 years.
• Material: LDPE+
• Biodegradable material in plastic: 5% DP374 approx. 4 years to breakdown
• Recyclable: Yes
COLOURS: WHITE/ORANGE/RED/YELLOW/GREEN/ BLUE/I.R.
Man-Portable Obstacle Breaching & Demining
Product List
TRAINING SYSTEMS
SURVEY
Further
OPERATOR
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.
