Vehicle Defence, Camouflage and Concealment
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
Enhancing Vehicle Survivability
Fire Control
Units
Wiring
Harnessing
Laser Warning System
Smokeshield™
Vehicle-launched Grenades
Smoke Grenade Launchers
Scalable & Light
Gunnery Signature Simulator
Vehicle Defence, Camouflage and Concealment
Pyrotechnic Effects
Camouflage Systems
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
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 ‘Air-Burst’ 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.
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.
Multi-Spectral (MSC) 2-D Phantom System
• Disruptive/digital pattern blends with natural background
• Excellent visibility from inside-to-out, plus look-out panels
• Improved crew-shading
• Reduced snagging
• Low storage and easy deployment
• Edges finished in ‘Dutch lacing’ for easy deconnection
• Double-sided, reversible pattern to suit two environments
• Trialled extensively by British Army
• Operational temperature range: -45°C to +70°C.
Combat Net Defence System
Ballistic protective camouflage cover against drone or loitering munitions; Direct & Indirect.
• Made from high strength special Dyneema twisted UHMPE yarn
• A lightweight practical solution for maximum protection
• Outer covering offers Infrared, thermal and Visual camouflage.
• Lightweight, easy and quick to deploy
• 50% volume reduction and almost 70% weight reduction compared to regular PE
• High strength to weight ratio
• Twisted and Double knotted to prevent slippage
• 3D visual camouflage
• Coating for long life
Cambrella Mk8 Large 2m Diameter
Provides: VIS NIR TIR Protection
The Cambrella MK8 MSC is an easily and rapidly deployed camouflage cover with the addition of a skirt of extra material which conceals the user from above, and 360º at ground level.
• Lightweight
• Easy to deploy in seconds
• Visual, Thermal and InfraRed camouflage
• Versatile can be staked down
• 3D visual camouflage
• Diameter : 1.8 metre (open)
• Height: 1.08 metre
• Weight: 2.19 Kilos
• Woodland pattern
• Conceals an individual on the move, and can be staked down as a sniper hide or observation post and can also conceal vehicle turrets.
• Made from Mk8 material, it protects in the Visual, Infrared and Thermal spectra.
Pilot Pod
The multi-spectral tent for UAV pilots serves as an innovative solution designed to enhance operational efficiency and situational awareness in various environments.
This advanced tent incorporates cutting-edge materials and technologies that can effectively conceal pilots and their equipment from aerial surveillance including thermal, and IR optics while providing robust protection against diverse weather conditions.
Key features
• Multi-spectral camouflage for concealment against diversesensor technologies
• Lightweight
• Rapid deploy
• Available in: Woodland, MTP or Sand/Desert
• Flame Resistance
• Carry bag
• 4 fiberglass poles, 4 steel pegs
Specifications
Made from Mk8 3D material, it protects in
• Visual (VIS)
• Infrared (NIR)
• Thermal (TIR)
Size
• 150cm L
• 100cm W
• 145cm H
Weight
• 2.47 KG complete poles pegs and bag
Vehicle Defence, Camouflage and Concealment 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
SMOKE GRENADE LAUNCHER FIRE
Cleaning Kit
Operator and Maintenance Instructions
Cleaning Kit
Operator and Maintenance Instructions
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
SMOKESHIELD™ VEHICLE-LAUNCHED
76mm Vehicle Launched Grenade RP SmokeShield™ 66mm Vehicle Launched Grenade Screening RP SmokeShield™
Standard Smoke Grenade Launcher Fire Control Unit to suit QTY: 4, 4 Barrel Launchers
Electronic Circuit Tester Dummy Grenade
Operator and Maintenance Instructions
GRENADES
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 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.
