A contract to supply unique periscope technology as part of the UK’s Challenger 3 programme to upgrade the British Army’s main battle tanks has been won by
G&H.
Rheinmetall Electronics UK (REUK) has awarded a £4.1 million Challenger 3 contract to G&H for the supply of a custom specific variant of the Embedded Image Periscope (EIP) for integration into the Trailblazer Driver Vision System.
Challenger 3 is a new main battle tank being developed by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), a joint venture between BAE Systems and Rheinmetall. The programme will make significant enhancements to the vehicle and provide the British Army with a world-class capability, that has been made in the UK.
The EIP, part of G&H’s Kent defence brand, has a highly-adapted user interface designed for the Challenger 3 driver compartment. The product has been specially configured to provide protection in specific battle conditions and is customised to work as an integrated part of REUK’s Trailblazer.
The product solution includes a novel display for comfortable viewing for the vehicle driver while on long duration missions and incorporates integrated electronic display and classic direct view periscope technology. It features a newly designed and innovative compact biocular system to aid eye relief.
Karen Driver, G&H sales director (aerospace and defence), said: “Working with REUK on Challenger 3 is a hugely significant and important achievement for the design, engineering and commercial teams at G&H. It further cements the heritage around the Kent brand in the defence market. Since acquiring Kent Periscopes in 2016, G&H has continuously built on, and put faith, in the capabilities of the staff and the products. G&H confidently expects to win more business of this type in the coming years, and we will continue to grow our defence solutions and capabilities.”
The Challenger 3 EIP design and prototype systems will be completed in the newly established G&H Optical Systems Innovation Hub in St Asaph, North Wales, while the manufacturing will take place at the G&H flagship manufacturing site in Ilminster, Somerset.
Richard Streeter, REUK’s managing director said: “We are very pleased to have G&H on-board, delivering this important component into the Challenger 3 programme. The display system is critical; it delivers front and rear views from its Trailblazer camera modules. The G&H solution allows a comfortable operating view suitable for long mission periods, while minimising the driver’s eye strain. The G&H technology is unique and the team at St Asaph and Ilminster are experts in delivering complex electro-optic solutions.”
The Challenger programme contract will support the growth of G&H’s Optical Systems Innovation Hub in St Asaph and has resulted in further recruitment within both the R&D engineering department and programme management at the hub, as well as an apprentice training scheme at the manufacturing site in Ilminster. The Challenger 3 programme will enhance the business and promote further investment in defence infrastructure along with underpinning the security protocols in both facilities.