Search &

Rescue

SIGNAL & SCREENING TRAINING & SIMULATION OBSTACLE BREACHING SEARCH & RESCUE
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.

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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 EMPLOYEES
collaboration that our customers know and trust and we will continue in our pursuit
of excellence.

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In 2021, we acquired PW Defence to expand our defence product portfolio,
MANUFACTURING
international sales network and benefit from new manufacturing and testing facilities.
SITES
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 What we do

Unrivalled service Our expertise covers four key areas:

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Our reputation is built on long-standing Signalling and screening
collaborations with our customers. You Our products enable effective and
are at the core of everything we do reliable battlefield communication for the
and we aim to build a relationship that location and extraction of combat forces BRANDS
lasts by delivering a product and service in challenging operating environments,
tailored to your individual requirements.   including vehicle defensive aids.
Unmatched expertise Training and simulation

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Our leading chemists, designers, We maximise combat force readiness
energetic material scientists and and effectiveness by creating
industrial engineers work to create immersive sensory training in a safe,
an extensive range of technologically realistic battlefield training simulated PRODUCTS
advanced explosive and pyrotechnic environment.
products and payloads. Safety, quality,

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Man-portable obstacle breaching
performance and reliability are
We clear the way ahead, facilitating
paramount.
effective, portable pathway clearance
Security of supply solutions for expeditionary forces and
Providing assurance and a rapid response
COUNTRIES
special operations. INTL. PRESENCE
to your needs.  
Search and Rescue

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We provide comprehensive, proven,
and reliable capability to mark or
communicate position. Effective critical
asset marking, including solutions
for submarines or individual position ACCREDITATIONS
marking during daytime and night-time
search and rescue operations.
 Safeguarding Maritime Effectiveness

Submarine Smoke
Signals & Flares
Search &
Rescue

Submarine
Escape Beacons

Distress
Signals
Search &
Rescue
Sound
Signals

Diver Recall
Signals
Triton MkIII Series
Submarine Smoke Signals & Flares
The Triton submarine launched markers have been qualified to the latest military standards and is an advanced
marker in terms of safety and performance.
Our submarine launched markers have been in production since 2010 and benefit from the latest in design,
engineering and manufacturing technology. The MK III variant passes the safety requirements within the Swedish
fusing safety boards (STANAG 4187), providing enhanced safety for the submarine crew personnel. Additionally, the
marker passed the deep launch depth system test > 250 meters (Performed 2014).
Triton MkIII are easy to set and make ready for use. A hydrostatic device alleviates
the stress an operator may experience when having to calculate under difficult
conditions, as every smoke signal/flare is designed to initiate at the sea surface
regardless of launch dept.
Triton MkIII is built to be deployed from the ejection tube of a submarine to indicate
the vessel’s position. There are different versions of Triton MkIII designed for
operational use as well as for emergency situations.
All markers have the same external configuration and ignition system. The different
signaling effects are obtained by separated pyrotechnic design.
Performance reliability is built in by means of two parallel fusing systems,
maintenance-free userface and no use of electronics or critical software in the design.
The red flare conforms to SOLAS 74/88 as amended. The red flare is also equipped
with a dye marker and a message carrier for communication with rescue personnel.

sMRT Crewsafe V200

Submarine Escape Beacon
Designed specifically for submarines, the Crewsafe V200 transmits GPS coordinates
via AIS, VHF DSC and VHF voice message to pinpoint the location (±10m) of
casualties following subsurface escape or abandonment.
The Crewsafe V200 is a compact, easy to use submarine escape beacon that enables
every crew member who reaches the surface to be located and tracked by rescue
forces.
This innovative device does not interfere with the submarine escape process and
successfully overcomes the challenges of size, functionality and performance required
to meet submarine escape and rescue needs of naval forces worldwide.
It integrates with NATO Escape equipment and is waterproof to over 300m,
activating immediately upon reaching the surface.

Marine Sound Signal

The D296 Marine Sound Signal is a hydrostatically operated, explosive device for
improving communications from surface to submarine in difficult conditions.
The D296 Marine Sound Signal produces an audible underwater signal at up to 1800
metres in still water. It can be deployed from ships or helicopters from heights of up
to 150 metres above sea-level at indicated wind speeds up to 130 knots.
The device explodes under hydrostatic pressure emitting a distinct signal clearly
discernible by a submarine at depth. Operation is simple and several safety features
are incorporated which reduce danger to personnel and craft. The signal is of robust,
metal construction.
Signal Distress Day & Night
The Signal Distress Day & Night is designed as a compact personal distress signal for naval
divers and aircrew.
Distress signalling for day and night use when compact and easy to use signal is required.
It should be carried in any situation where a robust and waterproof personal distress signal
may be required. The Signal Distress Day & Night is particularly suitable as a signal for
divers who may accidentally surface away from their support craft.
Waterproof down to 30 metres, it has a corrosion resistant case with ‘O’ ring sealing. This
dual-purpose signal consists of an orange smoke signal at one end for use by day and a red
flare at the other end for use at night. Protected by interchangeable end caps, the signal has
tactile ribs at the flare end to aid identification by night.
The smoke and flare are operated independently and use of one does not affect the
functioning of the other at a later time. The signal is visible from at least 5km by day and
8km by night in good conditions.

Diver Recall Signal

The S294 Diver Recall Signal produces an audible underwater signal with a range of up to
200m in still water.
The device is a plastic cylindrical assembly containing a hydrostatically operated firing
mechanism which will function at a water depth of 7m and initiate a pyrotechnic
composition. The firing mechanism is locked in the safe position by a screwed cap located
on the end of the signal.
It has no radio hazard risk as it is not electrically initiated. The S294 Diver Recall Signal is
designed as an emergency signal to divers to either surface or return to the support vessel.

Thunderflash
Friction Diver Recall
The Thunder Flash Friction Diver Recall is a pyrotechnic signal for communication with
divers to surface or return to the support vessel. It can be utilised as a training aid where the
simulation of a small explosive charge is required, as well as used as a Diver Recall signal.
The igniter will cause the safety fuse to burn. A pyrotechnic composition is ignited
resulting in a bright flash and a loud report. It has no harmful fragmentation and can be
used on water. The S161DR has a striker attached and the minimum safety distance is 10
meters on land.

Man Overboard
Light & Smoke
The Manoverboard MK9 compact Lifebuoy marker produces dense orange smoke for
15 minutes and features two self-contained, inversion switched, 15 hours flashing LED
lights which far exceeds SOLAS requirements. Ships are required to carry 2 markers, one
mounted on each bridge wing with the brackets supplied and attached by line to a 4kg
Lifebuoy. The signal is used to mark the position of a man overboard by day or night. It
can be automatically deployed by releasing the attached lifebuoy, or manually activated.
SOLAS, MED, Red Ensign and USCG approved.
Linethrower
A self-contained line-throwing appliance consisting of a weatherproof plastic
casing with end cap, twist-grip trigger assembly, rocket and line. To comply with
SOLAS requirements, four complete rocket and line assemblies should be carried
on board. The device has a throwing range of between 230m and 250m. A solid
propellant is used which guarantees a highly accurate flight path even in strong
sidewinds. SOLAS, MED, Red Ensign and USCG approved.

Para Red Rocket

The Para Red MK8A Rocket conforms to SOLAS 74/88 as amended. Designed to
indicate distress or difficulty and to pinpoint position, it can withstand exceptional
environmental exposure and perform reliably even after immersion in water. The
pull wire ignitor and improved grip provides easy handling. Ejecting a red flare on a
parachute at 300m (1000ft), burning for 40 seconds at 30,000 candela
A day or night long-range distress signal. 12 may be carried on ships bridge and
there is a requirement for 4 in ships lifeboats and liferafts. Also suitable for use in
other commercial and recreational boats. Parachute rocket flares have been known
to be visible in favourable weather conditions over considerable distances e.g. as
far as 28 miles.
SOLAS, MED, Red Ensign and USCG approved.

Smoke Signal Orange

The 3 Minute Smoke Signal Orange is a compact, flat top, daytime distress signal
designed to be easy and safe to handle.
It provides effective position marking during rescue operations and can be used
to indicate wind direction, producing dense orange smoke for a minimum of 3
minutes. Orange smoke is particularly useful for indicating distress to aircraft.
SOLAS, MED, Red Ensign and USCG approved.

Red Handflare
A Red hand-held, short range distress signal. Used to pinpoint location by day or
night when in sight of another vessel, a rescue helicopter or land. It burns for 60
seconds at 15,000 candela. It features a unique telescopic handle making it very
compact and space saving when stowed in a liferaft. It easily extends and is pull
wire operated.
SOLAS, MED, Red Ensign and USCG approved.
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.
 Designers and Manufacturers of
Energetic Defence Products

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Some images UK MOD © Crown copyright