Rheinmetall and BAE Systems joint venture RBSL has awarded Atec Engineering Solutions a subcontract to deliver power management systems to the British Army.
The agreement is part of a UK Ministry of Defence initiative to support the British Army’s modernized Challenger 3 main battle tank (MBT).
Atec will work on the 8-million-euro ($8 million) contract over six years at the company’s facility in Manchester.
RBSL’s order includes a hull contractor panel, a hull distribution junction box, and a battery master switch box.
With the components, the Challenger 3 can operate with protected power sources that complement its size and enhance its power management and distribution system, according to RBSL.
“This contract is the latest in a series of UK supplier contracts awarded by RBSL for Challenger 3, ensuring the programme benefits from the best of British engineering and manufacturing whilst also sustaining valuable skills across the country,” RBSL Managing director Colin McClean said.
“This is a significant and vital upgrade in capability for Challenger 3 and it aligns perfectly with our business strategy to grow our support to the UK MoD,” Atec Engineering Solutions Managing Director John Bowden said.
RBSL and Atec signed the contract during the DVD expo, a biennial defense industry convention held at UTAC Millbrook, Bedfordshire.
Supporting Local Communities
The contract supports the training of additional experts at Atec and further recruitment the firm planned for the next three years.
“Being awarded this contract gives Atec an opportunity to expand our capabilities in the land domain and provides further long-term security to the business and its people,” Bowden explained.
“As a UK based [Small to Medium-Size Enterprise], participating in this project will strengthen our role in the social value agenda, with increased recruitment and the ability to support our local communities with careers, work experience and apprenticeships.”
