Babcock Introduces 3D Printed Metal Spare Parts for British Fleet

A mighty Trojan Tank belonging to 5 Armoured Engineer Squadron, cuts through the sand on Operation Hamkari in Afghanistan. The AVRE (Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers) is used in conjuction with other vehicles and the Python weapon system for clearing IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices). The bulk of British military operations in Afghanistan are concentrated in central Helmand. But Royal Engineers have spent the past two months lending their awesome capabilities to Afghan and US forces clearing a key area of Kandahar province. Since September, 5 Armoured Engineer Squadron, part of 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault), have provided close engineering support to the 2nd Battalion of the US ArmyÕs 502nd Regiment, and their partnered Afghan National Army kandak, in KandaharÕs Zharay district. Zharay district contains the Horn of Panjwai, an insurgent stronghold from where attacks on Kandahar City have been enabled and supported, and Sangsar, the Taleban's spiritual birthplace and former home of Mullah Omar. Under this effort, known as Operation HAMKARI - or as the soldiers call it "The Battle of Kandahar" - the intent has been to defeat insurgent elements and increase Afghan government influence across the area, as well as enable development west of Kandahar City.A mighty Trojan Tank belonging to 5 Armoured Engineer Squadron, cuts through the sand on Operation Hamkari in Afghanistan. The AVRE (Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers) is used in conjuction with other vehicles and the Python weapon system for clearing IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices). The bulk of British military operations in Afghanistan are concentrated in central Helmand. But Royal Engineers have spent the past two months lending their awesome capabilities to Afghan and US forces clearing a key area of Kandahar province. Since September, 5 Armoured Engineer Squadron, part of 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault), have provided close engineering support to the 2nd Battalion of the US ArmyÕs 502nd Regiment, and their partnered Afghan National Army kandak, in KandaharÕs Zharay district. Zharay district contains the Horn of Panjwai, an insurgent stronghold from where attacks on Kandahar City have been enabled and supported, and Sangsar, the Taleban's spiritual birthplace and former home of Mullah Omar. Under this effort, known as Operation HAMKARI - or as the soldiers call it "The Battle of Kandahar" - the intent has been to defeat insurgent elements and increase Afghan government influence across the area, as well as enable development west of Kandahar City.

5 Armored Engineer Squadron's Trojan Tank. Photo: Sgt Rupert Frere RLC/UK MoD

Babcock International Group has introduced its first 3D-printed metal parts for the British Army’s Titan and Trojan fleets.

It is the first time that a UK defense supplier has produced metal-based 3D prints to extend the operability of the service’s armored vehicles.

According to Babcock, the materials form part of the fleets’ periscope system, which enables the Titan and Trojan operators to have complete visibility of the surrounding environment.

Additive Military Manufacturing

The 3D layered printing design process addresses the “growing challenges of technical and commercial obsolescence” across the military.

“This investment in technology allows us to support our customers in a completely different way, at home and deployed on operations. If a component is required and cannot be sourced, we can now find a way to make it,” Babcock Land Chief Executive Tom Newman explained.

“As we look to the future of Equipment Support, Additive Manufacturing has significant implications for our customers, and I am delighted Babcock is leading the way in developing this capability.”

‘Battle-Winning’ Technology

Additive manufacturing can assist forces in obtaining required parts rapidly while on the move, even aboard vessels at sea or military installations abroad.

Babcock experts with 3D-printed metal parts for British armored fleetBabcock experts with 3D-printed metal parts for British armored fleet
Babcock experts with 3D-printed metal parts for British armored fleet. Photo: Babcock International

“Additive has disrupted industry manufacturing processes and created an agile alternative to traditional mass manufacture. Working together with Babcock we have unlocked a pathway to manufacture certified parts,” British Army Equipment Assistant Chief of Staff Brig. Phil Prosser stated.

“This ability to rapidly manufacture parts will allow our equipment to rapidly deploy on operations, and to stay in the fight for longer. This is a battle winning activity and we are committed to this collaboration and will continue to learn at this impressive pace.”

Babcock’s 3D Printing Site

In February 2022, Babcock and Plymouth Science Park launched a facility dedicated to additive manufacturing innovations.

“We won’t stop here. We are now working towards a future where the additive techniques and processes we are putting into place now will be readily available across any part of the MOD we support.” Babcock Chief Technology Officer Dr. Richard Drake said.

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