AB Precision (Poole) Ltd - Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Remotely Operated Vehicles, Disruptors, De-Armers, Mine Disposal Equipment and EOD Tools

AB Precision (Poole) (ABP) was established in 1966 and has become a world leader in the design, manufacture and supply of high-quality equipment for use in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and hazardous environments.

ABP's range includes Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), disruptors, de-armers, mine-disposal equipment, mine prodders, limpet mine-disposal equipment, non-magnetic tool kits, exploders, a remote light source, detonator crimp tools and other EOD-related equipment.

ABP – THE EOD WORLDWIDE STANDARD

Much of ABP's equipment is used by the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD), and is considered by many to be the worldwide 'standard' by which others are judged. France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Kuwait, the UAE, Norway, Sweden, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and many countries have chosen ABP products.

ABP offers comprehensive training and after-sales service. Equipment may be customised to meet specific requirements, including integration of specialist equipment. Full user and technical training – either at a location specified by the customer, or at ABP's facility – is available. Spares and service backup is available for at least ten years.

GUARDIAN MINIATURE REMOTELY OPERATED VEHICLE (ROV)

Guardian is ABP's newly introduced 'next generation' mini ROV. Guardian provides the EOD operator with a step-change in capability, versatility and operability. Thanks to ABP's experience and pedigree, and its work with 'real' users of this type of equipment, Guardian's unique features and capabilities have been designed to ensure even the most demanding task can be carried out reliably and effectively with minimum operator workload.

These capabilities include four-track modules which operate as front and rear pairs, and have continuous 360° rotation capability, providing the ability to negotiate varied terrain, climb significant obstacles, provide unrivalled control and stability during common functions such as stair climbing and allow additional reach height. For even more arduous off-road capability Guardian can be fitted with 10in (250mm) tractor style wheels, whilst retaining the track modules to improve obstacle-negotiation capability.

'Real physics' operator feedback provides the vehicle status and positional parameters for the operator via a 3-D image. This image is an accurate representation of the vehicle and its position and takes account of weight, centre of gravity and terrain position. This information allows the control system to automatically warn the operator of potential instability or situations where actions such as weapon firings may impact on the vehicle. High-sensitivity GPS provides additional positional data.

A hybrid extending and folding arm provides class-leading articulation whilst retaining one of the highest payload lifting-capabilities in its class.

The Guardian's 415mm (width) by 758mm (length) minimum footprint ensures 'mini vehicle' status and allows access to confined spaces in urban environments and on trains, buses and planes. Guardian's ability to deploy both its track modules independently provides a length of 1280mm when greater stability is required.

Its modular, sealed construction provides ease of maintenance and facilitates CBRN decontamination.

ABRASIVE WATERJET CUTTING SYSTEM (AWCS)

AWCS is a high-integrity, extremely-flexible cutting system for use in hazardous applications, primarily designed to enable an operator to carry out decommissioning operations on sensitive munitions in a safe and controlled manner whilst operating from a safe distance (although use in any hazardous environment is possible).

AWCS has been designed to meet rigorous UK MoD requirements, including formal safety, environmental, EMC and reliability qualifications. AWCS has a number of competitive advantages over other equipment on the market, including:

• Target-scanning to effect consistent cutting head stand-off from the target, ensuring efficient and reliable cutting
• Modules equipped with built-in carrying handles and removable wheels for ease of deployment
• Load bed pallet facilitates safe and secure storage and transport (including under-slung air cargo)
• Intuitive and easy to use control system, including task progress feedback and Built In Test (BIT)
• Multi-configurable deployment frame
• Electrically-controlled manipulation system with power derived from the high-pressure pump diesel engine, negating the need for additional pneumatic or hydraulic pumps and associated hoses

DISRUPTORS AND DE-ARMERS

ABP manufactures a range of conventional and recoilless disruptors and de-armers for use against a variety of IEDs or conventional munitions, now including 'stand-back attack' options. The range includes:

• Needle
• Pigstick
• Hotrod
• Mantis ultra-lightweight disposable disruptor
• ABL900 Dragon de-armer
• ABL1000 De-armer disruptor
• ABL1000
• ABL2000
• ABL3000

OTHER ABP PRODUCTS

ABP also manufactures and supplies the following equipment:

• Limpet Mine Disposal Equipment (LMDE)
• Non-magnetic mine prodders
• Non-magnetic tool kits
• Remote light sources
• Minex (single-channel exploders)
• Detonator crimp tools