David Brown - Transmission and Gear Technology Experts for the Defence Industry

David Brown has been an integral part of the defence industry for 90 years, developing cutting edge bespoke solutions using our design and manufacturing expertise. Today David Brown is part of the David Brown Gear Systems group - an international group with the defence headquarters based in Huddersfield, United Kingdom

Gears, gearboxes and transmission systems for land defence and naval platforms

David Brown supply gears, gearboxes and transmission systems for land defence and naval marine platforms and systems. We are internationally recognised as the most capable and innovative supplier of transmission systems from armoured fighting vehicles to aircraft carriers.

Our defence capabilities cover:

• Upgrading existing vehicle platforms
• New-build programmes
• Maintenance, repair and overhaul programmes
• On site support services
• Emergency repair and maintenance
• Diagnostics and troubleshooting
• Performance testing and root-cause analysis
• Full asset management

David Brown product families include:

• Main transmissions
• Transfer gearboxes
• Intermediate drives
• Final drives
• Control systems
• Turbine accessory drive gearboxes
• Test rigs

Transmission equipment for tracked and wheeled armoured vehicles

Supplying several generations of British main battle tanks including the latest Challenger 2, David Brown has also manufactured, under license, the HMPT500 hydro-mechanical transmission for NATO's multiple-launch rocket system. Our product range encompasses manual and automatic steer and brake systems up to 1,500hp, final drives, ammunition autoloaders and air turbine pump drives for missile launchers. In addition, David Brown also has key references in the wheeled armoured vehicle market on medium and light vehicle platforms.

Specialist, high integrity drives

From auxiliary drives for gas turbines to marine propulsion units for nuclear submarines, you can be sure that David Brown has the capability and technology to work closely with you to match your exacting needs for high integrity drives.

Naval applications

David Brown gearboxes drive frigates and destroyers across the world, including all those in the UK. They operate in the most demanding applications with no room for failure, while the main gearing for the British Royal Navy's aircraft carriers is driven by David Brown technology.

The world's leading nuclear powered attack submarines are dependent on David Brown gearboxes both for silent primary transmission and also for the highly specialist application of transmitting the power for their weapons discharge system. Whether on surface or below water, David Brown has over 80 years of experience in Naval propulsion.