Blasting solution for Boxer Army Vehicle

Airblast, a SME based in Peterborough, has produced a surface preparation facility, two surface finishing facilities and a Spall Liner facility at RBSL’s Telford site to enable work to begin on the programme.

Two new positions have been created in the business as a result of the contract working with RBSL. RBSL is a defence engineering company that designs, manufactures and supports military vehicles used by the British Army and international customers.

The Boxer programme will deliver more than 600 vehicles to the British Army. Production has been subcontracted equally between RBSL and Stockport-based WFEL. The main facilities designed, manufactured and installed by Airblast, enable the preparation and finishing of the Mission Module – the specific-to-role interchangeable sections of the Boxer vehicle.

Reusable blasting abrasive

The main blast facility is 15m long by 5.5m wide and will see operatives using hardened steel grit – a highly resilient abrasive that can be reused many times to achieve the correct steel cleanliness and surface profile prior to finishing. Two Airblast finishing booths each 15.5m long x 5.5m wide (pictured) help RBSL achieve the correct specified paint finish for the Boxer modules.

The Spall Liner facility is 14.5m long x 10m wide and enables the application of the liner. This is a highly technical booth, which is fully climate-controlled allowing RBSL to precisely manage the temperature and humidity inside for optimum application.

Regarding Airblast’s role, Jack Sears, MIV Project Professional said: “We are delighted to be working with Airblast. Their expertise in surface treatment has provided us with world-class Grit Blast, Paint and Spall Liner facilities, which will be used to help manufacture the Boxer MIV.”

More information: https://airblast.co.uk