RBSL awards £6 Mn Challenger 3 subcontract to Quantic Thistle.

On September 13, 2023, Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) granted a subcontract worth £6 million to Quantic Thistle, a specialized UK-based company known for its expertise in sensor technology. This collaboration holds a pivotal role in improving the capabilities of the upgraded Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank (MBT).
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Quantic Thistle will supply RBSL with a Turret Displacement Unit, providing precise turret position data to the Challenger 3’s systems (Picture source: UK MoD)

The agreement with Quantic Thistle encompasses the supply of encoders that will furnish the Challenger 3's primary armament with dependable and highly accurate sensor capabilities. As a component of this arrangement, Quantic Thistle will deliver a Turret Displacement Unit, a pivotal element within the tank's new turret system. This unit will offer precise turret position data, augmenting the overall operational efficiency of the vehicle.

This work will be conducted at Quantic Thistle's manufacturing facility in Edinburgh, currently undergoing expansion to accommodate this and other substantial contracts. Over the following 18 months, the facility is slated to double in size, reflecting the growth potential inherent in this partnership.

Quantic Thistle, formerly recognized as Thistle Design MMC Ltd and a part of the Quantic Electronics Group, has earned recognition as a specialist UK SME proficient in designing sensors utilized in Measurement, Motion, and Control applications. Their sensors and motors find applications across a range of sectors, including prominent UK military platforms like Challenger, Warrior, Scimitar, AJAX vehicles, Hawk aircraft, Type 45 and Type 26 warships, QE Class Carriers, and both Astute and Dreadnought class submarines, spanning across five continents.

The official signing of this six-year agreement took place at RBSL's Hadley Castle Works in Telford, UK. Colin McClean, Managing Director at RBSL, expressed contentment with the partnership, emphasizing the commitment to sourcing British engineering and manufacturing expertise for the Challenger 3 program.

The forthcoming Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank (MBT) is set to introduce notable advancements across several key areas. Most notably, it will feature a new 120mm smoothbore gun with the capability to utilize advanced global ammunition, thereby enhancing its firepower. Tank commanders will benefit from a suite of new sights that improve targeting capabilities for both day and night operations. The upgraded armor solution will provide enhanced defensive capabilities on the battlefield, while the active protection system (APS) will enable the tank to detect and neutralize incoming threats.

Additionally, the versatility of the Challenger 3 MBT extends to its turret, which can be easily fitted onto the tanks of allied forces and global partners. The tank's mobility will see a significant boost through an upgraded engine and a new hydrogas suspension system. These combined advancements aim to elevate the overall performance and effectiveness of the Challenger 3 MBT across various operational scenarios.