Defence
Programme-critical composite structures for naval, surface and subsea platforms
From proof-of-concept prototypes through scale-up to series production, we deliver programme-critical composite structures for defence, naval and autonomous platforms – across sovereign UK and German supply chains.
Composite materials offer a range of benefits in modern defence applications. The high relative strength and stiffness of composite materials provides the ability to balance weight saving and increased mechanical properties over an equivalent steel structure.
MCS is a leading composite build partner for SME’s and Primes in the defence sector.
Projects to date include:
- Construction of a 12mtr carbon fibre submarine (XLUUV) named XV Excalibur – a technically advanced build featuring 40mm thick resin infusions.
- A series build of 5mtr survey submarines using an epoxy infusion process.
- Composite superstructures and bow sections for an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV).
- A series build of 7mtr drone boats including all structural fit out.
- Tooling and build of a 12mtr minesweeper (Halcyon).
Defence sector capability
Surface, subsea and naval
Programme-critical composite structures across surface and subsea sectors, specialising in prototyping and series production.
Naval & maritime
- Hull structures and superstructures
- Sonar dome tooling and structural fairings
- Large-format pattern and mould sets for surface and subsea vessels
- Lightweight composite structures for vessels
Unmanned surface vehicles
- Lightweight hull and deck platforms
- Deck mouldings for sensor and systems integration
- Scale-up and series boat production, ready for client commissioning
- Prototyping for proof of concept
Subsea & underwater systems
- AUV / UUV body structures
- Pressure-tolerant assemblies
- Sonar array housings and ROV fairings
- Fairing and panel assemblies
- Subsea core 360 machining
Active project
12m carbon-fibre XLUUV
Construction of a 12m carbon-fibre extra-large unmanned underwater vehicle – a technically advanced build featuring 40mm-thick resin infusions.
Prototyping & series production
From prototype to series production
We take vessel and platform structures from the first proof-of-concept prototype, through scale-up, to series production – patterns, moulds, laminating, assembly and finishing on one site, ready for client commissioning.
Full production cycle
Design to delivery
From initial design and CNC pattern machining through moulding, infusion and finishing – to a programme-ready delivered component.
Design & patterns
CAD/CAM programming and CNC-machined patterns on 5-axis machines up to 42m.
Mould engineering
Production moulds engineered around the build process and programme volumes.
Composite production
Resin infusion, prepreg layup, RTM and wet laminating.
Inspection & quality
FARO Vantage laser tracker inspection and documentation packages for programme qualification.
Finishing & delivery
Specialist finishing and assembly, delivered by road, sea or air from one site.
Why MonsterCAM
Built for programme delivery
Machining capability nobody else has
Ten 5-axis CNC machines, including the UK’s largest 5-axis CNC at 42m, machining both composites and metals.
26+ years established
Not a new entrant: active programmes and proven delivery for defence primes and fast-moving tier-one suppliers.
UK & German sovereign supply chains
Programme-critical composite structures manufactured at our sites in Hampshire and North Rhine-Westphalia.
Full programme support
From design and tooling through manufacture, inspection and specialist finishing – delivered at the pace fast-moving programmes need.
United Kingdom
Daedalus Drive
Lee-on-the-Solent
Hampshire, PO13 9GX