The Armstrong Works Challenger 3 project team, including employees from both Pearson Engineering and Responsive Engineering reached a major milestone with the delivery of the first-off demonstrator turret to Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL).

Since steel was first cut on the project at Armstrong Works by former Minister of Defence Procurement, Jeremy Quin MP, project teams from all the involved companies have worked together to explore opportunities and challenges as part of an initial phase to future-proof working methods and detailed manufacturing processes.

Steve Croft, Principal Project Manager at Pearson Engineering said “There is a tremendous amount of pride within our team at reaching this milestone. This is a complex project, but it sits firmly within our skillset and leverages the extensive armoured vehicle manufacturing knowledge and capability that exists at Armstrong Works. Collaboration with RBSL has been important and very positive to carefully and clearly set-out the next phases of the project. We are looking forward to continuing our work together.”

Rachel Mansfield, Managing Director at Responsive Engineering said “Indeed, we could not be prouder in achieving a key delivery milestone in one of the UK’s highest profile defence programs. We are thrilled with the success of the demonstrator turret and the achievements from a manufacture and partnership perspective.”

Gareth Ayre, Head of Physical Architecture & Mobility, CR3, at RBSL added: “Completing the first turret structure of CR3 is a significant milestone in the delivery of this next generation main battle tank. The manufacturing capability and expertise Pearson Engineering and Responsive Engineering have brought to the programme has enabled the realisation and embodiment of the advanced RBSL turret structure. The relationship has been built upon collaboration and a ‘one team’ approach making Pearson Engineering and Responsive Engineering trusted and valued partners of RBSL.”

Armstrong Works, the historical manufacturing home of the British Army’s heavy tracked fleet, including the original Challenger Main Battle Tank, offers unique UK capability, underpinned by a workforce expert in working with armoured vehicles, and a local supply chain with deep experience in working to deliver defence projects.