About Us
Delta K Explosive Engineering Systems Ltd. is an explosives technology company providing research, design, prototyping, test, assessment and evaluation services for devices and systems driven by energetic materials.
We have over 47 years of experience in the above fields of work based on our Managing Director's 27 years of UK MoD research and development in the fields of both advanced guided weapon warhead technology and explosive systems for battlefield engineering applications. Delta K's knowledge base is now maintained through on-going background research and associated product development in the areas listed below.
The photograph shows a "static" firing preparation of the DeltaLancer dynamic delivery vehicle, located against a heavily steel reinforced concrete panel target - in this case, the projectile is carrying a multi-stage Follow Through System that, upon impact, delivers a secondary projectile into the space behind the panel.
Principal R&D Study Areas Include:
- Avalanche Control
- Rescue & Recovery
- Oil & Gas Extraction
- Ice Management
- Commercial Mining & Demolition
- Space Exploration
- Counter Mine & IED Neutralisation
- Humanitarian De-mining devices
- Less Than Lethal Effects & Delivery Systems
- Vehicle & Structure Rapid Entry Techniques
- Light Structure Attack and Breaching Systems
- Flight Termination Systems
- Rocket Propelled Flare Stack Ignition Systems
- Lethal Payloads for Counter Sniper Drones
- Counter Drone Capture Effectors.
The photograph shows the DeltaLancer projectile being loaded into a gas launcher designed for avalanche control operations - for this application, the projectile delivers 1kg of high explosive into the avalanche Start Zone up to a range of 2km.
Knowledge and experience derived from the above study areas enable Delta K to provide a high standard of research, design and development consultancy services, underpinned by test, assessment and evaluation of experimental charges and prototype systems conducted within our secure MoD Dstl TASS registered small arms and explosives test facilities.
The photograph shows the DeltaLauncher nitrogen gas gun set up to detect and record the displacement and strain response of an electronic fuze payload under varying launch and terminal engagement conditions.
Company Background
Delta K EES Ltd. was formed in 1998 by its Managing Director, Kevin Powell, following 27 years of employment within MOD as a Classical Physicist researching and developing advanced guided weapon warhead and battlefield engineering technologies for land, sea and air services. A principal area of Kevin's expertise is the design and exploitation of the shaped charge mechanism and other directed energy devices.
We maintain a low overhead through an established network of specialists including: plastics moulding and toolmakers; precision engineering and manufacturing facilities; electronics and instrumentation support and dedicated experienced test range staff that support project commitments as required. This enables us to provide prompt assessments of customer requirements, offer feasible technical solutions and, if required, recommend, configure and execute programmes of work designed to reduce technical risk through a process of phased technology demonstrations.
The broad remit of Delta K is to apply the basic principles of advanced guided weapon warhead technology to commercial applications, de-mining programmes, civil defence and peace support operations.
The photograph shows an experimental charge and target configuration used to study the exposure and/or neutralisation of buried mines.
An early focus for Delta K was the exploitation of advanced explosive mechanisms for avalanche control applications and we were contracted by US Departments of Transportation and US recreational ski areas to review existing control techniques. Further work led to the introduction of patented technologies for optimising charge performance through exploitation of shaped charge technology and gaining improved safety from a shock tube tether and fire control system.
In support of both the avalanche control requirement and general requirements to deliver energetic material effects remotely, Delta K designed and developed a plastic gas launched projectile system, designated "DeltaLancer", that has now become the delivery work horse for a range of effects arising from Delta K's background research studies. In 2002 Delta K won Smart Innovation Funding to further develop the delivery system for Avalanche control applications.
The photograph shows DeltaLancer avalanche control development ammunition ready for test firing at MoD Shoeburyness ranges.
Whilst we manufacture and distribute the DeltaLancer avalanche control projectile system and continue to enhance its capabilities, our core business remains that of research and development. A consequence of the exploitation of explosive effects for commercial applications is the need to mitigate undesirable collateral effects to minimise local damage and harm to users. This is achieved predominantly through the application of directed energy transfer mechanisms that require less explosive leading to less collateral damage. This work was exploited in a Centre for Defence Enterprise (CDE) contract to demonstrate Delta K’s Low Collateral Damage Wall Breaching technology for the UK MOD.
We also provide Free From Explosives (FFE) certification services, together with explosive samples for scanning equipment tests, forensic laboratory facilities and dog training units.
The photograph shows sections of a surrogate iceberg target being prepared for a test firing. The associated attack system was designed to emplace a grapple hook and steel hawser deep into the body of the target.
Facilities, equipment and licences:
- Explosive Storage Facilities,
- Gun, Gas Launcher and Explosive Test Firing Facilities in Kent,
- CNC and General Engineering Workshops,
- Heavy Construction Machinery,
- Explosives Acquire and Keep Certification,
- Section 5 Authority,
- Registered Firearms Certification.
The photograph shows a sectioned surrogate iceberg target after attack by a specially optimised 100mm calibre shaped charge. The associated attack system was designed to emplace a grapple hook and steel hawser deep into the body of the target.