MS Instruments

MS Instruments Ltd Company Profile Based in Orpington, Kent, just 20 minutes by train from Central London, MS Instruments is a leading player in the in the design and manufacture of ballistic instrumentation and an innovative, ballistic protected modular training system for rapid CQB Shoothouse construction. Established in 1972, and part of the Theissen Group, working with the expertise of fellow group member Wiltshire Ballistic Services (WBS), we provide proven, rugged and well-built products for most internal and external applications. Used by governments, Armed Forces and manufacturing companies worldwide, when combined with our leading edge software, our instrumentation delivers flexible and individually tailored solutions. Partition Panel System (PPS) Our modular CQB training system known as Partition Panel System, enables specialist military and police forces to undertake CQB training in rooms and corridors that can be assembled quickly and easily, and rapidly reconfigured into any layout or scenario to keep training fresh. Its unique retractable castor wheel base system allows heavy panels to be easily moved by just 2 people. It is British Army (TAS) accredited and, most importantly, our patented system allows live-fire training in a safe environment. Live Fire Ground Training Live-fire training is the most effective way of preparing the soldier/shooter for the field. While there are some benefits to simulation in early training, it is not truly representative of the in-theatre situation. MS Instruments’ and Theissen’s equipment is rugged, reliable, highly accurate, easy to use and configure, and can run different training combinations simultaneously. Our system produces instantaneous results wirelessly to the firer or instructor on a firing point monitor, enabling rapid analysis and improvement of performance. This information is also available at a central range controller for analysis by the Range Officer or stored for future use. Our systems are in service throughout the world in a variety of different environments. The system uses acoustic scoring technology, meaning there are no false recordings from stones and debris. Our targets can be used indoors or out, and be made as flexible and realistic as you need them to be. They can be set up to “present” themselves in pop-up, turn or swivel mode, or both, either randomly or by command, enabling a full shoot house type capability to be created. Larger scale versions are available for tank gunnery training using heavy duty targets and lifters and these can also be made to pop-up and down, fall when hit and move on rails. Live Fire Air to Ground Training As well as ground training we also supply systems for training and assessing the performance of a pilot in the air-to-ground strafing and bombing role. Using Windows-based software, the strafe system records details of the pilot, aircraft type and registration, stores and attack profile. It produces instantaneous results that are relayed back to the control tower which can then be passed onto the pilot and recorded for later detailed analysis. These targets are acoustic, meaning that only supersonic projectiles are recorded so there are no false triggers from rubble or stones. The bombing system is semi-automatic and consists of two sighting quadrants that are used to triangulate the fall of the bomb. An operator logs the angular measurement which is then sent by UHF link to the tower where the software displays the bomb position on screen to be relayed to the pilot. Both systems have been designed to be real-to-life and have been in service with the Royal Air Force for well over 15 years. Ballistic Instrumentation Our comprehensive range of instrumentation comprises intelligent units that can be used to measure all the ballistic parameters of subsonic and supersonic projectiles. These sensors can be connected either by cable or wirelessly to a single Range Processor, be it a standard PC or laptop. By using GPS to locate every event, in both time and space, the information recorded is extremely accurate. The company provides its own BallisticsDB software giving full control and diagnostics of the connected equipment as well as data warehousing and statistical analysis capabilities. The system is Windows®-based and the data is in Access format but may be exported to Microsoft® Excel for further analysis. Our Projectile Velocity Measuring System (PVMS) and its smaller cousin, the Indoor Velocity Measuring System (IVMS) can measure velocities extremely accurately to within 0.02% in bright or low light conditions. We manufacture triggering systems based on acoustic and flash detection technologies which provide accurate initiation of other systems for recording purposes. We can provide all the equipment required to create an entire test range. Flight Follower Where normal ballistic instrumentation is not enough, and for a more detailed analysis of the flight of a projectile, we developed the original fully Automated Flight Follower system (AFF). This was developed to meet the high speed imaging needs of modern ammunition designers and manufacturers. Our ethos of constant product development has resulted in the AFF being superseded by our mini Flight Follower, a more compact and lightweight version of the Flight Follower but retaining all the accuracy and clarity of the original. The system allows the user to see quickly any flaws within the ammunition that would otherwise be invisible, saving time and further costly trials. The images produced are so detailed that you can actually see the supersonic shock wave being created by the projectile. The mini Flight Follower uses a high speed camera and computer controlled rotating mirror. The mirror is programmed to rotate at the correct speed such that the camera will follow the projectile in flight. In addition, the dedicated analysis software is able to record velocity, drag correction, trigger delay and is also able to calculate and show even minor yaw and pitch variations. Forensic Testing Our equipment can be used for forensic investigations to identify weapon or ammunition performance in forensic cases and to train officers in recognising shot patterns. We provide equipment for ballistic gel analysis for both evidence gathering purposes and the study and demonstration of the effects of a projectile on body tissue. We also supply the software to deliver accurate analytical results, and the necessary equipment to make up ballistic gel to exacting standards. Our velocity measurement systems (PVMS and IVMS) can assist in weapon and ammunition identification and for gathering information on characterisation of fragment size, energy and distribution. Information gathered can help determine lethality of a projectile and provide crucial evidence in a case. Our forensic equipment is in service with police forces and forensic laboratories throughout the UK. Ballistic Testing. Part of the Theissen Group but overseen by MS Instruments, Wiltshire Ballistic Services (WBS), has been undertaking ballistic trials in its dedicated ballistic test facility for almost 30 years. It offers a secure indoor firing range and is completely independent from any armour or weapons manufacturer. Further information can be found on the WBS page www.wiltshireballistics.co.uk In conclusion, MS Instruments offers a full turnkey service whether it be the provision of one component or a full CQB training facility/test range capability.