Company Announcement - DCD Protected Mobility selected Booyco Engineering air conditioning systems for a new batch of Husky 2G vehicle mounted mine detection locally manufactured for deployment to the Middle East. This latest order underpins the long term relationship between these two South African companies that have both established worldwide reputations for quality engineered products.

Booyco Engineering is a specialist in the design, development and manufacture of customised mobile air handling systems for harsh operating applications and was responsible for the engineering, manufacture and supply of HVAC systems for the original Husky Vehicle Mounted Mine Detector unit as well as for the Husky 2G VMMD which is now the mine detector of choice. The Husky 2G VMMD vehicle was engineered by DCD Protected Mobility to provide the optimum solution given the increased length of route clearance missions. This two operator vehicle allows tasks to be split between a driver and an operator ensuring fast and efficient route clearance for military and civilian personnel as well as vehicles.

The cab of the Husky 2G VMMD is small, with access via a hatch in the roof, since there are no doors on the unit. In addition, there are armoured fixed pane glass windows in the front and sides of the cab. The need for ambient temperature control in this small space is essential especially given that these vehicles operate in environments with high temperatures.

To ensure a comfortable environment under all conditions, the Booyco Engineering HVAC systems have been designed to provide cooling at a maximum ambient of plus 55°C and to provide heating in a minimum ambient of minus 40°C, external to the vehicle. There was also a need to provide heating, using a hot water coil, for demisting which is a vital function in inclement weather to ensure visibility for mine detection.

The HVAC system in the Husky 2G VMMD is mounted in the roof above the driver and operator, and incorporates Booyco Engineering’s custom designed electronic controller which is programmed to accommodate the vehicle’s mine detection requirement.

As with all custom built HVAC systems, the units for the latest order were comprehensively tested by Booyco Engineering prior to delivery. The tests included thermodynamic performance, endurance and accelerated vibration testing. All tests are aimed at meeting stringent quality specifications, as reliability and performance are critical in this type of vehicle. The new units underwent factory acceptance inspections and tests to prove that each air conditioning system is defect-free prior to delivery.