As geopolitical uncertainty fuels increased defence spending across multiple regions, South Africa-based Booyco Engineering is expanding its global presence with specialised HVAC solutions designed for mission-critical military applications.
International military standards compliance underpins the HVAC systems engineered by Booyco Engineering. Supplied by Booyco Engineering
The company’s recent work includes the design and manufacture of advanced cooling systems for radar jamming shelters and next-generation amphibious military vehicles. Drawing on decades of engineering experience, Booyco Engineering has established a strong reputation for delivering HVAC systems tailored to the demanding requirements of defence environments.
“We engineer our systems to suit the particular demands of complicated military equipment, designed for the harshest conditions while still meeting onerous specifications,” says Grant Miller, executive director at Booyco Engineering.
One notable project involves custom HVAC systems for specialised hard-skinned radar jamming shelters manufactured locally by ADG Mobility for export. Built on an ISO-container footprint, these shelters house sensitive electronic systems, radar interference technology and ballistic protection capable of withstanding light arms fire.
“This environment creates severe thermal and electromagnetic demands,” he explains. “Not only must the HVAC system maintain stable internal temperatures for both personnel and electronics, but it must do so while complying with rigorous electromagnetic interference (EMI) standards.”
To meet these stringent requirements, the systems are designed in accordance with MIL-STD-461F, governing electromagnetic compatibility in military environments.
“When you are dealing with radar-related systems even small emissions can compromise performance – so the HVAC unit itself must be part of the protection strategy,” he says. “Acoustic considerations are also important, to ensure a quiet working environment; our system therefore operates at around 50dB, significantly quieter than a typical office unit.”
The HVAC units are engineered to operate in extreme conditions, with temperature ranges from -40°C to +55°C, delivering up to 9kW of cooling and approximately 6.5kW of heating. In addition, the systems are designed to withstand the mechanical stresses associated with mobile military platforms, meeting both MIL-STD-810G and AECTP-400 requirements.
“These shelters are mounted on military trucks that move over rough terrain, so the system must endure the same treatment,” Miller says. “It is not a plant room system; it has to survive real military deployment.”
Further features include chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) filtration, cyclonic dust filtration for high-particulate environments, onboard carbon dioxide monitoring and advanced digital scroll compressors to ensure precise thermal control. Despite the system’s complexity, development was completed within an accelerated timeframe.
“It has been a rapid development programme, made possible by the foundation of knowledge and experience Booyco Engineering has built up from previous systems engineering,” he says.
In a separate contract with a Southeast Asian government, the company is supplying a dedicated HVAC solution for a latest-generation 8×8 amphibious infantry fighting vehicle. Designed to operate between -10°C and 49°C, the system incorporates CBRN filtration and enhanced environmental protection.
“The CBRN system protects occupants of the vehicle from harmful gases or chemical agents,” Miller explains. “The filtration activates and removes harmful particulates and gases through high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) and carbon filters to protect both the crew and the vehicle’s electronics.”
Booyco Engineering’s long-standing relationship with the customer – spanning nearly 15 years – has supported the development of systems capable of performing in extreme climatic and operational conditions. Amphibious applications, in particular, present challenges such as high humidity, salinity, rapid temperature fluctuations and constant vibration. The project includes a full prototype and several pre-production units for qualification testing.
Source: Supplied by Booyco Engineering
