QinetiQ Target Systems is a world leader in providing unmanned air, land and surface vehicle targets for live-fire training and testing in the defence, security and aerospace markets. They needed support with a re-design on their existing Hammerhead Mark I Naval Target to reduce weight and optimize the design. We stepped in to keep their product development on track by looking closely at their hull and deck to increase manufacturing efficiency, reduce excess material and save weight. They also wanted to change their fabrication method to a more efficient process to increase capacity and meet market demand.

We looked at their existing hull design to identify areas of improvement including material choices, thickness recommendations and locations for bulk heads. To support this, our Analysis Team applied multiple load cases to the design including varying speeds of the boat, impact cause by waves, thrusts from the engine and towing to see if it would pass sea trials. In the end we provided 3D CAD models and 2D production drawings to help them move into the next phase of product development: prototyping.

QinetiQ took our recommendations and applied them to the first prototypes for the Hammerhead Mark II to ensure the optimized design and weight savings would not affect the performance or quality of the product for their customers. 

The prototype passed their sea trials weighing 11% lighter and they have moved into production confidently with the new hull design and specifications.