Heat Exchangers Defence

Protecting the legacy

We have supplied heat exchange technologies to the defence sector for more than 50 years. Brand names of the many original companies that form Sterling Thermal Technology include Thermo Engineers, Sterling Process Engineering, PCC Sterling, HEI, Britannia Heat Transfer, and Britannia Heatex.

Experience and expertise

We have worked with the Royal Navy, the Royal Australian Navy, the Royal Canadian Navy and the Taiwan Navy, among others, on ships and submarines. For example, we have supplied coolers for the T26 Frigates.

Our decades of experience designing and manufacturing heat exchangers for defence vessels means we’re familiar with the common challenges in the defence sector. Not only that, we can provide the solution.

Read our blog on the challenges of cooling submarine generators

We work with our clients to design bespoke heat exchangers that meet specific requirements, from application temperatures to cost control. We’re also knowledgeable about with the required standards and regulations the heat exchanger must meet. 

Read our blog on heat exchanger standards

Extending the life of vital defence equipment

Maintenance and repair

Our pedigree is a major benefit in a sector that often keeps equipment in operation for 20 to 30 years. We source maintenance and repair expertise when necessary and, of course, spare parts.

When equipment needs to be upgraded, we have the appropriate technical knowledge and experience to help deliver the right solutions while keeping costs under tight control.

Providing modern solutions and the right advice

When required, we can still design and manufacture the original heat exchanger technology used in older equipment. Where possible, we advise on upgrades to new materials and technologies that deliver improved performance, reliability and longevity. This helps to extend the life of existing equipment.

We manufacture bespoke heat exchangers, giving us the flexibility to meet your requirements be it replacements, upgrades or brand new designs.

Maintaining trust and confidentiality

We understand that confidentiality and control of sensitive information are vital to you. We employ trusted, reliable people who are thoroughly vetted. We are familiar with signing NDAs and do not share design information.

We seek to build lasting relationships with our clients. Thanks to our reliability, expertise and high-quality products, we have continued to work with many of our defence clients for decades.

Our products and services

We can design a variety of bespoke heat exchangers. These include:

• Ancillary system coolers (steering, personnel, refrigeration), all of which can be upgraded to include titanium
• Bearing oil coolers
• Cabinet coolers
• Charge air coolers
• Generator and motor air coolers (Avantair, CACA coolers, CACW coolers)
• Radar cooling equipment
• Shell and tube
• TIR (test, inspection, report)
• Spares

Applications

We design and manufacture heat exchangers for a wide range of defence applications:

• Navy ships throughout the world, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, UAE and Taiwan
• Surface ships include: LPD, LPH, CVF, T23, T45, T26, DDG, T ake and LPM
• Submarines include: Vanguard, Trafalgar, SSK/Victoria, Astute and NEW
• Auxiliary ships include: RFA Argus, Diligence, Wave Knight, Wave Ruler and Orangeleaf
• Land bases: Sterling TT coolers are fitted to the generators and radar equipment such as RAF Fylingdales and Nap Hill
• Mobile applications (e.g. radar equipment)

For more information about our customised heat exchangers, view our products and services or enquire today.