In the defence sector, compressed air is often classed as a mission critical utility. You can usually get by without compressed air in a pinch, but not usually with electrical power or fuel. An unreliable air supply system can stop an aircraft from flying, prevent work in a vehicle workshop, and affect critical life support systems.
Any effect on operational capability has to be closely examined. The MOD and their supply chain are only going to work with a compressed air partner who has their long term reliability and compliance needs covered, not the cheapest upfront cost.
Anglian Compressors provides high specification, durable compressed air solutions capable of standing up to the challenge of military use. We supply the equipment, technical knowledge, and on call support to make sure your assets are mission ready.
A Strategic Partnership for UK Defence
The defence procurement model is founded on Through-Life Support (TLS) and lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). It needs a partner that recognises the goal is not just to deliver an asset but to ensure a compliant and robust compressed air capability for the life of the asset. We work with procurement specialists, base engineers and prime contractors to deliver systems that optimise availability and reduce downtime.
Mission-Specific Air Systems for Every Domain
Each branch of the armed forces has unique compressed air requirements. A generic industrial approach isn't sufficient for an environment where performance and reliability are paramount.
Royal Air Force: Purity and Power on the Flight Line
In RAF bases, compressed air runs from the aircraft gate all the way to base critical maintenance.
- Ground Support Equipment (GSE): Diesel powered compressors (Atlas Copco’s tough LE series) running Air Start Units (ASUs) to start jets up for deployment in a very short period of time.
- Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO): Pneumatic tools are a hangar must for their safe and superior power-to-weight ratio.
- Aircraft Finishing: The application of advanced coatings and the maintenance of sensitive avionics demand an impeccably clean, dry air supply. For these applications, choosing between oil-free and oil-lubricated compressors is a critical decision.
Royal Navy: Robust Systems for Maritime Operations
Onboard warships and submarines, compressed air systems must withstand extreme shock, vibration, and corrosion.
- High-Pressure (HP) Air: Critical for starting main diesel engines, charging weapon systems, and torpedo ejection.
- Control Air: Highly filtered and dried air is essential for the precise operation of pneumatic controllers and machinery automation, where contamination can lead to system failure.
- Submarine Systems: HP air is life-critical, used to blow the main ballast tank, allowing the vessel to surface.
British Army: Deployable Air for Field Operations
For land systems, compressed air equipment must be mobile, rugged, a nd capable of reliable operation in austere environments.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Compressed air is widely used in both fixed workshops and deployable REME field units to service armoured and soft-skin vehicles.
- Deployable Systems: Portable diesel compressors must be robust enough to survive transport and the harshest environments, and often need to meet Def Stan 00-035 for environmental resistance.
Advanced Technology for a Strategic Advantage
Modern military operations demand advanced, efficient, and autonomous systems. As a premier Atlas Copco distributor, Anglian Compressors provides technology that delivers a clear operational edge.
Class 0 Oil-Free Air for Contamination Control
Many defence applications can't tolerate any risk of oil contamination. Atlas Copco’s ZT/ZR series of oil-free compressors provides ISO 8573-1 Class 0 certified air, guaranteeing 100% oil-free operation essential for:
- High-precision aerospace manufacturing
- Aircraft painting and finishing
- Breathing air systems
- Cleaning sensitive electronic components
On-Site Gas Generation: Enhancing Logistical Autonomy
Reduce dependency on bottled gas deliveries and increase safety on the battlefield by on-demand, local production of these gases using Atlas Copco NGMs or OGPs generators directly from a compressed air feed.
- Nitrogen: Inflating aircraft and vehicle tyres, inerting fuel tanks to prevent explosion, and purging optics of moisture, as well as for fire suppression.
- Oxygen: Delivering a steady supply of oxygen for deployed field hospitals and on-base medical centres, removing the need to transport heavy, cumbersome cylinders.
High-Pressure Systems for Specialist Tasks. Specific defence applications require pressures far beyond standard industrial systems. We provide high-pressure air for specialist defence systems, utilising boosters to achieve pressures exceeding 350 bar for component integrity testing and pneumatic actuation.
Ensuring Compliance, Safety, and Uptime
Navigating the complex regulatory landscape of the defence sector is non-negotiable. We integrated compliance into our service architecture, ensuring your systems are secure, compliant, and auditable.
Compliance at Every Level
We help defence clients meet and exceed strict UK standards:
- PSSR 2000: With fully documented Written Schemes of Examination (WSE).
- Def Stan 00-035 & 68-284: For environmental resilience and breathing air quality.
- BS EN 12021: For medical and SCBA breathing systems.
- ATEX, ISO 9001 & Cyber Essentials: For equipment and provider-level compliance.
- LOLER: For any lifting or hoisting accessories powered by pneumatic systems.
Life-Support Critical Breathing Air Systems
The provision of breathing air is governed by strict regulations, including COSHH and Def Stan 68-284. These systems require oil-free compressors, advanced filtration, and certified testing to protect personnel and meet regulations. We provide accredited breathing air quality testing for critical defence operations to ensure the safety of all personnel.
Maximising Availability with SMARTLINK Monitoring
Unexpected downtime is unacceptable. Atlas Copco’s SMARTLINK remote monitoring for defence provides real-time data and predictive analytics. This IoT solution, monitored by our service team and MOD liaison engineers, allows us to identify potential issues before they cause a breakdown, scheduling preventative maintenance to ensure continuous operation.
The Anglian Compressors Advantage: Local Expertise, National Capability
Anglian Compressors is qualified to support defence contracts through:
- Certified engineers for PSSR, WSE, and LOLER inspections.
- Use of genuine OEM parts to meet MOD traceability requirements.
- Personnel security vetting (e.g., SC clearance where required).
- Full conformance to ISO 9001, Cyber Essentials, and ATEX.
Rapid Response from our Peterborough Hub
Our strategic location in Peterborough enables a level of responsiveness that national providers can't match. We provide a dedicated defence response team with on-site support within one hour to key establishments, including RAF Wittering, RAF Wyton, and Marshall Aerospace, directly supporting your operational readiness goals.
Turnkey Project Management and Through-Life Support
We offer a complete service portfolio designed for the defence sector. From initial energy audits and system design to turnkey installations for complex air systems using Atlas Copco's AIRnet pipework and 24/7 operational cover for emergency compressor repairs, our team manages the entire process. Our experience in demanding sectors is proven, as demonstrated by our work supporting aerospace & military maintenance.
With certified engineers, SC clearance, and sub-1-hour response to key MOD sites, Anglian Compressors delivers operational assurance for every mission.
Speak to a Defence Specialist
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Contact our team now to arrange a consultation or compliance audit.