• Chess to design and build an ultra-high accuracy positioner for the UK Royal Navy.
• Custom positioner to accurately direct a high energy laser system.
• MoD contract in partnership with Thales for the Capability Demonstrator Programme.

One of three related CDPs, the programme will see Chess Dynamics build and demonstrate a specialised ultra-high accuracy positioner (UHAP) that will accurately steer and point a high energy laser system.

The DE system featuring the Chess UHAP will be the first of its kind to be demonstrated for and by the Royal Navy (RN) and will be installed on a RN frigate for an extended period of testing and evaluation.  Chess Dynamics will build on its 28-year pedigree in precision pointing and tracking solutions to custom design and build a positioner that will meet the demanding requirements for accuracy, precision and reliability that will be critical to a successful CDP.

Contract Win Achieved with Thales

Delivering against the directed energy CDP contract will involve Chess designing a platform to allow highly accurate direction of the high-energy laser system supplied by Thales. The design of this new platform will build on proven electro-mechanical positioner designs and subsystems previously developed by Chess.

First of its kind Ultra High Accuracy Positioner

The Chess ultra-high accuracy positioner will afford a full range of precision azimuth and elevation movements and will include an electro-optical targeting pod that will contain the latest generation electro-optical sensors, including high-definition thermal imager and TV cameras.

David Tuddenham, Group Managing Director of Chess Dynamics comments, ‘We are delighted to be selected by Thales for this highly prestigious programme. Whilst our Sea Eagle naval gunfire control system is already in service with 11 navies around the world, the opportunity to custom design the ultra-high accuracy positioner for the Royal Navy’s first directed energy capability demonstrator is an honour. This contract award reflects our customers confidence in Chess’s ability to deliver such a critical element of the overall directed energy system.’