The increasing need to transport drones and associated equipment is casting light on an important but often unappreciated aspect of Defence logistics: rugged transport cases.
It is not uncommon to see hard-shelled carry cases for cameras and specialised equipment, with many purchasing a standard unit and arranging the foam padding themselves to get a “close enough” fit.
While this approach can meet some needs, a tailored interior with precision formed padding is required to ensure the contents are secured and protected during travel. Such a solution also ensures the optimum size of case is used, and the contents are arranged to make best use of the available space.
“We have standard packages,” GT Line’s Sales Agent for Oceania, Graham Dudley, said. “But we have design services to make solutions that are efficient and effective while protecting the contents. About seventy percent of GT Line’s revenue is generated from more customised solutions.”
Most militaries already have the requirement for transport cases to be certified to US, UK or NATO military standards covering impact and water resistance, temperature and pressure ranges, and prevention of sand or dust ingress.
Additional requirements can include tamper evidence, effective locks, and tracking systems in addition to colours, logos and other customisations.
In Australia, the need for a sovereign capability to design, supply and support these cases is becoming an important component of purchase contracts, with some projects requiring that design of the interior be performed in Australia due to the sensitive nature of the items being transported.
“What we’re seeing is a push, not only on sovereignty, but also on efficiency,” Dudley said. “Customers are looking to not only spend less but to also save shipping and delays when repairs may be necessary.”
To accommodate this, GT Line has established an office in Melbourne to perform design work, tailor cases, and perform repairs in Australia. In many scenarios, repairs can be conducted by users in the field with a screwdriver and the replacement parts, but more complex work can be carried out at the office.
Additionally, the company’s Explorer range of hardshell transport cases features a new copolymer material that allows the cases to have thinner walls, leading to a 30 per cent lighter case while maintaining the same impact resistance.
Founded in Italy in 1970, the GT Line now has a staff of 400 with production occurring in Italy, Romania and Vietnam. Well established in Europe, the company is growing its presence in Asia and the Middle East while its new Melbourne office will support growth in Oceania.
“GT Line’s sustainability philosophy not only covers use of recycled materials, solar power, and reduced water usage,” Dudley said. “The critical part in a circular economy is making a product last longer and perform its task as long as possible. Rugged cases with repair designed into them helps to achieve this.”