Rich Desktop Applications

Challenge

Allen Vanguard is the undisputed leader in developing and providing the most trusted equipment, services and training to protect against the world’s most hazardous threats. They partner with major research institutes, contractors and reputable technology companies to develop world-class solutions to protect against improvised explosive devices (IEDs), radio-controlled IEDs (RCIEDs), chemical, biological and nuclear threats. They understand threats and tactics and their products and services are trusted by elite military and police forces in over 120 countries worldwide.

One of the most sought-after products offered by Allen Vanguard, is the revolutionary Med-Eng Bomb Disposal Suit. It is used in conventional operations as well as those where a chemical or biological agent is suspected. Allen Vanguard turned to 3DA for their technological expertise in creating detailed technical drawings to accompany this superior piece of equipment. While the Bomb Suits themselves are virtually indestructible, detailed technical drawings did not exist and this information was requested by many of the military clients purchasing the suits. 3DA was commissioned to create detailed drawings of the Suit, accurate illustrations for Allen Vanguard manuals and promotional materials, as well as a CD containing a complete listing of all the spare parts that clients who own the Suits could order.

Process

Turning the Bomb Suit Inside Out

Through extensive study sessions and notepads of sketches, 3DA began the lengthy process of identifying every detail that went into the production of the suit. They then created precise drawings of each component of the Suit, right down to the individual nuts and bolts holding the suit together.

3DA worked diligently on this project for several months, generating more than technical drawings. They reconstructed the Bomb Suit from the inside out, developing a three-dimensional wire frame of the suit which would then be used to demonstrate movement. They turned physical gestures into animated 3D graphics and brought the suit to life. The software behind their masterpiece was MAYA, the same software used for special effects in the movie The Matrix.

3DA left no stone unturned, offering Allen Vanguard Customers a unique 360 degree experience. By guiding the virtual suit on its axel, Customers can actually spin the Med-Eng Bomb Suit to explore every element of the suit’s design. To top it off, once a customer clicks on a specific portion of the suit, the area is enlarged and “blown up” so that individual components can be dissected and analysed. This tool provides Clients with the most accurate information about the construction of the suit and enables them to reorder specific parts should a replacement component be necessary.

Results

3DA took this project further than simple sketches on paper or AutoCad printouts; they helped Allen Vanguard re-energize the marketing of their Bomb Suit highlighting every component of the suit’s construction and the contribution that each element makes to its durability and effectiveness. The precision drawings and detailed illustrations produced by 3DA will be utilized throughout Allen Vanguard’s website, manuals and promotional/training materials.