In 1994, DSD supplied the UK MoD with a quantity of new microprocessor-based transmission controllers for Vickers Defence Systems Challenger 1 and 2 MBT David Brown Defence Equipment TN37 and TN54 transmissions.

The new unit, which is designated the Combined Auto Manual Unit, is unique in that it can control both the David Brown Defence Equipment TN37 (installed in the Challenger 1 MBT) and the TN54 (installed in the Challenger 2 MBT and the Challenger Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle), in fully automatic or manual modes.

The unit is fully ruggedised and has already passed environmental trials to UK fighting vehicle specifications.

The CAMU was originally designed by DSD for use on Challenger MBT power pack test facilities known as run up trolleys which have been in British Army service for over 10 years.

However, the unit has also been successfully tested in a Challenger MBT at the Armoured Trials and Development Unit at Bovington where both transmission types were fitted.

CAMU can therefore be used to control either transmission type in the Challenger 1 and 2 MBTs or the Challenger Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle, whereas the current controllers are dedicated to a particular transmission type.

DSD anticipates interest in the controller for second user markets and for retrofit applications in other vehicles as CAMU can be reconfigured easily to provide automatic control of many other fighting vehicle transmissions.

Production as required. In service with the British Army. There are no export sales of this system to date. The CAMU is, however, being offered for a number of overseas mobile tracked platforms.