Weatherhaven successfully delivered the HQSS programme to the Canadian Department of National Defence. The original equipment contract was valued at approximately $150 million, and the project is now in the 20-year In Service Support phase. The HQSS shelters provide command post functions, including operations, planning, and office or utility spaces. They can also be adapted as accommodation or medical facilities, while connecting seamlessly to in-service vehicles and vehicle-mounted hard shelters to maximise operational effectiveness.
The HQSS system integrates tactical lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, plus a semi-rigid flooring system. These features dramatically increase the Canadian Army’s ability to plan, coordinate, and command forces during both deployed operations and training. The system delivers a modernized command post shelter solution across all unit and brigade headquarters. By protecting both personnel and equipment from environmental threats, HQSS ensures operational readiness in virtually all environmental conditions where soldiers are deployed.
Rigorous environmental trials validate system performance in extreme conditions
HQSS shelters are required to perform reliably in extreme climates ranging from –52°C to +40°C. To prove this, Weatherhaven conducted extensive testing and environmental trials, replicating some of the world’s harshest conditions. Every aspect of the shelter was evaluated against strict requirements to demonstrate durability, insulation, and operational performance. These trials reassured the Canadian DND that HQSS could sustain mission-critical operations regardless of climate, ensuring a dependable, all-weather shelter solution suitable for diverse global deployments.
Vehicle integration achieved with innovative flexible ‘boot’ assembly design
A key requirement for HQSS was seamless integration with in-service military vehicles. To achieve this, Weatherhaven developed an innovative “vehicle boot” module that can attach securely to multiple vehicle types. This unique design creates a robust, weather-tight seal around diverse vehicle bodies, ensuring adaptability across the Canadian Army’s existing fleet. The solution not only expands shelter functionality but also demonstrates HQSS’s ability to integrate operationally with legacy and modern systems without compromising mobility or resilience.
Scalable modularity enables limitless layouts for flexible mission requirements
HQSS is composed of modular shelters that share common features and interfaces, enabling rapid reconfiguration into numerous layouts. These shelters can be extended, connected, and oriented to fit virtually any operational need, from brigade headquarters to smaller unit command posts. The system’s innovative connectors allow seamless integration with existing DND infrastructure, making HQSS one of the most versatile and robust military shelter programmes worldwide. Its scalability ensures adaptability to evolving mission requirements and operational planning assumptions.
Superior working environment supports maximum soldier effectiveness in deployment
HQSS provides a world-leading deployed working environment through its vertical walls, advanced fabrics, superior insulation, and flexible power and lighting options. This combination creates safe, functional, and comfortable interior conditions for personnel in austere settings. The system’s thoughtful design ensures soldiers can focus on performance without distraction from environmental challenges. By blending durability with comfort, HQSS delivers an environment that allows military personnel to operate efficiently and effectively during extended operations anywhere in the world.
Comprehensive Integrated Logistic Support ensures long-term military programme success
As a large-scale military programme, HQSS was delivered with a complete Integrated Logistic Support package. This included essential elements such as codification, training, documentation, safety cases, and obsolescence management. These measures ensure the system remains sustainable and fully operational throughout its service life. By embedding ILS from the outset, Weatherhaven provided the Canadian DND with assurance that HQSS is not just a shelter system but a long-term, maintainable capability designed to support modern military demands.
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Client feedback
DND
‘Weatherhaven were fantastic to work with to deliver this world leading shelter system’
Canadian DND
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