BAE Systems 40mm Case Telescoped Weapon System at Eurosatory
12 Jun 2006
BAE Systems Land Systems has selected the 40mm cased telescoped weapon system (CTWS) from CTA International, a BAE Systems/ GIAT joint venture, to compete for the UK MoDs Warrior lethality improvement programme (WLIP).
The WLIP, which requires a new turret and weapon system to be integrated onto the British Armys Warrior infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), will address demanding lethality requirements for the next 30 years. A number of weapon system options were studied but the 40mm CTWS was the only one to meet the demanding requirements.
The 40mm CTWS is at the early stages of development. It has demonstrated considerable growth potential for the WLIP. Its innovative design, which puts the projectile inside its case (cased telescoped), reduces the length of the round and improves the volumetric efficiency of the ammunition by 30 percent.
The ammunition is introduced to the gun from a static ammunition feeder into the guns novel rotating breach, which is situated well forward of the crew. The internal swept volume of the 40mm CTWS is less than 80 litres which compares to over 200 litres of an equivalent conventional system (200 litres would result in a serious fightability problem for a turret crew in the confined space of a Warrior).
The 40mm CTWS is the only complete system that has proved it can deliver the required level of lethality performance hard targets, general purpose point detonating and airburst targets - within the tight constraints of the Warrior chassis.
The 40mm CTWS fully integrated and ready to fire in a turret on a Warrior chassis is displayed at Eurosatory 2006. The system was developed as a technology demonstrator for a funded UK MoD contract (Manned Turret Integration Programme). Due for completion at the end of 2006 this will result in a turret system, which integrates mature technology onto the Warrior chassis. With no modification required this is a true low risk plug and play solution.
The 40mm CTWS is undertaking French DGA and UK MoD verified maturity assessments for its cannon, feed mechanism, ammunition and turret integration in manned and unmanned configurations. Outputs of these independent assessments will provide considerable technical credibility and confidence in the feasibility, suitability, growth potential and through-life value for money of 40mm CTWS for future requirements such as WLIP and possibly the UK MoD programme Future Rapid Effect System and its French equivalent Engin Blinde a Roues de Contact (EBRC).
In the recent past Land Systems has designed, developed, manufactured and supported turrets with 25mm and 30mm systems for wheeled vehicles and for export versions of Warrior as well as evaluated other weapon systems such as 35mm and 40mm for previous UK MoD programmes such as TRACER. Land Systems used its extensive knowledge and contacts in the medium calibre supply chain as well as public domain information to conduct the analysis.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier trans-Atlantic defense and aerospace company, delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. BAE Systems, with more than 100,000 employees worldwide, had 2005 sales that exceeded $28 billion.
For further information, please contact
Barney OKelly, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 7803 667434
barney.okelly@baesystems.com
Kate Roberts BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 191 226 7026
kate.roberts@baesystems.com
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