More fire from British Army Warrior

Christopher F Foss

Tuesday, 8 September, 2009

Taking a break from trials to make its first public appearance at DSEi is the recently developed Lockheed Martin UK INSYS CT40 turret integrated onto a Warrior infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) chassis.

The British Army is expected to upgrade up to 449 of its current Warrior IFV under the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP). The other bidder is BAE Systems Global Combat Systems, which is the original manufacturer.

Warrior IFV is currently armed with an unstabilised 30mm Rarden cannon and 7.62mm co-axial machine gun. The UK Ministry of Defence has already mandated that the Rarden be replaced by a CTA International 40mm Cased Telescoped Armament System (CTAS) and 7.62mm machine gun.
Lockheed Martin UK INSYS has developed the CT40 turret using internal research and development funding and recently completed its first trials, with manned firing trials expected later this year.

While BAE Systems Global Combat Systems has developed a brand new turret for the WCSP, Lockheed Martin UK INSYS has used the existing turret as the basis for its bid, which is claimed to be more cost-effective.

The CT40 turret has been fitted with new dual axis Thales Battlegroup Thermal Imaging Sights, new controls and displays for commander and gunner, and fully digitised electronic architecture. A new Ultra driver’s instrument panel has been fitted, as well as a Lockheed Martin STS Health and Usage Monitoring System.

Other members of the CT40 team include the Defense Support Group, Ultra Electronics Electrics, Thales Optronics, Rheinmetall Landsysteme, Curtiss Wright Controls, Moog, SciSys, NP Aerospace and other parts of Lockheed Martin.

As well as lethality, the other two elements of the WCSP are the Warrior Enhanced Electronic Architecture and Warrior Modular Protection System. Both of these will enable a more rapid upgrading of the Warrior IFV, which is expected to remain in service with the British Army until 2030.
The WCSP invitation to tender was issued in July and is due to be returned to Abbey Wood on 28 October, with contract award towards the end of the first quarter of 2010. This is around the same time as the winner of the Future Rapid Effect System – Scout is due.

Warrior IFV fitted with Lockheed Martin UK INSYS CT40 turret armed with 40mm CTAS