MTIP 2 bids for UK requirements

Christopher F Foss

Monday, 16 June, 2008

BAE Systems has funded the manufacture of the Manned Turret Integrated Programme 2 (MTIP 2) turret, which has already been tested installed on a British Army Warrior infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). MTIP 2 has been developed to meet the British Army Warrior Fightability Lethality Improvement Programme (WFLIP) under which the current turret, armed with an unstabilised 30mm RARDEN cannon and 7.62mm co-axial MG, will be replaced by a new drop-in turret with enhanced capabilities.
MTIP2 has a baseline structure of welded steel to which has been added an appliqué armour package. Commander and gunner are provided with day/thermal sights with an integrated laser rangefinder.
The turret is provided with an electronic open architecture and space for a General Dynamics UK Bowman digital communications system in the turret bustle. The 40mm Case Telescoped Weapon System (CTWS) fires two natures of ammunition, armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS) and air bursting munition (ABM), with empty cartridge cases being ejected clear of the turret. A 7.62mm machine gun is mounted co-axial with the main armament.
MTIP2 obtained its live crew clearance last December and a phased series of firing trials is now underway, which will culminate in moving targets being engaged under day and night conditions from a moving Warrior.
This year, BAE Systems is moving into the industrialisation phase including establishing a supplier network in the UK and elsewhere in Europe at the subsystem level. The UK MoD has downselected the 40mm cannon developed by CTAI (a joint venture company formed by BAE Systems Land Systems and Nexter Systems of France) for the WFLIP as well as the Future Rapid Effect System (FRES) scout requirement. The latter will replace the current Scimitar, also armed with an unstabilised 30mm RARDEN cannon.
Other potential turret suppliers are General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin INSYS UK and Selex Galileo, which so far have used the ATK 30mm/40mm MK44 cannon.
Discussions have taken place with the French Délégation Générale pour l’Armement (DGA) about a possible French/UK 40mm CTWS programme and if this were successful, it would be the largest medium-calibre programme of its type in Europe.
The UK MoD has already funded the original MTIP that completed its manned firing trials late in 2006, while the DGA has funded the remote-controlled Toutatis turret already tested on a Warrior.