AUSA 2019: CMI Defence ARDEC Cockerill 3030 CRADA 30mm turret for Stryker armored upgrade.

CMI Defence America, a subsidiary of Belgian Company John Cockerill presents its new weapon station 30mm cannon ARDEC Cockerill 3030 CRADA (Cooperative Research and Development Agreement) mounted on Stryker 8x8 armored vehicle at AUSA 2019, the Association of United States Army Defense Exhibition and Conference that was held in Washington D.C., United States on October 2018. This solution is offered for the Stryker Medium Caliber Weapons System (MCWS) program of U.S.Army.

US Army Stryker armored vehicle fitted with new weapon station 30mm cannon ARDEC Cockerill 3030 CRAD at AUSA 2019, Association of United States Army defense exhibition in Washington D.C. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The goal of Stryker Medium Caliber Weapons System (MCWS) program is to armed Stryker wheeled armored vehicle with a 30mm weapon station that it would proceed to outfit at least three of its six brigades of Double V-Hull A1 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicles with the more powerful guns.

In 2016, Belgian Company CMI Defence was selected by U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) for a Research and Development program focused on Medium Caliber Armament Systems. The new turret was developed in collaboration with the US Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) for the Next Generation Medium Caliber Armament System (MCAS) program of the US Army.

The ARDEC Cockerill 3030 CRADA is a two man-turret based on a modular concept offering the possibility to easily integrate a wide range of cannons from 30mm to 105mm. The turret was design by Belgian Company John Cockerill in collaboration to meet the specific requirements of US Army. The turret is armed with one XM813, the US Army’s linkless 30mm medium-caliber automatic cannon. In terms of sight and protection, the turret integrates FLIR vision system, grenade launchers, SAAB laser warning system and ARDEC fire control system.

The second armament of the turret also includes on 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, on a pintle-mounted 7.62mm machine gun which can be replaced by a remote weapon station. The side of the turret can be also fitted with ATGMs (Anti-Tank Guided Missiles) launchers.

The turret has a traverse of 360° with elevation from +60° to -10°. The turret can be protected with armor from Level 1 to 5 according to STANAG 4569, a NATO Standardization Agreement covering the standards for the "Protection Levels for Occupants of Logistic and Light Armored Vehicles.

The 30mm cannon ARDEC Cockerill 3030 CRADA can be delivered in manned and unmanned variant. Commander and gunner positions are fitted with fully stabilized dual-axis day/night sights offering Hunter/Killer (which allows the commander to independently search for targets, and then slew the turret to engage them) capabilities. In case of emergency, the turret is also equipped with manual back-up sight.

Close view of new weapon station 30mm cannon ARDEC Cockerill 3030 CRADA (Picture source Army Recognition)