CTA International Develops State-of-the-Art 40mm Turret for Land and Naval Platforms.

London, UK, September 24, 2023 - At the DSEI 2023 International Defense Exhibition held in London, CTA International showcased its latest generation of 40 mm turret, a versatile weapon system designed for both land and naval platforms. This innovative turret is a testament to the evolving needs of modern warfare and the continuous push for technological advancements in defense equipment.
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The CTA International 40mm turret is mounted on the new British Ajax reconnaissance tracked armored vehicle. (Picture source Army Recognition)

Designed to address contemporary threats, the new T40 turret family incorporates the 40 CTA weapon system, a product of CTA International's expertise. This system boasts high firepower, remarkable reliability, and a compact design. The 2 Man 40 CTA Turret, a prominent member of this family, is tailored for the latest Infantry Fighting Vehicles and Reconnaissance Vehicles. It is adept at coordinating fire against a wide spectrum of battlefield threats.

The fully digital 2 Man 40 CTA Turret offers exceptional operational capability in urban warfare, allowing for firing rounds at elevations up to 45°. This is especially valuable in open areas where extended-range capabilities are essential. Furthermore, it has a significant capacity for flexible and modular systems integration based on a General Vetronic Architecture. The smart configuration of the turret ensures high firepower, versatile weapon and ammunition selection, effective battlefield surveillance, and prolonged combat time under the harshest warfare conditions.

With the integration of the 40mm turret, the AJAX will serve as the cornerstone of the British Army's deployable all-weather ISTAR operations. AJAX stands out as the first British vehicle to feature the Case Telescoped 40mm Cannon (CT-40 Cannon), a joint venture between the UK and France. This cannon, equipped with a coaxially mounted 7.62mm L94 Chain Gun in a dual-axis stabilized two-person turret, is a game-changer.

The CT-40 Cannon's unique Cased Telescopic Ammunition (CTA) design distinguishes it from traditional ammunition. In this innovative design, the projectile is encased within the cartridge, surrounded by the propellant, which optimizes space and boosts lethality. This versatile cannon is capable of firing a variety of ammunition types, from High Explosive and Armour Piercing to Training rounds, making it a formidable addition to any defense arsenal.

The CTA International 40mm weapon station can be also integrated into naval platforms. (Picture source Thales)

The naval version of the CTA 40 is embodied in the "RapidFire" system, a multi-role artillery 40mm gun system designed by Thales and Nexter. This system is tailored to meet the very short-range defense requirements of the armed forces. RapidFire is remotely operated and is based on the 40CTAS gun suite and its ammunitions. It features an integrated Fire Control system, which includes the operator console, offering both anti-surface and anti-air capabilities in naval and land environments.

RapidFire boasts a high firing precision, with a target air to surface range of up to 4000m. This precision is attributed to its optronic fire control system integrated on a lightweight and non-intrusive turret, advanced algorithms, a powerful gun, and an automatic ammunition management system. This ensures optimal reactivity and efficiency for the operator, regardless of the sea state.

The system incorporates a 40 mm gun developed by CTAS, the international subsidiary of Nexter Systems and BAE Systems. This gun is designed to equip the latest-generation armored vehicles for the French, Belgian, and British land forces. The system can utilize five selectable types of ammunitions and is compatible with the full range of ammunitions developed for land forces programs, including the new smart Anti Aerial Airburst (A3B) rounds.

The unique design of the Cased Telescoped Ammunition (CTA) sets it apart. The projectile is telescoped inside the cartridge case and surrounded by propellant, resulting in a reduced overall round volume, especially in length. This design allows for a very compact weapon with low turret intrusion. The principal advantage is that the axis of the introduction of the rounds is coincident with the elevation axis of the weapon, allowing ammunition to be fed into the chamber along the same feed line regardless of the gun's elevation angle.

RapidFire is also available in a naval version to protect ships against aerial threats, including UAVs. Its high elevation angle provides a robust defense against such threats. The naval version of the RapidFire system is based on the 40 mm cased telescoped armament system, featuring an increased elevation arc and a gyrostabilized electro-optic sensor head.

Defense News September 2023