CTAI delivers 40mm cannon to UK
CTA International (CTAI), a joint venture between BAE Systems and Nexter Systems, has delivered the first production standard Cased Telescoped Cannon System to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) in Bourges, France, BAE Systems announced on 21 March.
The new 40mm cannons will be used by the British Army on the Warrior and Ajax armoured vehicles. A total of 515 systems will be delivered.
The cannon fires 40mm cased telescoped ammunition. The ammunition is contained in a straight tube and can deliver a charge that is four times more powerful than the 30mm rounds it replaces. Armour piercing and training rounds have been developed for the cannon so far; point detonating rounds that can penetrate thick concrete and an airburst round for engaging light vehicles and infantry spread over a large area are currently undergoing qualification. An anti-aerial airburst round for airborne targets is also under development.
The cannon uses a new rotating breech system, with ammunition loaded at a 90 degree angle to the barrel before being rotated into firing position. This design saves space in the vehicle, creating extra room to store more ammunition or equipment.
Philip Dunne, Minister of State for Defence Procurement, said: ‘This next-generation cannon has been developed through close Anglo-French collaboration and adds significantly to the capability of the UK and our NATO allies. The delivery of the first cannon on our Ajax vehicles is another example of how our £178 billion investment in UK defence is ensuring our armed forces have the equipment they need.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up]()
Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up
Romania received its first Cobra MkII 4×4 light tactical armoured vehicles, ordered Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) and VAMTAC light vehicles, and is set to invest billions-of-dollars in infantry fighting vehicles.
-
![Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement]()
Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement
The Italian Army operates Pumas in 6×6 and 4×4 configurations but the platforms are ageing and numbers have fallen with obsolescence also being an issue. Any replacement is likely to have a focus on the involvement of local industry.
-
![Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand]()
Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand
The VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico or High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) 4×4 by Urovesa is in service with or has been ordered by eight countries, the most recent being Spain this month and Romania last month.
-
![CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality]()
CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality
The CV90 is in service with or ordered by ten countries. The agreement between six of these countries is designed to create commonality to provide economies of scale and a reduced training burden.
