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Date Posted: 09-Aug-2010
Jane's Defence Weekly
Briefing: Stick to your guns
A growing number of infantry fighting vehicles are being armed with larger cannons and a wider variety of weapons to improve their firepower, reports Christopher F Foss
In order to improve the firepower of current and future tracked and wheeled infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) there has been a trend towards the installation of turrets armed with a larger calibre cannon.
Prior to this development, IFVs were usually armed with a 20 mm or 25 mm cannon. However, an increasing number of IFVs are now being fielded with a stabilised 30 mm or larger calibre cannon.
The commander and gunner are normally provided with stabilised day/thermal sights incorporating an eye-safe laser rangefinder coupled to a computerised fire-control system (FCS). This provides a high first-round hit probability against both stationary and moving targets in almost all weather conditions and while the platform is moving across uneven terrain.
In some cases, the commander is provided with a roof-mounted stabilised panoramic sight with day, thermal and laser capabilities.
This enables 'hunter-killer' target engagements to take place along similar lines to a main battle tank (MBT), where the commander first detects the threat and, if confirmed as hostile, instructs the gunner to engage the target. The commander can then immediately start to search and acquire another target.
However, these panoramic sighting systems can be very expensive and, in some cases, the total cost of the turret is more than the chassis.
In addition to having a medium calibre weapon, most turrets are also armed with a 7.62 mm co-axial machine gun (MG). Some users, such as Australia and Canada, also have an additional 7.62 mm or 5.56 mm MG mounted on the turret roofs of their LAV-25s to provide a close-in or air defence capability.
On occasion, these roof-mounted MGs are shielded to provide protection for the operator. A few turrets are also fitted with anti-tank guided weapons (ATGWs) to enable MBTs and other high-priority targets to be engaged at longer ranges.
Turrets are also fitted with banks of electrically-operated grenade launchers that can fire smoke, fragmentation or decoy grenades over the frontal arc and, in some cases, through a complete 360 degrees.
These grenade launchers can also be coupled to laser detectors to provide the crew with some warning that the platform has been targeted by a laser rangefinder, designator or weapon. This allows the vehicle to either avoid or launch decoy grenades to counter the threat.
Some of the more recent turrets are already fitted with elements of a defensive aids system (DAS) which will detect and deflect incoming ATGWs using a decoy and will also provide the platform with a soft-kill capability.
In the longer term, some AIFVs may be fitted with a hard-kill DAS. For example, the Israeli Namer (Tiger) heavy IFV will soon be equipped with the Israel Military Industries Iron Fist hard-kill DAS.
The Merkava Mk 4 MBT is fitted with the Rafael Armament Development Authority Trophy hard-kill DAS and the first order for Israel's Defence Force is for 100 systems.
Increasing the load
Turrets are becoming larger and heavier due to the increased size of the main armament and additional armour protection that is required, and also because of the equipment carried within the turret.
This equipment encompasses the weapon, ammunition and sights and also gun-control equipment, communications, battle management system and a land navigation system.
In addition, members of the turret crew usually have to wear body armour during combat operations, meaning that the turret hatches have to be larger, which subsequently impacts upon the overall turret design.
While some IFVs are fitted with a one-person turret armed with a medium-calibre cannon, most modern vehicles are fitted with a two-person turret.
For example, the Russian BMP-1 IFV was originally fitted with a one- person turret armed with a 73 mm 2A28 gun and 7.62 mm PKT co-axial MG. However, the follow-on BMP-2 is fitted with a two-person turret armed with a 30 mm 2A42 cannon, 7.62 mm PKT co-axial MG and a roof-mounted Konkurs ATGW.
In fact some users have moved away from installing turrets on their IFVs and now fit a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS), which can be armed with a medium-calibre cannon, co-axial MG and - in some cases - a pod of ATGWs.
Unmanned turrets
The installation of a RCWS provides the customer with a number of advantages including a significant weight reduction and the fact that space is not taken up within the hull. This also means that additional troops can be carried.
The German Army's new Puma Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV), utilises a remote-controlled turret armed with a 30 mm cannon and 5.56 mm co-axial MG and carries six dismounts. If a conventional turret was installed on the Puma chassis it is probable that only four dismounts could be carried.
The Israeli company Elbit developed the UT-30 unmanned turret and this is already in quantity production for the export market.
Known customers include Belgium (32 have been installed on their fleet of Piranha IIICs), Portugal (two installed on their Pandur IIs), Slovenia (six + 25 installed on their Armoured Modular Vehicles [AMVs]), while Brazil has ordered three + 216 RCWSs for installation on its new 6x6 amphibious armoured personnel carriers (APCs).
While some vehicles are supplied by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) already fitted with standard turret and weapon systems, other contractors do not provide a turret or RCWS and leave the decision to the individual customer. The end user may even hold a separate competition for the turret and its associated weapon system to be installed on other chassis.
Upgraded turrets
An alternative to the installation of a new turret is to upgrade the existing turret in a number of areas. This can include the replacement of the original image intensification (II) sights with thermal sights that allow targets to be detected, recognised and tracked from a longer range. The turret can also be fitted with appliqué armour for additional protection.
An alternative to the installation of a larger calibre weapon is to use enhanced ammunition. For example, the older armour-piercing discarding sabot (APDS) round can be replaced by an armour-piercing fin-stabilised discard sabot (APDSDS) round which, despite being more expensive, has better armour-penetration capabilities.
The most recent development in medium calibre ammunition is the development and production of air-bursting munition (ABM). This allows the user to programme rounds in the breech or at the muzzle to detonate over a pre-designated target.
ASCOD IFVs
The Austrian Spanish Co-operative Development (ASCOD) IFV is now in service with Austria (known as the Ulan) and Spain (known as the Pizarro) and is fitted with a two-person turret armed with a Rheinmetall Mauser MK 30-2 dual feed 30 mm cannon and a 7.62 mm co-axial MG. This turret was originally developed by Steyr-Daimler-Puch (now General Dynamics European Land Systems) as the SP30 and is being marketed in various configurations and protection levels according to customer requirements.
Pandur II
Portugal is taking delivery of a total of 260 Pandur II (8x8) vehicles of which 30 are in the IFV configuration and fitted with the SP30 turret armed with a Rheinmetall Mauser MK 30-2 mm dual-feed cannon and 7.62 mm co-axial MG. This has a computerised FCS and an automatic target tracker.
French VCI
The French Nexter Systems Vehicule de Combat d'Infanterie (VCI) 8x8 infantry combat vehicle (ICV) is fitted with a one-person Nexter Systems turret called the Tarask (Tourelle Modulaire Compacte 25 mm).
This turret is armed with a stabilised 25 mm M811 dual-feed cannon that has 293 rounds of ready use ammunition (including 209 high explosive and 84 armour piercing rounds). A 7.62 mm MG is mounted co-axially with the main armament, which is laid onto the target using a day/thermal sight with laser rangefinder.
A Sagem panoramic sight with day/thermal channels and a laser rangefinder, used by the commander, who is seated forward of the gunner is fitted to the top of the turret. This allows hunter-killer target engagements to take place.
The French Army is currently procuring a total of 530 VCIs (with deliveries due to be completed by 2015) and the first regiment to receive the platforms has already been fully equipped. The 110 vehicles in the command post configuration are fitted with the FN Arrows RCWS armed with a .50 M2 HB MG.
AMVs on the rise
Installing weapon stations on IFVs is of importance to many militaries and a good example of a competing design is the Finnish Patria Land and Armaments Armoured Modular Vehicle 8x8 APC, with each fitting a different turret or RCWS.
The Finnish Defense Force's AMVs are equipped with a Norwegian Kongsberg Protector RCWS armed with a .50 M2 HB MG but the vehicle can be fitted with much heavier turrets including a CMI Defence CT-CV two-person weapon system armed with a stabilised 105 mm gun.
Meanwhile, the Polish Army are taking delivery of 690 AMVs, with 313 of these platforms fitted with the Oto Melara Hitfist 30P two-person turret armed with a stabilised ATK Integrated Weapon Systems 30 mm MK 44 dual feed cannon and a 7.62 mm MG. The first 72 turrets were manufactured in Italy with the remainder manufactured under licence in Poland.
The South African Army has also selected the AMV to replace its Ratel (6x6) IFV which is currently in service with the force. This vehicle is called the Badger and the IFV version will be fitted with a new-generation Denel Land Systems two-person turret armed with a locally developed 30 mm Cam Gun dual feed cannon and 7.62 mm co-axial MG.
MCTs
The Modular Combat Turret (MCT) developed for the Badger New-Generation Infantry Combat Vehicle (NGICV) consists of five versions.
These comprise of section variants (MCT-SVs with a 30 mm cannon and 7.62 mm MG), fire support variants (MCT-FSV with similar armament), mortar variants (MVs with 60 mm long-range mortar and MGs), command variants (MCV-CV) and the missile variant (MCT-MsVs with a pod of two ATGWs either side of the turret).
All of these MCTs are designed around the basic fighting compartment module (FCM) in which maximum commonality and re-use of components and modules are achieved. The FCM turret can also be configured to any of the variants with the addition, or removal, of armour, sights and weapon system modules.
A total of 405 Project System and Management (PSM) Puma AIFVs are currently in production for the German Army with deliveries running from late 2010 through to 2020. PSM is a joint venture between Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall.
This advanced vehicle is fitted with a remote-controlled turret, also developed by KMW, which is armed with a Rheinmetall Mauser MK 30-2 30 mm dual-feed cannon and a 5.56 mm MG4 MG with a pod of Spike long-range ATGWs mounted on the left side of the turret. In addition to firing an APFSDS-T round, the 30 mm dual cannon will also fire an ABM round.
Although originally developed for the Puma, a modified version of this turret has recently been installed on a Boxer Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle (MRAV) by KMW for trial purposes.
This turret is armed with a ATK Integrated Weapon Systems combat proven 30 mm MK44 cannon and located on top of the turret is a KMW FLW 200 RCWS which is already in production for the German Army. The completed system is called the Boxer Remote Controlled Turret (RCT).
Lance MTS
Rheinmetall Defence has considerable experience in the design, development and production of a wide range of weapon systems and turrets with their latest being the Lance Modular Turret System (MTS). The Lance is now in production for Spain's marines, who have ordered four turrets for installation on their General Dynamics European Land Systems - MOWAG Piranha IIIC (8x8) amphibious APCs.
The MTS will be armed with the Rheinmetall Mauser MK 30-2 30 mm dual-feed cannon with 200 rounds of ready-use ammunition and a 7.62 mm co-axial MG. Spanish Lance turrets will be fitted with a Rheinmetall Defence Electronics Stabilised Electro-Optical Sighting System (SEOSS) for commander and gunner.
In mid-2010, a Boxer MRAV (8x8) was displayed at Eurosatory 2010 exhibition in Paris fitted with a Lance MTS mounted on the rear mission module with six dismounts transported in the rear of the platform. The MRAV was also fitted with a SEOSS and the situational awareness system (SAS).
Further development of the Lance MTS turret is the basis for the Lockheed Martin's UK Ampthill two-person turret to be installed on the General Dynamics UK Specialist Vehicle - Scout. Rheinmetall are also studying remote controlled versions of the Lance MTS.
Oto Melara's Hitfist
Oto Melara have considerable experience in the design, development and production of a wider range of RCWS and turrets.
To this end, the Italian Army has taken delivery of 200 Dardo IFV fitted with the Oto Melara Fire In Small Turret (Hitfist) 25 mm turret which is armed with the now Rheinmetall Air Defence Oerlikon 25 mm KBA dual-feed cannon and a 7.62 mm co-axial MG.
A further development of the Hitfist is fitted to the Italian Army's new Freccia IFV (8x8).
Oto Melara have also developed the Hitfist 30 mm overhead weapon station (OWS), which was first displayed in mid-2008 and was tested on a 8x8 chassis during 2009. Trials are ongoing.
An unusual feature of this OWS is that the gunner has access to the turret through a trap door with six periscopes in the roof to provide all-round situational awareness.
Oto Melara have also developed the 105 mm three-person low-recoil force turret which is installed on the Centauro (8x8) armoured car used by Italy (400) and Spain (84).
More recently, Oto Melara placed the HITFACT three-person turret armed with a 120 mm smoothbore gun in production. It is understood that the first customer for this is Oman, which is taking delivery of nine Centauro vehicles fitted with this turret.
Currently, the most well-armed IFV in the world is the Kurgan BMP-3, which entered service with the Russian Army in 1990 and has been continuously improved since then - particularly in the area of firepower and survivability.
The BMP-3 IFV is also the best selling Russian vehicle in its class and has been sold to Cyprus, Indonesia, South Korea, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The IFV is fitted with a two-person turret armed with a 100 mm 2A70 gun fed by an automatic loader that, in addition to firing conventional ammunition, can also fire a laser-guided projectile to a maximum range of 5,500 m. Mounted co-axially with the 100 mm gun is a 30 mm 2A72 cannon and a 7.62 mm PKT co-axial MG.
For trial purposes this turret has been fitted onto a number of other chassis including the Russian BTR-90 (8 x 8) APC, the Turkish FNSS Armoured Combat Vehicle - Stretched (ACV-S), the Belgian Sabiex OF-40 based heavy infantry fighting vehicle and the Patria Land & Armament AMV.
In the meantime, the Russian KBP Instrument Design Bureau has developed a new-generation turret for the BMP-3, which is offered in various configurations including with a computerised FCS and enhanced sighting system.
The Russian BMD-4 airborne combat vehicle features the turret of the BMP-3 and a similar turret is also installed on the new Chinese ZBD-97 IFV which was first displayed at China's military parade in Beijing in October 2009.
The older Kungan BMP-2 turret has been offered on the export market to enhance the firepower of existing vehicles. Egypt has taken delivery of at least 58 of these turrets for installation on its locally-built Kader Factory for Development Industries Fahd (4x4) APC. When fitted with this turret, the vehicle is called the Fahd 240/30.
Kurgan is also offering a complete upgrade for the BMP-2 IFV, which includes an upgraded turret with a new FCS with thermal sights and a roof-mounted ATGW and 30 mm AGL.
In the meantime, the KBP Instrument Design Bureau has also developed a BMP-2 turret upgrade that includes the removal of the roof-mounted Spandrel ATGW and installation on either side of the turret of two launchers for the more recent Kornet-E laser-guided ATGW.
The Kornet-E has a maximum range of 5,500 m and, in addition to being fitted with a tandem high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead, can also be equipped with a thermobaric warhead which is highly effective against bunkers and field fortifications.
There is also a 30 mm AG-30 AGL mounted on the turret roof towards the rear of the platform.
Singapore's STK turret
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has now deployed a number of variants of the Singapore Technologies Kinetics (STK) Bionix IFV, including two versions fitted with a two-person turret developed by STK.
Both of these turrets comprise welded steel armour and applique armour with turret traverse and weapon elevation that operate electronically (although they have manual backup in case of malfunction).
The gunner has a day/thermal sight with the commander having an optical relay of the gunner's sight.
The first Bionix IFV is fitted with the standard ATK Integrated Weapon Systems 25 mm M242 dual-feed cannon and 7.62 mm co-axial MG. The second and more recent version is armed with the more powerful ATK Integrated Weapon Systems 30 mm MK44 cannon and 7.62 mm co-axial MG.
Sweden's CV9040 turret
The Swedish Army's CV9040 family of tracked combat vehicles was originally developed by Hägglunds, who manufactured the chassis, and Bofors, who manufactured the turret, with the baseline IFV model being fitted with a two-person turret armed with a 40 mm L/70 Bofors cannon and a 7.62 mm co-axial MG.
The army took delivery of a total of 354 platforms in the IFV configuration between 1994 and 2002 and 30 platforms in the air defence role, which are also armed with a 40 mm L/70 cannon and a 7.62 mm co-axial MG.
Bofors and Hägglunds are now part of BAE Systems, Global Combat Systems and developed a brand new two-person turret that has been built in large numbers for the export market in various configurations. These have also been offered for installation on other chassis.
The CV9035 is the latest version of the CV90 and has been produced for Denmark (45 units which have all been delivered) and the Netherlands (184 units with final deliveries due in 2011).
This advanced turret has the latest ATK Inegrated Weapon Systems 35 mm Bushmaster III cannon which with minor changes, could fire 50 mm ammunition when fully developed.
British Army Warrior IFV
Currently, the British Army BAE Systems Global Combat Systems Warrior IFV is fitted with a two-person turret, originally developed by Vickers Defence Systems, and is armed with an unstabilised and slow-firing 30 mm Rarden cannon and 7.62 mm co-axial MG.
The turret has already been upgraded with the General Dynamics UK Bowman digital communications system and Thales Battlegroup Thermal Imaging system.
In the meantime, in a bid to extend the out-of-service date to beyond 2030, the British Army is planning to upgrade up to 449 Warrior IFVs under the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP).
As envisaged, the WCSP consists of the Warrior Fightability Lethality Improvement Pogramme, Warrior Enhanced Electronic Architecture and the Warrior Modular Protection System, with each of these possessing a number of sub-elements.
BAE Systems Global Combat Systems (who are the design authority for the Warrior IFV) and Lockheed Martin UK Ampthill submitted their bids for the WCSP in 2009. It was expected that a winner would be announced in March 2010 but both contractors have been asked to resubmit their bids by late August 2010.
Both companies use the same CTAI 40 mm Case Telescoped Armament System (CTAS), which has been mandated by the UK MoD for the WCSP and also the Specialist Vehicle Scout for which General Dynamics UK was awarded the GBP500 million (USD795 million) demonstration contract in July 2010.
BAE Systems Global Combat Systems have also developed and completed manned firing trials of their MTIP-2 (Manned Turret Integration Programme) on a Warrior chassis in 2009.
However, Lockheed Martin UK Ampthill have based their design on the existing Warrior turret, which carried out initial firing trials with the ATK Integrated Weapon Systems 30 mm MK44 cannon but which will now be fitted with a mandated 40 mm CTAS.
US capabilities
While many countries are fitting larger calibre weapons to their vehicles, the US Army has retained their BAE Systems Global Combat Systems Bradley IFV while the US Marine Corps (USMC) have retained their fleet of General Dynamics Land Systems Light Armoured Vehicles (LAV) complete with the original two-person turrets.
These platforms are both armed with the ATK 25 mm M242 cannon and co-axial 7.62 mm MG and these turrets have been upgraded in recent years to enhance their capabilities.
To this end, the Bradley turret is also equipped with a twin launcher on left side of the turret for two TOW ATGWs with a maximum range of 3,750 m and has been upgraded with additional armour, an Improved Bradley Acquisition System and a Commanders Independent Thermal Viewer.
The Bradley turret has also been offered for installation on other chassis, with a typical example being the Egyptian IFV. This consisted of the BAE Systems Global Combat Systems Mobile Tactical Vehicle Light fitted with the complete turret of the Bradley IFV. This was developed to the prototype stage but never entered production.
The Bradley IFV was to have been replaced by the infantry carrier vehicle member of the Future Combat System, which was cancelled last year. If fielded, the IFV would have been fitted with a remote turret armed with 30 mm MK44 cannon, which could be upgraded to 40 mm in the future. However, it is expected that the projected US Army Ground Combat Vehicle will have a similar weapon system.
The delayed General Dynamics Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle is the long-term replacement for AAV7A1 - currently fielded - and this is fitted with a two-person turret armed with a ATK 30 mm MK44 cannon and 7.62 mm co-axial MG. General Dynamics Land Systems also manufactured the turret for the US Marine Corps LAV and an enhanced version has been produced for a number of other countries including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia.
GKN Defence (today BAE Systems Global Combat Systems) supplied 254 Desert Warrior IFVs to Kuwait. The majority of these were fitted with a new General Dynamics Land Systems two-person turret armed with an ATK Integrated Weapon Systems 25 mm M242 cannon, 7.62 mm co-axial MG and a launcher either side of the turret for a Raytheon 3,750 m range TOW ATGW. General Dynamics Land Systems have also developed 30 and 35 mm two-person turrets but these have yet to enter production.
Finally, Textron Marine & Land Systems has built large numbers of one- and two-man turrets and continues to market these. The only turret currently in production is the .40 mm/.50 UpGunned Weapon Station, of which over 2,700 have been built for installation on the US Army's M1117 Armored Security Vehicle.
Date Posted: 09-Aug-2010
Jane's Defence Weekly
Briefing: Stick to your guns
A growing number of infantry fighting vehicles are being armed with larger cannons and a wider variety of weapons to improve their firepower, reports Christopher F Foss
In order to improve the firepower of current and future tracked and wheeled infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) there has been a trend towards the installation of turrets armed with a larger calibre cannon.
Prior to this development, IFVs were usually armed with a 20 mm or 25 mm cannon. However, an increasing number of IFVs are now being fielded with a stabilised 30 mm or larger calibre cannon.
The commander and gunner are normally provided with stabilised day/thermal sights incorporating an eye-safe laser rangefinder coupled to a computerised fire-control system (FCS). This provides a high first-round hit probability against both stationary and moving targets in almost all weather conditions and while the platform is moving across uneven terrain.
In some cases, the commander is provided with a roof-mounted stabilised panoramic sight with day, thermal and laser capabilities.
This enables 'hunter-killer' target engagements to take place along similar lines to a main battle tank (MBT), where the commander first detects the threat and, if confirmed as hostile, instructs the gunner to engage the target. The commander can then immediately start to search and acquire another target.
However, these panoramic sighting systems can be very expensive and, in some cases, the total cost of the turret is more than the chassis.
In addition to having a medium calibre weapon, most turrets are also armed with a 7.62 mm co-axial machine gun (MG). Some users, such as Australia and Canada, also have an additional 7.62 mm or 5.56 mm MG mounted on the turret roofs of their LAV-25s to provide a close-in or air defence capability.
On occasion, these roof-mounted MGs are shielded to provide protection for the operator. A few turrets are also fitted with anti-tank guided weapons (ATGWs) to enable MBTs and other high-priority targets to be engaged at longer ranges.
Turrets are also fitted with banks of electrically-operated grenade launchers that can fire smoke, fragmentation or decoy grenades over the frontal arc and, in some cases, through a complete 360 degrees.
These grenade launchers can also be coupled to laser detectors to provide the crew with some warning that the platform has been targeted by a laser rangefinder, designator or weapon. This allows the vehicle to either avoid or launch decoy grenades to counter the threat.
Some of the more recent turrets are already fitted with elements of a defensive aids system (DAS) which will detect and deflect incoming ATGWs using a decoy and will also provide the platform with a soft-kill capability.
In the longer term, some AIFVs may be fitted with a hard-kill DAS. For example, the Israeli Namer (Tiger) heavy IFV will soon be equipped with the Israel Military Industries Iron Fist hard-kill DAS.
The Merkava Mk 4 MBT is fitted with the Rafael Armament Development Authority Trophy hard-kill DAS and the first order for Israel's Defence Force is for 100 systems.
Increasing the load
Turrets are becoming larger and heavier due to the increased size of the main armament and additional armour protection that is required, and also because of the equipment carried within the turret.
This equipment encompasses the weapon, ammunition and sights and also gun-control equipment, communications, battle management system and a land navigation system.
In addition, members of the turret crew usually have to wear body armour during combat operations, meaning that the turret hatches have to be larger, which subsequently impacts upon the overall turret design.
While some IFVs are fitted with a one-person turret armed with a medium-calibre cannon, most modern vehicles are fitted with a two-person turret.
For example, the Russian BMP-1 IFV was originally fitted with a one- person turret armed with a 73 mm 2A28 gun and 7.62 mm PKT co-axial MG. However, the follow-on BMP-2 is fitted with a two-person turret armed with a 30 mm 2A42 cannon, 7.62 mm PKT co-axial MG and a roof-mounted Konkurs ATGW.
In fact some users have moved away from installing turrets on their IFVs and now fit a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS), which can be armed with a medium-calibre cannon, co-axial MG and - in some cases - a pod of ATGWs.
Unmanned turrets
The installation of a RCWS provides the customer with a number of advantages including a significant weight reduction and the fact that space is not taken up within the hull. This also means that additional troops can be carried.
The German Army's new Puma Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV), utilises a remote-controlled turret armed with a 30 mm cannon and 5.56 mm co-axial MG and carries six dismounts. If a conventional turret was installed on the Puma chassis it is probable that only four dismounts could be carried.
The Israeli company Elbit developed the UT-30 unmanned turret and this is already in quantity production for the export market.
Known customers include Belgium (32 have been installed on their fleet of Piranha IIICs), Portugal (two installed on their Pandur IIs), Slovenia (six + 25 installed on their Armoured Modular Vehicles [AMVs]), while Brazil has ordered three + 216 RCWSs for installation on its new 6x6 amphibious armoured personnel carriers (APCs).
While some vehicles are supplied by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) already fitted with standard turret and weapon systems, other contractors do not provide a turret or RCWS and leave the decision to the individual customer. The end user may even hold a separate competition for the turret and its associated weapon system to be installed on other chassis.
Upgraded turrets
An alternative to the installation of a new turret is to upgrade the existing turret in a number of areas. This can include the replacement of the original image intensification (II) sights with thermal sights that allow targets to be detected, recognised and tracked from a longer range. The turret can also be fitted with appliqué armour for additional protection.
An alternative to the installation of a larger calibre weapon is to use enhanced ammunition. For example, the older armour-piercing discarding sabot (APDS) round can be replaced by an armour-piercing fin-stabilised discard sabot (APDSDS) round which, despite being more expensive, has better armour-penetration capabilities.
The most recent development in medium calibre ammunition is the development and production of air-bursting munition (ABM). This allows the user to programme rounds in the breech or at the muzzle to detonate over a pre-designated target.
ASCOD IFVs
The Austrian Spanish Co-operative Development (ASCOD) IFV is now in service with Austria (known as the Ulan) and Spain (known as the Pizarro) and is fitted with a two-person turret armed with a Rheinmetall Mauser MK 30-2 dual feed 30 mm cannon and a 7.62 mm co-axial MG. This turret was originally developed by Steyr-Daimler-Puch (now General Dynamics European Land Systems) as the SP30 and is being marketed in various configurations and protection levels according to customer requirements.
Pandur II
Portugal is taking delivery of a total of 260 Pandur II (8x8) vehicles of which 30 are in the IFV configuration and fitted with the SP30 turret armed with a Rheinmetall Mauser MK 30-2 mm dual-feed cannon and 7.62 mm co-axial MG. This has a computerised FCS and an automatic target tracker.
French VCI
The French Nexter Systems Vehicule de Combat d'Infanterie (VCI) 8x8 infantry combat vehicle (ICV) is fitted with a one-person Nexter Systems turret called the Tarask (Tourelle Modulaire Compacte 25 mm).
This turret is armed with a stabilised 25 mm M811 dual-feed cannon that has 293 rounds of ready use ammunition (including 209 high explosive and 84 armour piercing rounds). A 7.62 mm MG is mounted co-axially with the main armament, which is laid onto the target using a day/thermal sight with laser rangefinder.
A Sagem panoramic sight with day/thermal channels and a laser rangefinder, used by the commander, who is seated forward of the gunner is fitted to the top of the turret. This allows hunter-killer target engagements to take place.
The French Army is currently procuring a total of 530 VCIs (with deliveries due to be completed by 2015) and the first regiment to receive the platforms has already been fully equipped. The 110 vehicles in the command post configuration are fitted with the FN Arrows RCWS armed with a .50 M2 HB MG.
AMVs on the rise
Installing weapon stations on IFVs is of importance to many militaries and a good example of a competing design is the Finnish Patria Land and Armaments Armoured Modular Vehicle 8x8 APC, with each fitting a different turret or RCWS.
The Finnish Defense Force's AMVs are equipped with a Norwegian Kongsberg Protector RCWS armed with a .50 M2 HB MG but the vehicle can be fitted with much heavier turrets including a CMI Defence CT-CV two-person weapon system armed with a stabilised 105 mm gun.
Meanwhile, the Polish Army are taking delivery of 690 AMVs, with 313 of these platforms fitted with the Oto Melara Hitfist 30P two-person turret armed with a stabilised ATK Integrated Weapon Systems 30 mm MK 44 dual feed cannon and a 7.62 mm MG. The first 72 turrets were manufactured in Italy with the remainder manufactured under licence in Poland.
The South African Army has also selected the AMV to replace its Ratel (6x6) IFV which is currently in service with the force. This vehicle is called the Badger and the IFV version will be fitted with a new-generation Denel Land Systems two-person turret armed with a locally developed 30 mm Cam Gun dual feed cannon and 7.62 mm co-axial MG.
MCTs
The Modular Combat Turret (MCT) developed for the Badger New-Generation Infantry Combat Vehicle (NGICV) consists of five versions.
These comprise of section variants (MCT-SVs with a 30 mm cannon and 7.62 mm MG), fire support variants (MCT-FSV with similar armament), mortar variants (MVs with 60 mm long-range mortar and MGs), command variants (MCV-CV) and the missile variant (MCT-MsVs with a pod of two ATGWs either side of the turret).
All of these MCTs are designed around the basic fighting compartment module (FCM) in which maximum commonality and re-use of components and modules are achieved. The FCM turret can also be configured to any of the variants with the addition, or removal, of armour, sights and weapon system modules.
A total of 405 Project System and Management (PSM) Puma AIFVs are currently in production for the German Army with deliveries running from late 2010 through to 2020. PSM is a joint venture between Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall.
This advanced vehicle is fitted with a remote-controlled turret, also developed by KMW, which is armed with a Rheinmetall Mauser MK 30-2 30 mm dual-feed cannon and a 5.56 mm MG4 MG with a pod of Spike long-range ATGWs mounted on the left side of the turret. In addition to firing an APFSDS-T round, the 30 mm dual cannon will also fire an ABM round.
Although originally developed for the Puma, a modified version of this turret has recently been installed on a Boxer Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle (MRAV) by KMW for trial purposes.
This turret is armed with a ATK Integrated Weapon Systems combat proven 30 mm MK44 cannon and located on top of the turret is a KMW FLW 200 RCWS which is already in production for the German Army. The completed system is called the Boxer Remote Controlled Turret (RCT).
Lance MTS
Rheinmetall Defence has considerable experience in the design, development and production of a wide range of weapon systems and turrets with their latest being the Lance Modular Turret System (MTS). The Lance is now in production for Spain's marines, who have ordered four turrets for installation on their General Dynamics European Land Systems - MOWAG Piranha IIIC (8x8) amphibious APCs.
The MTS will be armed with the Rheinmetall Mauser MK 30-2 30 mm dual-feed cannon with 200 rounds of ready-use ammunition and a 7.62 mm co-axial MG. Spanish Lance turrets will be fitted with a Rheinmetall Defence Electronics Stabilised Electro-Optical Sighting System (SEOSS) for commander and gunner.
In mid-2010, a Boxer MRAV (8x8) was displayed at Eurosatory 2010 exhibition in Paris fitted with a Lance MTS mounted on the rear mission module with six dismounts transported in the rear of the platform. The MRAV was also fitted with a SEOSS and the situational awareness system (SAS).
Further development of the Lance MTS turret is the basis for the Lockheed Martin's UK Ampthill two-person turret to be installed on the General Dynamics UK Specialist Vehicle - Scout. Rheinmetall are also studying remote controlled versions of the Lance MTS.
Oto Melara's Hitfist
Oto Melara have considerable experience in the design, development and production of a wider range of RCWS and turrets.
To this end, the Italian Army has taken delivery of 200 Dardo IFV fitted with the Oto Melara Fire In Small Turret (Hitfist) 25 mm turret which is armed with the now Rheinmetall Air Defence Oerlikon 25 mm KBA dual-feed cannon and a 7.62 mm co-axial MG.
A further development of the Hitfist is fitted to the Italian Army's new Freccia IFV (8x8).
Oto Melara have also developed the Hitfist 30 mm overhead weapon station (OWS), which was first displayed in mid-2008 and was tested on a 8x8 chassis during 2009. Trials are ongoing.
An unusual feature of this OWS is that the gunner has access to the turret through a trap door with six periscopes in the roof to provide all-round situational awareness.
Oto Melara have also developed the 105 mm three-person low-recoil force turret which is installed on the Centauro (8x8) armoured car used by Italy (400) and Spain (84).
More recently, Oto Melara placed the HITFACT three-person turret armed with a 120 mm smoothbore gun in production. It is understood that the first customer for this is Oman, which is taking delivery of nine Centauro vehicles fitted with this turret.
Currently, the most well-armed IFV in the world is the Kurgan BMP-3, which entered service with the Russian Army in 1990 and has been continuously improved since then - particularly in the area of firepower and survivability.
The BMP-3 IFV is also the best selling Russian vehicle in its class and has been sold to Cyprus, Indonesia, South Korea, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The IFV is fitted with a two-person turret armed with a 100 mm 2A70 gun fed by an automatic loader that, in addition to firing conventional ammunition, can also fire a laser-guided projectile to a maximum range of 5,500 m. Mounted co-axially with the 100 mm gun is a 30 mm 2A72 cannon and a 7.62 mm PKT co-axial MG.
For trial purposes this turret has been fitted onto a number of other chassis including the Russian BTR-90 (8 x 8) APC, the Turkish FNSS Armoured Combat Vehicle - Stretched (ACV-S), the Belgian Sabiex OF-40 based heavy infantry fighting vehicle and the Patria Land & Armament AMV.
In the meantime, the Russian KBP Instrument Design Bureau has developed a new-generation turret for the BMP-3, which is offered in various configurations including with a computerised FCS and enhanced sighting system.
The Russian BMD-4 airborne combat vehicle features the turret of the BMP-3 and a similar turret is also installed on the new Chinese ZBD-97 IFV which was first displayed at China's military parade in Beijing in October 2009.
The older Kungan BMP-2 turret has been offered on the export market to enhance the firepower of existing vehicles. Egypt has taken delivery of at least 58 of these turrets for installation on its locally-built Kader Factory for Development Industries Fahd (4x4) APC. When fitted with this turret, the vehicle is called the Fahd 240/30.
Kurgan is also offering a complete upgrade for the BMP-2 IFV, which includes an upgraded turret with a new FCS with thermal sights and a roof-mounted ATGW and 30 mm AGL.
In the meantime, the KBP Instrument Design Bureau has also developed a BMP-2 turret upgrade that includes the removal of the roof-mounted Spandrel ATGW and installation on either side of the turret of two launchers for the more recent Kornet-E laser-guided ATGW.
The Kornet-E has a maximum range of 5,500 m and, in addition to being fitted with a tandem high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead, can also be equipped with a thermobaric warhead which is highly effective against bunkers and field fortifications.
There is also a 30 mm AG-30 AGL mounted on the turret roof towards the rear of the platform.
Singapore's STK turret
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has now deployed a number of variants of the Singapore Technologies Kinetics (STK) Bionix IFV, including two versions fitted with a two-person turret developed by STK.
Both of these turrets comprise welded steel armour and applique armour with turret traverse and weapon elevation that operate electronically (although they have manual backup in case of malfunction).
The gunner has a day/thermal sight with the commander having an optical relay of the gunner's sight.
The first Bionix IFV is fitted with the standard ATK Integrated Weapon Systems 25 mm M242 dual-feed cannon and 7.62 mm co-axial MG. The second and more recent version is armed with the more powerful ATK Integrated Weapon Systems 30 mm MK44 cannon and 7.62 mm co-axial MG.
Sweden's CV9040 turret
The Swedish Army's CV9040 family of tracked combat vehicles was originally developed by Hägglunds, who manufactured the chassis, and Bofors, who manufactured the turret, with the baseline IFV model being fitted with a two-person turret armed with a 40 mm L/70 Bofors cannon and a 7.62 mm co-axial MG.
The army took delivery of a total of 354 platforms in the IFV configuration between 1994 and 2002 and 30 platforms in the air defence role, which are also armed with a 40 mm L/70 cannon and a 7.62 mm co-axial MG.
Bofors and Hägglunds are now part of BAE Systems, Global Combat Systems and developed a brand new two-person turret that has been built in large numbers for the export market in various configurations. These have also been offered for installation on other chassis.
The CV9035 is the latest version of the CV90 and has been produced for Denmark (45 units which have all been delivered) and the Netherlands (184 units with final deliveries due in 2011).
This advanced turret has the latest ATK Inegrated Weapon Systems 35 mm Bushmaster III cannon which with minor changes, could fire 50 mm ammunition when fully developed.
British Army Warrior IFV
Currently, the British Army BAE Systems Global Combat Systems Warrior IFV is fitted with a two-person turret, originally developed by Vickers Defence Systems, and is armed with an unstabilised and slow-firing 30 mm Rarden cannon and 7.62 mm co-axial MG.
The turret has already been upgraded with the General Dynamics UK Bowman digital communications system and Thales Battlegroup Thermal Imaging system.
In the meantime, in a bid to extend the out-of-service date to beyond 2030, the British Army is planning to upgrade up to 449 Warrior IFVs under the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP).
As envisaged, the WCSP consists of the Warrior Fightability Lethality Improvement Pogramme, Warrior Enhanced Electronic Architecture and the Warrior Modular Protection System, with each of these possessing a number of sub-elements.
BAE Systems Global Combat Systems (who are the design authority for the Warrior IFV) and Lockheed Martin UK Ampthill submitted their bids for the WCSP in 2009. It was expected that a winner would be announced in March 2010 but both contractors have been asked to resubmit their bids by late August 2010.
Both companies use the same CTAI 40 mm Case Telescoped Armament System (CTAS), which has been mandated by the UK MoD for the WCSP and also the Specialist Vehicle Scout for which General Dynamics UK was awarded the GBP500 million (USD795 million) demonstration contract in July 2010.
BAE Systems Global Combat Systems have also developed and completed manned firing trials of their MTIP-2 (Manned Turret Integration Programme) on a Warrior chassis in 2009.
However, Lockheed Martin UK Ampthill have based their design on the existing Warrior turret, which carried out initial firing trials with the ATK Integrated Weapon Systems 30 mm MK44 cannon but which will now be fitted with a mandated 40 mm CTAS.
US capabilities
While many countries are fitting larger calibre weapons to their vehicles, the US Army has retained their BAE Systems Global Combat Systems Bradley IFV while the US Marine Corps (USMC) have retained their fleet of General Dynamics Land Systems Light Armoured Vehicles (LAV) complete with the original two-person turrets.
These platforms are both armed with the ATK 25 mm M242 cannon and co-axial 7.62 mm MG and these turrets have been upgraded in recent years to enhance their capabilities.
To this end, the Bradley turret is also equipped with a twin launcher on left side of the turret for two TOW ATGWs with a maximum range of 3,750 m and has been upgraded with additional armour, an Improved Bradley Acquisition System and a Commanders Independent Thermal Viewer.
The Bradley turret has also been offered for installation on other chassis, with a typical example being the Egyptian IFV. This consisted of the BAE Systems Global Combat Systems Mobile Tactical Vehicle Light fitted with the complete turret of the Bradley IFV. This was developed to the prototype stage but never entered production.
The Bradley IFV was to have been replaced by the infantry carrier vehicle member of the Future Combat System, which was cancelled last year. If fielded, the IFV would have been fitted with a remote turret armed with 30 mm MK44 cannon, which could be upgraded to 40 mm in the future. However, it is expected that the projected US Army Ground Combat Vehicle will have a similar weapon system.
The delayed General Dynamics Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle is the long-term replacement for AAV7A1 - currently fielded - and this is fitted with a two-person turret armed with a ATK 30 mm MK44 cannon and 7.62 mm co-axial MG. General Dynamics Land Systems also manufactured the turret for the US Marine Corps LAV and an enhanced version has been produced for a number of other countries including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia.
GKN Defence (today BAE Systems Global Combat Systems) supplied 254 Desert Warrior IFVs to Kuwait. The majority of these were fitted with a new General Dynamics Land Systems two-person turret armed with an ATK Integrated Weapon Systems 25 mm M242 cannon, 7.62 mm co-axial MG and a launcher either side of the turret for a Raytheon 3,750 m range TOW ATGW. General Dynamics Land Systems have also developed 30 and 35 mm two-person turrets but these have yet to enter production.
Finally, Textron Marine & Land Systems has built large numbers of one- and two-man turrets and continues to market these. The only turret currently in production is the .40 mm/.50 UpGunned Weapon Station, of which over 2,700 have been built for installation on the US Army's M1117 Armored Security Vehicle.
