UK Warrior Fightability& Lethality Improvement Programme live firing tests
Lockheed Martin UK - INSYS has successfully tested its design for the Warrior Fightability& Lethality Improvement Programme (WFLIP) in a series of limited live firing trials atthe Cranfield Ordnance Test & Evaluation Centre on Salisbury Plain Training Area. The successful completion of these tests marks a significant milestonein the accelerated development andintegration of a new turret and weapon system onto the British Army’s Warrior infantry fighting vehicle.
Through rapid prototyping Lockheed Martinhas taken its WFLIP turret from an idea, through concept design, physical prototyping to live firing in just 33 weeks.
“This successful live firing was a culmination of a fantastic effort from all our partners on the WarriorFLIPTeam,” said Ron Abbott,executivevice president, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “The information gathered has shown us that this design gives crews more space, commanders better situational awareness and gunners a wider choice of ammunitionmaking theWarrior more fightable. Our innovative design means there is no need to alter thehull of the Warrior, reducing the programme risk as the upgrade can be achieved while part of the Warrior BaseOverhaulprocess done by the UK Army Base Repair Organisation (ABRO).”
Lockheed Martin has used its world class Systems Engineering and Systems Integration expertise to integrate the ATK Bushmaster 30mm Mark 44 Cannon, ontoa modifiedWarrior turret with adualaxisstabilised BGTIsight from Thales Optronics Limited.Rhinemetall Defence has designed the cannon, the mounting structure and the Ammunition Handling System. Curtiss-Wrightis responsible for the turret stabilisation.
“These live firing tests were absolutely crucial,” said Stephen Ball, managing director of Lockheed Martin UK - INSYS. “Our experience in systems integration and land equipment has helped us create a solution which offers more for less and now we have proved our design works.”
Lockheed Martin has assembled a world class teamofpartner companies. In additionto Lockheed Martin UK - INSYS, the team includes Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control, TOL, RhinemetallDefence, ABRO, Curtiss-Wrightand ATK, the team also includes NP Aerospace, MOOG, Brimar, AB Connectors and SciSys.
The new weapon system will mean crews can engage moving targets while on the moveusingan advanced fire control systemwhich provides additional accuracy and lethality. The Bushmaster cannon brings the ability to fire the new generation of air burst munitions. Theupgradedturret will also house communications, electronic architecture and sighting equipment.
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