The FNSS ARCT was developed utilising state-of-the-art technology, the most current design approaches and combat experiences by the user. Armed with guided anti-tank missiles, the FNSS developed ARCT within the Turkish Land Forces Anti-Tank Vehicles (ATV) Program that was signed between the Turkish Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM) and FNSS on June 27, 2016, and went into effect on October 14, 2016. The contract contains the delivery of a total of 260 tracked and wheeled armoured vehicles, to be designed and produced through indigenous capabilities. Working at an intense pace from the beginning of the ATV Program, FNSS managed to complete the design and prototype production phases of the ARCT within a very short period. Verification tests involving the long range firing of the first anti-tank guided missile were performed in the 18th month of the project calendar, and this critical stage was concluded successfully with a direct hit on the intended target. The tests also saw the firing tests of the coaxial machine gun with the platform both stationary and on the move. FNSS unveils its Anti-Tank Remote Controlled Turret (ARCT) at Eurosatory 2018.
Differently from the approach in which anti-tank missiles are integrated onto an already existing remote-controlled weapon system (RCWS) as an add-on capability, of which many examples can be named worldwide, the ARCT was designed from the onset as a dedicated ATGM turret.
Mission Specific Design: The ARCT was designed specifically for the anti-tank role from the very outset and has some important integrated features that turrets with add-on missile capability are lacking. ARCT offers the best optimization for low silhouette,armor protection, ergonomics, easy conversion to tripod launch configuration and sighting system. In line with the ATV Program requirements, the ARCT can be equipped with both KORNET-E and OMTAS ATGM missiles. With the two missile systems requiring very different integration approaches, ARCT is able to meet this challenging requirement through a modular design that relies on a common base structure and modular subsystems for each missile system.Owing to its design, the ARCT is ready from the very outset for integration with different missiles, which grants the users substantial flexibility.
Unlike conventional manned turrets, the ARCT lacks a basket structure and it is located above the top plate of the vehicle. This increases the vehicle’s internal useable volume, while the ARCT’s low silhouette and weight enables its integration onto different types of armored vehicles. Capable of performing continuous 360 degrees traverse, and -25° and +25° degree elevation, the ARCT is armed with two anti-tank guided missiles along with a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun. By means of its digital fire control system, the turret can automatically perform all the necessary ballistic calculations for achieving the highest hit probability, with both the missiles and coaxial machine gun. The gunner’s sight system including a new generation thermal camera, day camera, laser rangefinder and missile guidance electronics ensure the highly effective use of the weapons day, night and under all weather conditions. In its very first firing test, the ARCT demonstrated its ability to score direct hits on targets even at the maximum range of its missiles. The platform’s secondary armament serves to enhance the turret’s firepower, and expands its mission range. Functions such as charging, firing, electrical extraction of empty cartridges can be carried out automatically from inside the vehicle. The turret is equipped with a digital electric gun turret drive system, and a two-axis stabilization system to increase accuracy while on the move.
Survivability has been one of the primary focus areas of the design and the integrated armor solution provides the best protection with the lightest weight thru the use of advanced armor materials.The gunner, thru his control console, inside the vehicle can carry out surveillance; target detection, identification and missile lock-on and guidance functions, all the while remaining under ballistic protection. In the event of an emergency, mission batteries and smart power distribution system inside the turret enables the use of the turret’s drive system, firing functions and electro-optical systems independently of the vehicle’s battery, for an increased duration. The ARCT participate in the qualification tests of the KAPLAN-10 and PARS 4×4 vehicles developed under the ATV project. Serial production will commence once all of the tests have been completed, and deliveries will continue until 2021, when the turret will be serving on a total of 260 vehicles.
