General Dynamics Land Systems–UK, recently conducted live crew clearance trials at MoD Pendine in South Wales – involving a British Army crew operating a CT40mm cannon and 7.62mm chain gun aboard their AJAX Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) for the first time. The AJAX AFV is a fully-digital, fully-integrated reconnaissance vehicle with the latest 40mm cannon technology firing capabilities, due to equip the British Army’s Armoured Cavalry Regiments. MoD Pendine is one of 16 sites owned by the MoD and operated by QinetiQ under the Long Term Partnering Agreement.
Up to 28 serials were conducted over 500 and 800 metre distances, and the QinetiQ Pendine team provided targets, high-speed and normal video, as well as a Muzzle Velocity Radar and Meteorological data on a safe, secure and clear range. The GD trials team worked with QinetiQ, Lockheed Martin UK, British Army military vehicle and vehicle weapon operators and a number of MoD and DE&S project team members. The GD trial team used an Unmanned Air System (UAS) to capture footage of firing serials.
Support was provided to General Dynamics Land Systems–UK by the Pendine Armoury team, firstly for inspection of the chain gun before it was issued to GD for vehicle fitting – as well as cleaning during the trial period. The wider MoD Pendine team worked daily with GD visitors, keeping trials running to plan. The set-up on the Ranges positively assisted GD and the MoD to meet their requirements, and complete tests effectively and efficiently.
The Ajax is a development of the ASCOD armoured fighting vehicle used by the Spanish and Austrian armed forces. The Ajax is manufactured and designed by General Dynamics UK and General Dynamics Santa Bárbara Sistemas (Spain), with the new turret and fire control system fitted on the Reconnaissance variant being designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin UK. Lockheed Martin is working closely with the Defence Support Group for turret manufacture and assembly as well as Rheinmetall. 75% of turret and CT40 work will be carried out in the UK.
