Nexter, a subsidiary of KNDS, is set to demonstrate its cutting-edge weapon systems incorporating the 40CTA Anglo-French weapon system at DSEI 2023. This presentation underscores Nexter’s commitment to providing innovative solutions for modern conflict scenarios. The 40CTA system, integrated into the T40 turret, is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Nexter and BAe Systems through their joint venture, CTA International (CTAI). CTAI specializes in the production of the gun and its ammunition, possessing unique expertise in cased telescoped technology. This innovation allows the 40mm CTA ammunition to match the compactness of a 25mm round while delivering the impact of a 40mm/L40 Bofors round. This compact design enhances the system’s firepower without compromising its size.
The key feature that defines the “Telescoped” technology and differentiates it from conventional medium caliber weapons is that the projectile is located inside the cartridge case and is surrounded by propellant powder. The ammunition is more compact and its length is reduced, optimising the kinematics of the weapon, the storage volume in the vehicle and logistics. The cylindrical profile of the ammunition removes the needs for extraction of empty cartridge cases, which are instead ”pushed-through” and ejected perpendicular to the axis of fire. New ammunition loaded into the chamber pushes out the previous empty cartridge case. With the 40CTAS, the axis of ammunition introduction is the same as the axis of elevation. This enables ammunition to be introduced into the chamber along the feeding axis regardless of the elevation angle of the barrel.
With its compact, versatile Cased Telescoped design, the 40CTAS enables the agility and mobility needed for critical missions, without compromising on firepower. The system is easily adaptable to any type of turret, either land or naval, manned or unmanned. It is compatible with small race-ring diameters. The low turret intrusion enabled by the ‘push-through’ architecture allows extremely high elevation angles up to 75°. The 40CTAS achieves a 4km+ operational range while delivering unmatched armour penetration for a medium-calibre weapon. The terminal effect of the 40mm HE round is 4 times greater than that of a 30 mm conventional High Explosive round. The 40CTAS ammunition can address land, naval and aerial targets including emerging drone threats. The 40CTAS has a rate of fire up to 200 rounds per minute and include a high accuracy mode compatible with coincidence firing system.
The T40 turret is seamlessly adaptable to various vehicles, including the VBCI MkII infantry combat vehicle, a specialized turret on the JAGUAR combat and reconnaissance vehicle, and the land RAPIDFire designed for ground and air close-in protection. Notably, both the JAGUAR and naval RAPIDFire systems are already in active service with the French forces. 600 CT have been manufactured so far. As Design Authority, CTA International grants production licenses for 40CT ammunition. The current two 40CT ammunition licensees are Nexter Arrowtech (France) and BAE Systems (UK). CTA International is a 50/50 Joint Venture Company founded in 1994 between Royal Ordnance (BAE Systems) and Giat Industries (NEXTER Systems) based in Bourges/France. With an integrated workforce of one hundred highly talented technicians, the Company is dedicated to development, qualification, production and In-Service Support of the 40CTAS.
