The contract has been awarded by CTA International (CTAI), a joint venture between BAE Systems and French weapons manufacturer Nexter, who have developed a Cased Telescope Ammunition System (CTAS) for increased firepower on armoured vehicles.
According to CTAI, the cannon is capable of firing a mixed sequence of armoured-piercing, high-explosive and air-burst munitions at a rate of 180 rounds per minute.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has already selected the CTAS cannon with its CTAS Controller (CTAS-C), to be fitted to the planned Future Rapid Effects System, Scout Vehicle (FRES SV) vehicles. Ultra’s production options for CTAS-Cs include 449 controls for Warrior and 250 FRES SV.
Work on providing the controls of the system will be undertaken by Ultra’s Cheltenham-based electronics division. The value of contract is estimated to rise to around £14m if all production options are undertaken.
Douglas Caster, Ultra’s chief executive, said: ‘I am very pleased that Ultra has been confirmed as the supplier of this important element of the Warrior upgrade and FRES programme. This award broadens the range of Ultra’s innovative, advanced electronic solutions for modern armoured vehicles. Ultra is also bidding to supply further elements of the new electronic systems for the Warrior upgrade programme.’
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