40CT cannon
The 40CT is a 40 mm autocannon developed by CTA International. The Case Telescoped Armament System (CTAS40) is designed to fire 40mm telescoped ammunition. This format provides significant benefit within vehicles in the space envelope required for the gun and the ammunition storage. However, the selection of the unfielded new design for major programmes has been controversial.
| 40CT | |
|---|---|
40CT mounted on British Ajax fighting vehicle | |
| Type | Case-telescoped autocannon |
| Place of origin | France United Kingdom |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2018 (testing) |
| Used by | British Army French Armed Forces |
| Production history | |
| Designer | CTA International |
| Designed | 1997 |
| Manufacturer | CTA International |
| Produced | 1999 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 340 kg |
| Length | 3,428 mm (11 ft 3.0 in) |
| Barrel length | 2,800 mm (110 in) |
| Cartridge | 40×255 mm |
| Caliber | 40 mm |
| Action | Recoil-operated, rotating breech |
| Rate of fire | 200 rpm |
| Effective firing range | 2,500 m (8,200 ft) (4,000 m (13,000 ft) for RapidFire) |
| Maximum firing range | 8,500 m |
| Feed system | Automatic Ammunition Handling System (AHS) |
The 40CT has been ordered by the French Army for use on its future armoured reconnaissance vehicle EBRC Jaguar. It has also been mandated for the UK Ajax (formerly FRES SV) and (cancelled) Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP) programmes.
In February 2010 CTA International signed a £11m contract with the French and British defence ministries to qualify the 40CT, including environmental testing and the firing of 15,000 rounds.
The company has confirmed that the ammunition for the British weapons will be assembled by BAE Systems at ROF Glascoed facility.