Lord Jim wrote: ↑23 May 2022, 23:11
WEll tha last bit means the Apaches are in deep trouble with their Chain Guns.
I’d give it a pass as the capability overlap isn’t great, and the AAC is it’s own branch with it’s own logistics. Buying in a weapon that has almost identical capabilities to one we already have, in the same battlegroup, might make sense as a UOR, but seems wasteful as part of core.
Yes the only Anti Air system that uses the CTA40 at present is the one selected for the French Navy and as mentioned by others they have also displayed a truck based version of the same mount for land use, and it is way too big to be installed on any 8x8.
Repeating it doesn’t make it true. Considering that there are no published specs for the thing and that both RCH155 and Draco turrets exist, suggests that there’s quite a bit of scope for what you can fit on an 8x8
the CTA40 on Ajax has a high degree of elevation, but it would require additional sensors to be able to identify and engage the small UAS used for forward Recce by many Nations including the UK. I suppose we could do like the Swedes did with their CV-90 IFVs, and develop an version that is a SPAAA platform by adding radar and other systems. Maybe that is the best way forward, but we would be reinventing the wheel as highly effective SPAAG turrets that have all the necessary sensors etc, and that would be a plug and play option for Boxer already exist in the form of designs for Mission Modules with said turrets.
GVA is supposed to be highly adaptable, so it might well be easier installing extra sensors to a GVA turret than bringing an existing turret to UK standards.
As for ammunition supply, I doubt BREXIT will prevent us buying what we need or using allies or NATO stocks if needed. They would be far more readily available than out limited stocks of CTA40 ammunition and does anyone trust the French to always back us up if they are the only alternate source?
I was under the impression that CT40 ammunition was produced in the UK. Meanwhile Swiss ammunition is being blocked from being sent to Ukraine.