In a significant advancement for the British Army, General Dynamics UK has successfully delivered new thermal sleeves for the gun barrels of the Ajax infantry fighting vehicle. This key component, designed to enhance the performance of the vehicle’s CT40 cannons, has been developed and delivered within a swift eight-month timeframe.
The thermal sleeves, designed collaboratively by industry partners Nexter Systems and CTA International, play a crucial role in improving the fire accuracy and extending the lifespan of the Ajax’s cannon barrels. Colonel Jamie Hayward, Armoured Cavalry Programme Director, emphasized the importance of this off-the-shelf solution, stating that it addresses the static barrel bend of the CT40 cannon. The integration of this thermal sleeve represents a strategic enhancement in the overall weapon system.
Functioning as a thermal management tool, the new sleeve regulates the temperature of the barrel during continuous firing, effectively preventing thermal expansion and distortion that can compromise performance. Mounted on the barrel support, this design allows for free recoil within a static sheath while maintaining the structural integrity of the weapon system.
Scott Milne, Vice President of General Dynamics Land Systems – UK Operations, elaborated on the benefits, highlighting that the inclusion of the thermal sleeve not only boosts the lethality of the Ajax CT40 cannon but also enhances signature management. This development is part of a broader effort to establish a world-class reconnaissance capability for the British Army.
The Ajax program, which carries a value of £5.5 billion ($7.12 billion), has faced significant challenges, including an eight-year delay primarily due to design issues. Despite these setbacks, initial deliveries of the Ajax vehicles are anticipated in 2025, with full operational capability expected by 2028. This program is part of a larger investment plan of £41 billion ($53 billion) in British Army equipment over the next decade, showcasing the commitment to modernizing military capabilities.
Designed with an open digital architecture, the Ajax vehicle is set to incorporate future technologies. Planned enhancements include active and passive protection systems, airburst cannon rounds, and the harnessing of artificial intelligence to evolve platform sensors, ensuring that the Ajax remains at the forefront of military innovation. The prompt development and integration of these thermal sleeves is a critical step towards achieving the ambitious goal of doubling the British Army’s fighting power by 2027.
