Lockheed Martin successfully tests Warrior Fightability & Training Programme

Lockheed Martin has successfully tested its design for the Warrior Fightability & Lethality Improvement Programme (WFLIP), a new weapons system that uses advanced firing control to allow crews to engage moving targets while traveling.

With the project making its journey from concept design to live firing in just 33 weeks, the limited live firing trials held at the Cranfield Ordnance Test & Evaluation Centre in the UK represent a milestone in the development of a new turret and weapon system for the British Army's Warrior infantry fighting vehicle.

The WFLIP incorporates the ATK Bushmaster 30mm Mark44 Cannon on a modified Warrior turret with a dual axis stabilized BGTI sight. The Bushmaster cannon has the ability to fire the new generation of air burst munitions, and the upgraded turret can also house communications, electronic architecture and sighting equipment.

The BGTI sight was provided by Thales Optronics Limited, while the cannon, mounting structure and Ammunition Handling system was designed by Rheinmetall Defence. Curtiss-Wright is responsible for the turret stabilization. "This successful live firing was a culmination of a fantastic effort from all our partners on the WarriorFLIP Team," said Ron Abbott, executive vice president at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "The information gathered has shown us that this design gives crews more space, commanders better situational awareness and gunners a wider choice of ammunition, making the Warrior more fightable. Our innovative design means there is no need to alter the hull of the Warrior, reducing the program risk, as the upgrade can be achieved while part of the Warrior Base Overhaul process done by the UK Army Base Repair Organisation."