Ajax Infantry Fighting Vehicle Upgraded with New Thermal Sleeves
General Dynamics UK has successfully delivered a new set of thermal sleeves designed specifically for the gun barrel of the British Army’s Ajax infantry fighting vehicle. This cutting-edge system was procured and delivered in just eight months and will be integrated with the vehicle’s CT40 cannons, aiming to enhance firing accuracy and prolong the lifespan of the barrel.
The new thermal sleeve is a collaborative development with industry partners Nexter Systems and CTA International, with General Dynamics UK making necessary modifications to ensure optimal performance. Colonel Jamie Hayward, Armoured Cavalry Programme Director, explained that the CTA International CT40 Thermal Sleeve serves as an off-the-shelf solution tailored to address the static barrel bend inherent to the CT40 cannon, further bolstering its accuracy and durability.
Benefits of the Thermal Sleeve
The primary function of a thermal sleeve is to manage the temperature of the cannon barrel, mitigating thermal expansion and distortions caused by prolonged firing. By being mounted on the weapon barrel support, the sleeve allows for free recoil while safeguarding the structural integrity of the system—an essential feature for maintaining the effectiveness of the Ajax in combat scenarios.
Scott Milne, Vice President of General Dynamics Land Systems – UK Operations, highlighted that the integration of the thermal sleeve not only boosts the Ajax CT40 cannon’s lethality but also significantly enhances its overall operational capabilities. This swift improvement is a result of robust collaboration across the expanding Ajax Enterprise, with CTA International playing a critical role in ensuring that the Ajax program remains on track to meet the ambitious goal of doubling the British Army’s fighting power by 2027.
Challenges and Outlook for the Ajax Program
The Ajax program, which carries a value of £5.5 billion ($7.12 billion), has experienced considerable delays—spanning eight years—primarily due to design-related challenges. Despite these setbacks, initial deliveries are projected to commence in 2025, with full operational capability expected by 2028. This program forms a vital component of a broader £41 billion ($53 billion) investment aimed at modernizing British Army equipment over the next decade.
One of the standout features of the Ajax vehicle is its open digital architecture, which facilitates the integration of future technologies. This includes planned capabilities such as active and passive protection systems, airburst cannon rounds, and the incorporation of artificial intelligence to advance the functionality of platform sensors, positioning Ajax as a formidable asset for the British Army.
