UK Gunner

Thales UK, Working in conjunction with the Ministry of Defence Technology Development Programme Thales UK has developed a dual axis stabilised Gunner's sight as part of the Manned Turret Integration Programme (MTIP). 
 
The current Thales UK STAG Fire Control sight, fitted in the Warrior Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV) and the Scimitar Reconnaissance Vehicle, is stabilised in one axis only and while this assists viewing and identification on the move it does not provide a “fire on the move” capability. The new dual axis sight in combination with the CTA International (CTAI) stabilised two man turret will provide this much needed capability. 
 
One of the aims of the MTIP is to de-risk the integration of the CTAI weapons system and the Thales UK Battle Group Thermal Imaging (BGTI) sighting and navigation system using the CTAI 40mm turret as the demonstrator platform. To this end Thales UK has been working closely with CTAI to develop a solution that will incorporate a significant level of system integration and be ready for extensive trials in mid 2006, including demonstration of the “fire on the move” capability. 
 
The upgraded STAG FC gunner's sight has been completed on schedule and delivered to CTAI for integration into the turret prior to installation on a WARRIOR vehicle and the start of the demonstration trials at the Army's trials and development unit at Warminster. The MTIP results will provide a valuable input into the overall WARRIOR Lethality Improvement Programme (WLIP), which aims to replace the existing non-stabilised 30mm Rarden cannon with a more capable turret. 
 
This new development, which will be incorporated in the BGTI gunner sight, provides Thales UK with an enhanced capability to offer its growing number of export customers now seeking a “fire on the move” capability. Karen Oddey, Managing Director of Thales UK's land and joint systems business said: “the high level of commonality of the new sight with the in service BGTI Gunner's sight provides our customers with an effective low risk solution.” 
 
The STAG Gunner sight family now offers a choice of capability ranging from the unstabilised version to single or dual axis stabilisation depending on the customer's requirements.  
 
Thales UK is a major electronics and systems group serving defence, aerospace, security and services markets. Thales employs 10,000 staff in the UK and 60,000 people in 50 countries. In 2004, Thales UK's revenues were