Ampthill, UK  December 5 2007

Lockheed Martin UK – INSYS has successfully tested its design for the Warrior Fightability & Lethality Improvement Programme (WFLIP) in a series of limited live firing trials at the Cranfield Ordnance Test & Evaluation Centre on Salisbury Plain Training Area.  The successful completion of these tests marks a significant milestone in the accelerated development and integration of a new turret and weapon system onto the British Army’s Warrior infantry fighting vehicle.

Through rapid prototyping Lockheed Martin has taken its WFLIP turret from an idea, through concept design, physical prototyping to live firing in just 33 weeks.

"This successful live firing was a culmination of a fantastic effort from all our partners on the Warrior FLIP Team," said Ron Abbott, executive vice president, 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 programme risk as the upgrade can be achieved while part of the Warrior Base Overhaul process done by the UK Army Base Repair Organisation (ABRO).”

Lockheed Martin has used its world class Systems Engineering and Systems Integration expertise to integrate the ATK Bushmaster 30mm Mark 44 Cannon, onto a modified Warrior turret with a dual axis stabilized BGTI sight from Thales Optronics Limited. Rhinemetall Defence has designed the cannon, the mounting structure and the Ammunition Handling System.  Curtiss-Wright is responsible for the turret stabilisation.

“These live firing tests were absolutely crucial,” said Stephen Ball, managing director of Lockheed Martin UK – INSYS. “Our experience in systems integration and land equipment has helped us create a solution which offers more for less and now we have proved our design works.”

Lockheed Martin has assembled a world class team of partner companies.  In addition to Lockheed Martin UK - INSYS, the team includes Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control, TOL, Rhinemetall Defence, ABRO, Curtiss-Wright and ATK, the team also includes NP Aerospace, MOOG, Brimar, AB Connectors and SciSys.

The new weapon system will mean crews can engage moving targets while on the move using an advanced fire control system which provides additional accuracy and lethality. The Bushmaster cannon brings the ability to fire the new generation of Air Burst Munitions.  The upgraded turret will also house communications, electronic architecture and sighting equipment.