In a fire demonstration that took place on the Suippes firing range in Northern France last week CMI Defence displayed an impressive lineup of combat vehicles weaponized with the company’s latest versions of Cockerill turrets. The first Cockerill Firepower Symposium included a dynamic live firing demonstration, in front of dozens of military officers, official delegations and media representatives from around the world. The firing demonstrations included the live firing of 12.7, 25, 30, 90 and 105 mm guns mounted on various turrets, on medium and long-range engagement, from manned and unmanned, remotely operated turrets. Other live displays included the deployment of Galix self-protection instantaneous smoke screens.
The performance of Cockerill 3000 Series turrets was among the event’s highlights. This series represents a single platform enabling a turret to accommodate guns of different calibers and their corresponding technical modules, including automatic 25 mm, 30 mm, 30/40 mm, 35 mm and 50 mm cannons, along with direct fire guns of 90 and 105 mm caliber. These systems can also fire missiles. The 3000 series is one of the most successful product lines at CMI Defence. According to CMI sources, more than 130 Cockerill 3000 Series turrets and more than 30 Cockerill 105 mm guns were delivered to date.
At Eurosatory CMI displayed the second generation for the Cockerill Protected Weapon Station (CPWS), representing a new design approach to protected, light and multi-role turret that mounts various automatic guns including the M242 25mm chain gun, or M230LF 30mm guns with under-armor reloading capability. “After the successful Cockerill 3000 Series modular turret, we believe that our multi-role turret concept, which combines lightweight, versatility and protection, will meet the evolving needs of land forces in terms of flexibility and mobility.” Thierry Renaudin, President of CMI Defence said.
CPWS Gen.2 uses a configurable hatch that can be adapted to different user’s operational requirements, with a closed hatch that allows the crew to operate in a hostile environment with a maximum level of protection, an elevated hatch that provides 360° direct observation, and use of individual weapons. Third and fourth options include the use of a large open hatch that allows the rapid egress or removed hatch that provides an open space that allows the crew to patrol in an exposed position, ideally for security operations in a low threat environment. (situations other than war). The lightweight turret retains remote control operational capability and fits on all types of tracked or wheeled vehicles, such as 8×8, 6×6 and 4×4. At the Cockerill fire demonstration, the CPWS was displayed with M242 25mm automatic cannon, mounted on a Sherpa 4×4 light armored vehicle.
At Eurosatory CMI displayed the second generation for the Cockerill Protected Weapon Station (CPWS), representing a new design approach to protected, light and multi-role turret that mounts various automatic guns including the M242 25mm chain gun, or M230LF 30mm guns with under-armor reloading capability. “After the successful Cockerill 3000 Series modular turret, we believe that our multi-role turret concept, which combines lightweight, versatility and protection, will meet the evolving needs of land forces in terms of flexibility and mobility.” Thierry Renaudin, President of CMI Defence said.
The heaviest platform on display was the Korean Hanwha K21 light tank equipped with Cockerill 3105 integrated weapon system. the main advantage of the 3000 series is its modularity, “Providing caliber interchangeability and manned or unmanned configurations, the Cockerill 3000 Series represents a unique answer to our customers’ present and future requirements.” Renaudin said, adding that this modularity leads to a high commonality in terms of training, maintenance, and spare parts, significantly enhancing manpower, system readiness resulting in lower cost of ownership.
The 3105 is a fully stabilized turret constructed of welded ballistic aluminum, offering protection level up to STANAG 4569 Level 5. Self-protection measures also include eight smoke canisters, hostile fire detection, laser warning system and defensive aids (soft kill) measures. The turret mounts a NATO standard Cockerill 105mm HP canon, COAX and pintle-mounted 7.62mm machine guns. An automatic loader carrying 12-16 ready rounds enable operation by two men. Two identical sights for the gunner and commander enable independent operation. This canon is one of the candidates considered for the U.S. Army future, lightweight mounted gun system.
The CES 90LP was also demonstrated in live fire, armed with the low-pressure variant of CMI’s 90mm gun that can be mounted on armored cars such as the Textron Systems’ Commando Select vehicle shown here. This gun fires APFSDS-T kinetic projectiles at 1,200 m/sec and HEAT at 865 m/sec, perforating 100 mm and 130mm RHA steel NATO targets (respectively). Indirect firing capability: 6km range at 30° elevation High Explosive and High-Explosive Smash (HESH) rounds are also available against personnel, buildings, and fortifications, while a ‘shotgun’ style canister is used against personnel at close range. A smoke screen round is also available.
The Cockerill CSE 90LP turret incorporates a gunner’s day sight as standard, with night vision (image intensifying or thermal imaging) as an option. The weapon is aimed at the target using an electro-mechanical gun and turret drive system. This permits fast movement of gun and turret during normal operation and excellent slow speed target-tracking for precision engagement. A laser range finder and ballistic computer permit precise target engagement. The gunner’s sight image may be displayed at the commander’s station to permit full command and control.
Cockerill 90mm MP gun turret is designed for vehicles in the 10-20 ton GVW class, the LCTS 90MP incorporates a more powerful Cockerill 90mm gun variant with an advanced autoloader and uses an advanced digital, stabilized, day/night weapon control system. Developing higher pressure than the LP variant, the MP develops muzzle velocity of 1,345 m/sec for the APFSDS-T round, achieving 150mm RHA steel target penetration from 2,000-meter range. The effective indirect firing range is the 7.8km range at 20° elevation.
