Lockheed Martin UK has completed critical design review (CDR) for the upgrade of the UK Army’s Warrior infantry fighting vehicle (IFV).
Undertaken after live firing trials in Scotland in April with the new turret and cannon, the CDR represents the final stage of the design and development phase of the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme.
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The programme aims to enhance the combat capability of 245 of the army’s fleet of Warrior vehicles with a new turret, cannon and electronics.
During CDR, a team from Lockheed’s Ampthill site analysed and scrutinised the proposed design alongside representatives from the UK Ministry of Defence.
Lockheed Martin UK Ampthill site vice-president and managing director Alan Lines said: "Passing through the critical design review is a significant event, not only for the Lockheed Martin UK team but also for our network of suppliers and the army and MoD.
"We continue to make excellent progress with this important programme that will be key to the army’s future armoured fighting vehicle capability."
Defence Minister Philip Dunne said: "Warrior is an extremely versatile platform, delivering an excellent mix of mobility, capacity and firepower for our Armed Forces on the front line.
"Upgrading Warrior means we are equipping our people better to meet current and emerging threats. This critical step in locking down the final system design is an exciting milestone."
In May, Lockheed began working on a new £5.5m manufacturing facility at the Ampthill site in preparation for the next stage of the Warrior programme.
Scheduled to enter service with the army in 2018, the upgraded Warrior will feature an improved infrastructure consisting of a new turret with an ultra-modern CT40 weapon system and a modular protection fitting system to boost lethality and adaptability.
Additional features, including an updated environmental control system, better all-round cameras and night-vision capabilities have been designed to enhance comfort and awareness of the crew.
Image: The upgraded Warrior vehicle will feature a new turret, cannon and electronics. Photo: courtesy of Lockheed Martin Corporation.
