RapidFire
RapidFire is a stabilized 40mm gun turret system developed by CTA International and Thales for naval and ground-based air defense with strong counter-UAS capability.
System Overview
What It Is
RapidFire is a stabilized turret weapon system built around the 40mm Cased Telescoped Ammunition (CTA) cannon, combined with Thales fire control and tracking systems. Its use of programmable airburst ammunition makes it particularly effective against small UAS targets, as each round can be programmed to detonate at the precise range of the target, creating a lethal fragment cloud.
How It Works
The system uses its integrated EO/IR sensor suite and fire control computer to detect and track UAS targets. When the operator authorizes engagement, the 40mm CTA cannon fires programmable airburst rounds at 200 rounds per minute. Each round is programmed at the muzzle with the precise distance to the target, causing it to detonate in proximity and shower the drone with fragments. This approach dramatically increases hit probability against small targets.
Primary Capability
Rapid-fire 40mm cannon system for close-in air defense and counter-UAS engagement using airburst ammunition.
Overview
RapidFire is a next-generation close-in weapon system that pairs the compact 40mm Cased Telescoped Ammunition cannon with Thales fire control technology to create a highly effective counter-UAS turret. The system's key advantage is its use of programmable airburst ammunition — each round is electronically programmed as it leaves the barrel to detonate at the exact range of the target, creating a cloud of fragments that dramatically increases the probability of hitting small drone targets.
Development History
RapidFire emerged from the Franco-British CTA International joint venture, which developed the innovative 40mm Cased Telescoped Ammunition cannon. CTA technology uses a unique telescoped round design where the projectile is contained within the propellant case, resulting in a more compact weapon and ammunition. Thales integrated the CTA cannon with its proven fire control and tracking systems to create RapidFire, initially targeting the naval close-in defense mission with a strong emphasis on counter-UAS capability.
Operational Concept
Against drone threats, RapidFire's fire control system tracks the target using EO/IR sensors and calculates the precise engagement solution. As each 40mm round is fired, it passes through a muzzle programmer that sets its fuze to detonate at the computed range of the target. At 200 rounds per minute, RapidFire creates a lethal zone of fragments around the target's predicted position, ensuring high kill probability even against small, maneuvering drones. The system can rapidly shift between targets for engagement of multiple threats.
Future Development
The French Navy has selected RapidFire for installation on future naval vessels, and the system is being evaluated for ground-based air defense applications. Future development includes enhanced autonomous engagement modes, improved tracking algorithms for micro-UAS targets, and integration with broader air defense networks.
Technical Specifications
- Weapon: 40mm CTA (Cased Telescoped Ammunition)
- Rate of fire: 200 rounds/minute
- Ammunition: A3B programmable airburst
- Integrated EO/IR tracking
- Stabilized turret for moving platforms
- Range: 4+ km effective
Range
4+ km
Compatible Platforms
Deployed By
Key Features
- Programmable airburst ammunition
- 40mm CTA compact cannon
- Integrated EO/IR fire control
- High rate of accurate fire
- Multi-mission air and surface defense
Advantages
- Airburst dramatically increases hit probability vs UAS
- Cost-effective ammunition compared to missiles
- High sustained rate of fire
- Multi-role capability
Limitations
- Limited range compared to missile systems
- Ammunition weight limits magazine depth
- Complex ammunition programming system
- Still completing development and qualification