GDLS Ajax

United Kingdom, IFV (2010) 245 ordered.

In short

The GDLS Ajax (Scout SV) is a family of tracked armored fighting vehicles developed for the British Army. It was designed by General Dynamics Land Systems–UK (GDLS-UK) under the AJAX programme, formerly known as Scout SV (Specialist Vehicle).

The AJAX programme encompasses six core variants, each designed for specific roles:
Ajax – Reconnaissance and strike (main combat variant with CT40 cannon).
Ares – Armored personnel carrier (for dismounted troops).
Athena – Command and control.
Apollo – Equipment repair.
Atlas – Equipment recovery.
Argus – Engineering reconnaissance.

Issues and Delays:

Despite being a modern platform, the Ajax programme has faced significant delays and technical issues:
Noise and vibration problems affecting crew safety.
Delays in full deployment – originally due by mid-2020s, but now estimated for full operational capability (FOC) closer to 2028.
Criticism from UK Parliament due to poor oversight and project management. Program cost overruns, delivery delays and performance shortfalls had been ongoing and as of 2024, efforts were underway to resolve these issues, with a restructured testing and rollout plan.

Strategic Purpose:

Ajax is intended to replace older vehicles like the CVR(T) Scimitar, providing better protection, firepower, and situational awareness as part of the British Army’s Future Soldier modernization initiative. The IFV was derived from the existing ASCOD Pizarro IFV also produced by GDLS. It had notably advanced sensors and ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) capabilities. The 40 mm CT40 cannon was designed with the French as a versatile intermediate autocannon with a new type of ammunition (compact shells) allowing for more rounds to be carried.

CT40 autocannon

The CT40 cannon (also known as the Cased Telescoped 40mm Cannon) is an advanced medium-caliber automatic cannon developed by CTA International, a joint venture between BAE Systems and Nexter Systems (France). It is notable for its unique cased telescoped ammunition design, which allows for a more compact and powerful weapon system. Its ammunition Type of Cased Telescoped Ammunition (CTA) is much more compact than standard rounds, as it integrates both the shell body (whatever its load or composition) and looks like an ammunition case without its tipped extension.

Its rate of Fire is 200 rounds per minute with an effective Range up to to 2,500 meters (air targets), 1,500–2,000 meters (ground) It is caracterized b a Dual-feed system which can switch between two ammo types instantly and turret-integrated, partially remote (no human loading intrvention). It is shared by the Ajax and Jaguar EBRC. The only issue now is cost due to scale. The gun is not adopted in quantities large enough to reduced the unitary cost of all the shells.

The coaxial 7.62 mm is a standard NATO GMPG type standard light machine gun, provided with c1000 rounds and tracers.

specs. Ajax SV
Dimensions	7.62 x 3.35 x 3 m (25 ft x 11 ft x 9 ft 10 in)
Total weight	38 tonnes, potentual growth to 42t.
Crew	3 (Commander, Gunner, Driver)
Propulsion	MTU V8 199 TE21 diesel engine 800 hp (600 kW)
Transmission	RENK 6 speed HSWL 256B
Suspension	Torsion bars, Hydraulic dampers
Speed	70 km/h (road) (43 mph)
Range	Unknown
Armament	40mm CTA Intl. CT40 cannon + coax. 7.62mm MG
Armor	Modular armor, mine/blast protection
Sensors	Advanced sensors and ISTAR capabilities
Total production	245 planned - Ongoing