Replace and Update Turret Stabilisation Systems
General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has selected Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Division (CWDS) to provide MRO services for the Austrian Army’s fleet of Ulan IFVs.
The contract, which began in February and is scheduled to run through the end of 2028, is valued at more than $10 million and will see CWDS replace electronic components of the turret drive stabilisation system and overhaul the vehicle’s mechanical components. This will keep the Austrian Ulan fleet at an optimal operational state for decades to come. CWDS was the original supplier of the AFV’s stabilisation technology almost 25 years ago and is thus able to update relevant components cost-effectively, using one-to-one fit, form, and function replacements. As the OEM, the company can overhaul mechanical components at a higher cost savings compared to a third party replacing the turret drive hardware.
Curtiss-Wright’s Turret Drive Servo System (TDSS) uses a modular architecture and standard system configurations, which speeds system development and enables programmes to reach demonstration and production phases more rapidly. The use of preconfigured TDSS system components also reduces the time and costs associated with the requirements definition process.
The TDSS enables system integrators to select an aiming and stabilisation solution appropriate to the individual platform – from a manually operated drive up to a highly sophisticated, stabilised drive system – while streamlining enhancements and/or system modification for use on other platforms. This approach is significantly more cost-effective and flexible than traditional bespoke aiming and stabilisation system alternatives. TDSS system components can be easily adapted for use on different ground vehicle turrets to meet dynamic programme requirements, including performance and precision.
