RAPIDFire Platform: a multi-platform evolution of the T40 Turret

The RAPIDFire platform represents a major evolution of the T40 turret, originally designed by KNDS (formerly Nexter) for the EBRC Jaguar armored vehicle.
Developed for close-in defense missions, it now exists in both naval and land configurations.
Therefore, the system highlights the convergence between short-range air defense (C-SHORAD) and surface threat engagement, including small craft and asymmetric threats.

T40 / CTA40 origin

The T40 turret is built around the 40 mm CTA40 gun (CTAS – Cased Telescoped Armament System).
This gun family is used on the Jaguar and provides a high rate of fire, reaching up to 200 rounds per minute, depending on configuration.

Moreover, the telescoped ammunition architecture offers several advantages:
greater compactness, increased ammunition density, and easier integration on lighter or space-constrained platforms.
As a result, the CTA40 contributes to both high mobility and strong firepower.

RAPIDFire: a KNDS-THALES joint development

The RAPIDFire system was developed through a strategic partnership between KNDS and THALES.
Together, they created a multi-domain, remotely operated turret combining the firepower of the 40 mm CTA40 gun with THALES’s advanced optronic sensors, detection suite, and fire-control systems.

Consequently, RAPIDFire delivers accurate engagement capability against modern aerial and surface threats.
Both RAPIDFire Naval and RAPIDFire Land leverage the same gun and turret architecture.

Key capabilities include:

• Up to 140 ready-to-fire rounds inside the turret.
• An effective engagement range of up to 4,000 m.
• A firing rate of 180–200 rounds/min, depending on configuration.
• Compatibility with the full range of 40 mm telescoped ammunition, including programmable A3B airburst rounds.
• Multi-platform flexibility for naval vessels (primary or secondary artillery) and land vehicles, such as 6×6 or 8×8 trucks.

In addition, the modular architecture simplifies integration across different mission profiles, from ship self-defense to land-based base protection.

Within this jointly developed KNDS-THALES system, EVERAXIS plays a critical role as the supplier of the slip ring assembly.
This electromechanical subsystem ensures uninterrupted power and data transmission between the fixed base and the rotating turret.

Thanks to this component, the turret maintains operational integrity during rapid, continuous, or high-speed rotation.
It supports reliable transmission for optronic sensors, tracking systems, fire-control electronics, and turret drive actuation.

Technical advantages provided by EVERAXIS include:

• Continuous data connectivity for vision, detection, and tracking.
• Reliable power transfer under vibration, roll, pitch, or rough terrain.
• Optimized weight and volume.
• Ruggedization options for naval (corrosion, humidity) and land (dust, shock) environments.

Therefore, the integration of EVERAXIS slip ring technology reinforces the reliability and effectiveness of the RAPIDFire system in the most demanding operational contexts.

Strategic positioning and value

The RAPIDFire platform addresses today’s key defense challenges: counter-drone warfare, asymmetric surface threats, and the need for compact, high-rate close-in defense systems for both sea and land forces.

Moreover, the system’s multi-platform design allows operators to standardize logistics through the 40 mm telescoped ammunition family.
As a result, forces benefit from simplified maintenance, lower training costs, and unified support chains.

The RAPIDFire Land version strengthens protection for bases, convoys, logistics hubs, and sensitive infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the naval version provides patrol vessels and secondary-class surface ships with an agile, cost-effective defense layer.
Consequently, RAPIDFire delivers a unified and scalable answer to modern operational needs.

Application example

The RAPIDFire platform demonstrates how a single 40 mm turret architecture can operate across naval and land domains.

For instance, in its naval configuration, the system is deployed on patrol vessels and surface ships, providing close-in air defense and protection against asymmetric maritime threats.
In addition, its compact design allows integration on a wide range of ship classes.

In its land configuration, the truck-mounted RAPIDFire Land carries 140 ready-to-fire rounds, enabling mobile short-range defense against drones and light aircraft.
As a result, armed forces benefit from a fast, scalable, and versatile protection capability.

Such weapon systems rely on high-precision electromechanical components, including slip rings.
These components ensure continuous power and data transmission between the fixed and rotating sections of remotely operated turrets.
Therefore, their reliability directly impacts mission success and target-tracking continuity.

Collaborating for the future of rotating transmission systems

In conclusion, the RAPIDFire program – jointly developed by KNDS and THALES – illustrates the evolution of modern multi-domain defense systems.
Within this framework, EVERAXIS contributes a mission-critical subsystem, demonstrating its ability to support the most demanding integration challenges.
We invite partners to collaborate with us in designing the next generation of high-reliability rotating transmission solutions.