British defence, security and aerospace company, BAE Systems, displayed, for the first time, its newly designed tactical remote turret, the TRT-R30MK, at last week’s Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition (Pretoria, South Africa, 19-23 September 2012).

“The TRT family of turrets provides soldiers with a spectrum of self-protection and ground fire support capability, combined with the safety of an armoured protected vehicle,” said Johan Steyn, Managing Director, Land Systems, South Africa.

The TRT-R30MK is a remotely-operated weapon system that will enable vehicles to operate in multi-role deployments and in multiple theatres.

The system draws on BAE Systems’ experience in previous remote turret technology development, such as the TRT-25.

It is designed as an effective, high-performance threat neutraliser, achieving a firing range of more than 2,500 meters with day and night fighting and observation capability, a statement from the company said. The turret’s control station can be integrated anywhere in the vehicle allowing for increased internal space for crew or extra payload.

The TRT-R30MK turret can easily be adapted to carry other NATO standard 30mm cannons as well as smaller calibre weapons.

The system is equipped with electro-mechanical drives and high performance sight equipment to allow for all round observation, fast reaction time and accurate firing on the move during day and night operation.