Protector (RWS)

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M151 Protector with an M2 heavy machine gun on an M1126 Stryker vehicle.

The Protector Remote Weapon Station is a remotely controlled weapons station (RWS) that can be mounted to vehicles and stationary platforms. It has been in full scale production since December 2001. It is manufactured by Kongsberg Defence Systems of Norway and Thales Group of France.[1]

Design[]

The system consists of a stabilized firing platform, a fire-control system and control grips. Several weapons can be mounted to the platform, such as:


Versions[]

Several versions of Protector have been developed with more than 20,000 units sold around the world in service with 23 countries.[4]

Overview[]

The Protector family includes the RS2, RS4 and RS6 Remote Weapon Stations, with weapons from light machine guns (5.56mm) to light cannons (30mmx113mm M230 chain gun).[5] It also includes the Remote Turrets, designed for medium caliber cannons like 30mmx173mm and 40mmx180mm (Mk44 Bushmaster II).

Name Former name / version / program
RS2 Protector Lite, Protector Super Lite
RS4 M151, M153 (CROWS), Protector nordic
RS4 low profile RWS Low profile, M153 (CROWS)
RS4 naval RWS naval, Sea Protector
RS6 RWS LW30, M153 (CROWS)
RT20 MCT-30 (Medium Caliber Turret 30mm),
Protector Medium Caliber RWS
RT40 MCT-30 (Medium Caliber Turret 30mm)
Protector Medium Caliber RWS
RT60 MCT-40 (Medium Caliber Turret 40mm)
Protector Medium Caliber RWS

M151 versions[]

  • M151 Protector – deployed with the first Stryker brigades
  • M151 E1 (Block 1) – includes improved thermal cameras
  • M151 E2 (Block 2) – stabilized version
  • Several country specific adaptations
  • Weight (kg): 135
  • Height (mm): 749
  • Operating temperature (in °Celsius): -46 to +65
  • Storage temperature (in °Celsius): -51 to +71

The system also features 4 M6 Smoke Grenade Dischargers. Specifications (excluding weapons and ammo):[6]

M153 Protector[]

M153 Protector is designed to meet CROWS II requirement. Specifications (excluding weapons and ammo):[7]

  • Weight (kg): 172
  • Height (mm): 762
  • Operating temperature (in °Celsius): -46 to +65
  • Storage temperature (in °Celsius): -51 to +71

Protector Lite[]

Protector Lite is a lightweight version for 7.62 mm machine gun with 200 rounds of ammunition carried. Specifications (excluding weapons and ammo):[8]

  • Weight (kg): 74
  • Height (mm): 610
  • Operating temperature (in °Celsius): -46 to +65
  • Storage temperature (in °Celsius): -51 to +71

Protector Super Lite[]

Protector Super Lite is the lightest version currently available, and is a lightweight, man-portable system that can be operated both remotely and manually. The Super Lite is fully stabilized and adaptable to any wheeled, tracked or stabilized platform, including tripods. Specifications (excluding weapons and ammo):[9]

  • Weight (kg): 30
  • Height (mm): 460
  • Operating temperature (in °Celsius): -40 to +65
  • Storage temperature (in °Celsius): -51 to +71

Protector Medium Caliber RWS[]

Protector Medium Caliber RWS is designed as a vehicle turret for 20 to 50 mm autocannons, with coaxial machinegun of 5.56 to 7.62 mm. Specifications (including weapons and ammo):[10]

  • Weight (kg): 2000
  • Operating temperature (in °Celsius): -40 to +65
  • Storage temperature (in °Celsius): -51 to +71

Sea Protector[]

The USCGC Sea Devil (WPB-87368) mounts a Sea Protector MK50 with an M2 Browning .50 Caliber Machine Gun.

Sea Protector is developed for naval applications. Specifications (excluding weapons and ammo):[11]

  • Weight (kg): 135
  • Height (mm): 749
  • Operating temperature (in °Celsius): -40 to +65
  • Storage temperature (in °Celsius): -51 to +71

Dynamic performance

  • Maximum Azimuth Slew Rate >100°/s
  • Maximum Elevation Slew Rate >50°/s
  • Range of Traverse, Azimuth Continuous 360°
  • Range of Elevation -20° to +60°

Protector Dual RWS[]

Protector Dual RWS is an extension of the existing RWS family that includes the use of two weapons. This innovative system also provides a dual user functionality (Gunner / Commander). The coaxial weapon is mounted on the same axis as the main gun, the system automatically compensates for the parallel axis between the sights and the axis. Switching between weapons is intuitive and happens by simply pushing a button depending on mission need.[12]

Protector with Non Lethal Effectors[]

Protector with Non Lethal Effectors is designed to close a capability gap in peacekeeping, peace enforcement and humanitarian operations as well as today's asymmetric warfare.[13]

Protector Nordic[]

Protector Nordic is claimed by the Norwegian remote weapon station developer as the most technically advanced Protector RWS ordered to date, and is a key element in the foundation for cooperation in the Nordic material programs. The extended functionality includes the Day Camera VIS 95 with 95 field of view and the Infrared Aim Laser (850 nm), both developed by Kongsberg.[14]

Protector NM221[]

Protector NM221 includes internal ammunition feed.[15]

Users[]

A M151 Protector on a Stryker ICV

Gallery[]

  • Australian ASLAV-PCs in Iraq

  • Canadian RG-31s in Afghanistan

  • Interior control station for M151 Protector Remote Weapon Station in Stryker ICV

  • Remote Weapon Station on Stryker ICV

  • Stryker ICV on patrol in Iraq

  • Slovenian Patria AMVs with 40mm Mk 19 automatic grenade launchers.

References[]

  1. ^ "Thales PROTECTOR RWS". Archived from the original on 2013-09-23. Retrieved 2011-01-27.
  2. ^ XM307 Weapons System
  3. ^ Et fremtidsrettet prosjekt Archived 2005-04-20 at the Wayback Machine (in Norwegian)
  4. ^ "Kongsberg delivers 20,000th Protector RWS to US Army".
  5. ^ "REMOTE WEAPON SYSTEMS". Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  6. ^ "M151 PROTECTOR". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2013-04-23.
  7. ^ "M153 PROTECTOR". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2013-04-23.
  8. ^ "PROTECTOR Lite". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2013-04-23.
  9. ^ "PROTECTOR Super Lite". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2013-04-23.
  10. ^ "PROTECTOR Medium Caliber RWS". Archived from the original on 2013-10-06. Retrieved 2013-04-23.
  11. ^ "Sea PROTECTOR". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2013-04-23.
  12. ^ PROTECTOR Dual RWS Archived 2013-05-11 at the Wayback Machine
  13. ^ PROTECTOR with Non Lethal Effectors Archived 2013-05-11 at the Wayback Machine
  14. ^ PROTECTOR Nordic Archived 2013-05-11 at the Wayback Machine
  15. ^ PROTECTOR NM221
  16. ^ "ASLAV". Nautilus Institute. 19 December 2011. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  17. ^ "Kongsberg to repair, overhaul remote weapons stations". United Press International. 18 October 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  18. ^ Kongsberg Aerospace & Defense (2020-05-25). "KONGSBERG AWARDED CONTRACT TO PROVIDE REMOTE WEAPON STATIONS TO THE CANADIAN ARMY WORTH 500 MNOK". Kongsberg.com. Retrieved 2020-08-01.
  19. ^ "Croatia's New APCs: AMVs, RWS and Export Opportunities". Defense Industry Daily. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  20. ^ Foss, Christopher F. (22 February 2015). "Middle East moves to balanced vehicle fleets [IDX15VP]". Jane's 360.
  21. ^ "Norway's Kongsberg signs 8-year defense technology development deal with Qatar". 14 March 2018.
  22. ^ "Kongsberg to deliver its Protector RWS to Lithuania".
  23. ^ "Contract to deliver Remote Weapons Stations to Denmark worth 270 MNOK".

External links[]

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