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Wikipedia / Protector RWS

The Protector RWS 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 & Aerospace of Norway.

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. Between the M151 and M153 variants Kongsberg has delivered more than 18,000 systems to the U.S. Armed Forces. These systems are in-service within every branch of the U.S. military and many US agencies.

Overview

The Protector family includes the RS2, RS4 and RS6 Remote Weapon Stations, with weapons from light machine guns (5.56mm) to light cannons (30×113mmB M230LF cannon). It also includes the Remote Turrets, designed for medium caliber cannons like 30×173mm and 40×180mm (Mk44 Bushmaster II).

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):

M153 Protector

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

  • Weight (kg): 172

  • Height (mm): 762

  • Operating temperature (in °Celsius): −46 to +65

  • Storage temperature (in °Celsius): −51 to +71

Other variants

  1. Protector Lite

  2. Protector Lite is a lightweight version for 7.62mm machine gun with 200 rounds of ammunition carried.

  3. Protector Super Lite

  4. Protector Super Lite is the lightest version currently available, and is a lightweight (30 kg), 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.

  5. Protector Medium Caliber RWS

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

  7. Sea Protector

  8. Sea Protector is developed for naval applications.

  9. In operation, maximum azimuth slew rate >100°/s, with maximum elevation slew Rate >50°/s. Range of Elevation −20° to +60°

  10. Protector Dual RWS

Protector Dual RWS mounts two weapons. It provides a dual user functionality (Gunner / Commander). The coaxial weapon is mounted on the same axis as the main gun.

  1. Protector with Non Lethal Effectors

  2. 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.

  3. Protector Nordic

  4. 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 (850nm), both developed by Kongsberg.

  5. Protector NM221

  6. Protector NM221 includes internal ammunition feed.

Users

Gallery

References