Protector (RWS)

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

The M151 PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Station is a remotely controlled weapons station (RWS) that can be mounted to vehicles and stationary platforms. It is manufactured by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace^[1] of Norway and Thales Group of France.^[2]

Overview

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:

M2 Browning .50 BMG heavy machine gun
M240/FN MAG 7.62×51mm NATO general-purpose machine gun
M249/FN Minimi 5.56×45mm NATO light machine gun
MK19 40×53 mm automatic grenade launcher
H&K GMG 40×53 mm automatic grenade launcher
XM307 Advanced Crew Served Weapon^[3]
Javelin anti-tank guided missile
Hellfire anti-tank guided missile^[4] (from a modified PROTECTOR)

The system also features 4 M6 Smoke Grenade Dischargers. Specifications (excluding weapons and ammo):^[5]

Weight (kg): 135
Height (mm): 749
Operating temperature (degrees in Celsius): -46 to +65
Storage temperature (degrees in Celsius): -51 to +71

Versions

Several versions of PROTECTOR have been developed with more than 15,000 units sold around the world in service with more than a dozen countries.

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

M153 PROTECTOR

M153 PROTECTOR is designed to meet CROWS II requirement. Specifications (excluding weapons and ammo):^[6]

Weight (kg): 172
Height (mm): 762
Operating temperature (degrees in Celsius): -46 to +65
Storage temperature (degrees 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):^[7]

Weight (kg): 74
Height (mm): 610
Operating temperature (degrees in Celsius): -46 to +65
Storage temperature (degrees 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):^[8]

Weight (kg): 30
Height (mm): 460
Operating temperature (degrees in Celsius): -40 to +65
Storage temperature (degrees 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):^[9]

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

Sea PROTECTOR

Sea PROTECTOR is developed for naval applications. Specifications (excluding weapons and ammo):^[10]

Weight (kg): 135
Height (mm): 749
Operating temperature (degrees in Celsius): -40 to +65
Storage temperature (degrees 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.^[11]

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.^[12]

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.^[13]

PROTECTOR NM221

PROTECTOR NM221 includes internal ammunition feed.^[14]

Users

A M151 PROTECTOR on a Stryker ICV

Australia – ASLAV PC vehicle
Canada – RG-31 vehicle
Croatia - Patria AMV, initial purchase of 7-8 in 2008 and full contract in 2010 for 115+ (two batches of 57 and 58 stations, deliverd in 2011 and 2013) 12.7mm RWS for Croatian army with an additional initial batch of 16 30mmRWS to be deliverd in 2014 and 2015. Total requirement for 48 30mm and over 324 12.7mm RWS for various armoured vehicles in service with Croatian Army.
Czech Republic – LMV
Finland – Patria AMV vehicle
France – Renault VAB
India - TATA Kestrel
Ireland – Mowag Piranha IIIH CRV and RG-32M LTV
Luxembourg – Dingo 2 vehicle
Netherlands – Boxer vehicle
Norway – CV90 family (PROTECTOR Nordic), NM205F3 APC (PROTECTOR NM221), Iveco LMV (PROTECTOR Lite), Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate (Sea PROTECTOR) and Skjold-class corvette (Sea Protector)
Portugal – Pandur II
Slovenia - Patria AMV
Switzerland – Piranha I vehicle and Mowag Duro IIIP
Sweden - Sisu Pasi, Patria AMV, ARCHER Artillery System, RG-32M
United Kingdom - used on Mastiff vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan
United States – Stryker, M1A2 Abrams, and numerous other vehicles

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

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Protector RWS.

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