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:

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

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

M153 PROTECTOR

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

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]

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]

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]

Sea PROTECTOR

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

Dynamic performance

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

Gallery

References

  1. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace
  2. Thales PROTECTOR RWS
  3. XM307 Weapons System
  4. Et fremtidsrettet prosjekt (Norwegian)
  5. M151 PROTECTOR
  6. M153 PROTECTOR
  7. PROTECTOR Lite
  8. PROTECTOR Super Lite
  9. PROTECTOR Medium Caliber RWS
  10. Sea PROTECTOR
  11. PROTECTOR Dual RWS
  12. PROTECTOR with Non Lethal Effectors
  13. PROTECTOR Nordic
  14. PROTECTOR NM221

External links

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