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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.[1]
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 12.7×99 .50 BMG heavy machine gun
- NSV 12.7×108 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[2]
- Javelin anti-tank guided missile
- Hellfire anti-tank guided missile[3] (from a modified Protector)
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Several versions of Protector have been developed with more than 20,000 units sold around the world in service with 23 countries.[4] Between the M151 and M153 variants Kongsberg has delivered more than 18,000 systems to the U.S. Armed Services. These systems are in-service within every branch of the U.S. military and many US agencies.[5]
Overview
The Protector family includes the RS2, RS4 and RS6 Remote Weapon Stations, with weapons from light machine guns (5.56 mm) to light cannons (30×113mmB M230 chain gun).[6] It also includes the Remote Turrets, designed for medium caliber cannons like 30×173mm and 40×180mm (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 30 mm), Protector Medium Caliber RWS |
| RT40 | MCT-30 (Medium Caliber Turret 30 mm) Protector Medium Caliber RWS |
| RT60 | MCT-40 (Medium Caliber Turret 40 mm) 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):[7]
M153 Protector
M153 Protector is designed to meet CROWS II requirement. Specifications (excluding weapons and ammo):[8]
- Weight (kg): 172
- Height (mm): 762
- Operating temperature (in °Celsius): −46 to +65
- Storage temperature (in °Celsius): −51 to +71
Other variants
- Protector Lite
- Protector Lite is a lightweight version for 7.62 mm machine gun with 200 rounds of ammunition carried.[9]
- Protector Super Lite
- 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.[10]
- 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):[11]
- Sea Protector
- Sea Protector is developed for naval applications.[12]
- In operation, maximum azimuth slew rate >100°/s, with maximum elevation slew Rate >50°/s. Range of Elevation −20° to +60°
- 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.[13]
- 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.[14]
- 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.[15]
- Protector NM221
- Protector NM221 includes internal ammunition feed.[16]
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 | This section needs additional citations for verification. (October 2019) |
Australia – ASLAV PC vehicle[17]
Canada – Currently installed on the RG-31 and TAPV fleet. Additional units are on order for integration on the ACSV fleet, with deliveries starting in late 2020.[18][19]
Croatia – Patria AMV, 175 [20]
Czech Republic – LMV
Denmark – Used on Piranha V vehicles.[21]
Estonia – CV90 family[22]
Finland – Patria AMV vehicle
France – Renault VAB
India – TATA Kestrel
Indonesia – KMC Komando Fast Assault Craft & KMC-38M Patrol Vessel (Sea Protector Mk50)[23][22]
Ireland – Mowag Piranha IIIH CRV and RG-32M LTV
Japan – Currently only a few for testing[22][24]
Kuwait – VBL Mk 2[25]
Lithuania – used on Joint Light Tactical Vehicles.[26]
Luxembourg – Dingo 2 vehicle
Netherlands – Boxer vehicle
North Macedonia – Unknown[22]
Norway – CV90 family (Protector Nordic), NM205F3 APC (Protector NM221), Iveco LMV (Protector Lite), Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate (Sea Protector), HNoMS Maud and Skjold-class corvette (Sea Protector)
Portugal – Pandur II[27]
Qatar – to be used on 490 VCBI IFVs.[28]
Romania – Unknown[22][24]
Slovenia – Patria AMV
Switzerland – Piranha I vehicle cdmt, Mowag Duro IIIP and canot-patrouilleur 16
Sweden – Sisu Pasi, Patria AMV, Archer Artillery System, RG-32M
Thailand – Unknown[22][24]
Taiwan – Unknown[22][24]
Ukraine - Stryker[29]
United Kingdom – used on Mastiff vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan, Ajax family of vehicles
United States – Stryker, M1A2 Abrams, and numerous other vehicles
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Australian ASLAV-PCs in Iraq
Canadian RG-31s in Afghanistan
Interior control station for M151 Protector Remote Weapon Station in Stryker ICV
Stryker ICV on patrol in Iraq
Slovenian Patria AMVs with 40 mm Mk 19 automatic grenade launchers.
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