Protector (RWS)

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]

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

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]

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):[5]

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 (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):[7]

  • 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):[8]

  • 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):[9]

  • 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):[10]

  • 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.[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
  • 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. https://www.army-technology.com/news/kongsberg-delivers-20000th-protector-rws-to-us-army/
  5. "M151 PROTECTOR". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2013-04-23.
  6. "M153 PROTECTOR". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2013-04-23.
  7. "PROTECTOR Lite". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2013-04-23.
  8. "PROTECTOR Super Lite". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2013-04-23.
  9. "PROTECTOR Medium Caliber RWS". Archived from the original on 2013-10-06. Retrieved 2013-04-23.
  10. "Sea PROTECTOR". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2013-04-23.
  11. PROTECTOR Dual RWS Archived 2013-05-11 at the Wayback Machine
  12. PROTECTOR with Non Lethal Effectors Archived 2013-05-11 at the Wayback Machine
  13. PROTECTOR Nordic Archived 2013-05-11 at the Wayback Machine
  14. PROTECTOR NM221
  15. "ASLAV". Nautilus Institute. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  16. "Kongsberg to repair, overhaul remote weapons stations". United Press International. 18 October 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  17. 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.
  18. "Croatia's New APCs: AMVs, RWS and Export Opportunities". Defense Industry Daily. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  19. Foss, Christopher F. (22 February 2015). "Middle East moves to balanced vehicle fleets [IDX15VP]". Jane's 360.
  20. https://www.thedefensepost.com/2018/03/14/konsberg-norway-qatar-defense-technology-deal/
  21. https://www.army-technology.com/news/kongsberg-to-deliver-protector-rws-to-lithuania/
  22. https://www.kongsberg.com/newsandmedia/news-archive/2019/contract-to-deliver-remote-weapons-stations-to-denmark-worth-270-mnok/
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