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 Services. 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 (5.56 mm) to light cannons (30×113mmB M230 chain gun). It also includes the Remote Turrets, designed for medium caliber cannons like 30×173mm and 40×180mm (Mk44 Bushmaster II).

M151 versions

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):

Other variants

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.

Users

Gallery