M151 Protector



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 of Kongsberg, Norway.

The PROTECTOR is commonly used by the US Army Stryker Brigades.

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 .50 cal heavy machine gun
 * M240/MAG-58 7.62 mm machine gun
 * M249/mini-mi 5.56mm machine gun
 * MK19 40 mm grenade launcher
 * H&K GMG 40 mm grenade launcher
 * XM307 Advanced Crew-Served Weapon
 * Javelin anti-tank guided missile (ATGM)
 * Hellfire ATGM (from a modified PROTECTOR)

The system, also features 4 M6 Smoke Grenade Dischargers.

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

Other variants

 * PROTECTOR Lite
 * PROTECTOR CROWS II
 * Sea PROTECTOR – for naval applications
 * PROTECTOR NM221 – includes internal ammunition feed

Operator countries
In addition to the home country 🇳🇴's M113 APC and Tactica vehicles (PROTECTOR NM221), and the Iveco LMV (PROTECTOR Lite), the PROTECTOR is widely used internationally.

Current operators:

(listed alphabetically)
 * 🇦🇺 – ASLAV PC vehicle
 * 🇨🇦 – RG-31 vehicle
 * 🇨🇿 – LMV
 * 🇫🇮 – Patria AMV vehicle
 * 🇫🇷 – Renault VAB
 * 🇮🇪 – Mowag Piranha IIIH CRV and RG-32M LTV
 * 🇱🇺 – Dingo 2 vehicle
 * 🇳🇱 – Boxer vehicle
 * 🇵🇹 – Pandur II
 * – Piranha I vehicle
 * - [used on bulldog and mastiff vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan
 * 🇺🇸 – Stryker and M1A2 Abrams (the latter a main battle tank), plus numerous other vehicles

Planned operators:
 * Patria AMV
 * Patria AMV, Iveco LMV, M-95, Croatian Romobil-two wheeler
 * 🇸🇪: Sisu_Pasi, ARCHER Artillery System, RG 32