Protector (RWS)



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 Norway and Thales Group of France.

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 5.56 mm 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. Specifications (excluding weapons and ammo):
 * Weight (kg): 135
 * Height (mm): 749
 * Operating temperature (degrees in Celsius): -46 to +65
 * Storage temperature (degrees in Celsius): -51 to +71

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

 * 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

M153 PROTECTOR
M153 PROTECTOR is designed to meet CROWS II requirement. Specifications (excluding weapons and ammo):
 * Weight (kg): 172
 * Height (mm): 762
 * Operating temperature (degrees in Celsius): -46 to +65
 * Storage temperature (degrees in Celsius): -51 to +71

PROTECTOR Lite
PROTECTOR Lite is a light weight version for 7.62 mm machine gun with 200 round of ammo carried. Specifications (excluding weapons and ammo):
 * Weight (kg): 74
 * Height (mm): 610
 * Operating temperature (degrees in Celsius): -46 to +65
 * Storage temperature (degrees in Celsius): -51 to +71

PROTECTOR Super Lite
PROTECTOR Super Lite is the lightest version currently available, and is a light weight 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):
 * Weight (kg): 30
 * Height (mm): 460
 * Operating temperature (degrees in Celsius): -40 to +65
 * Storage temperature (degrees 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):
 * Weight (kg): 2000
 * Operating temperature (degrees in Celsius): -40 to +65
 * Storage temperature (degrees in Celsius): -51 to +71

Sea PROTECTOR
Sea PROTECTOR is developed for naval applications. Specifications (excluding weapons and ammo):
 * Weight (kg): 135
 * Height (mm): 749
 * Operating temperature (degrees in Celsius): -40 to +65
 * Storage temperature (degrees 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.

PROTECTOR with Non Lethal Effectors
PROTECTOR with Non Lethal Effectors is designed to close a capability gap in peace keeping, peace enforcement and humanitarian operations as well as today's asymmetric warfare.

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.

PROTECTOR NM221
PROTECTOR NM221 includes internal ammunition feed.

Users

 * 🇦🇺 – ASLAV PC vehicle
 * 🇨🇦 – RG-31 vehicle
 * - Patria AMV
 * 🇨🇿 – LMV
 * 🇫🇮 – Patria AMV vehicle
 * 🇫🇷 – Renault VAB
 * 🇮🇪 – Mowag Piranha IIIH CRV and RG-32M LTV
 * 🇱🇺 – Dingo 2 vehicle
 * 🇳🇱 – Boxer vehicle
 * 🇳🇴 – CV90 IFV, M113 APC and Tactica vehicles (PROTECTOR NM221), and the Iveco LMV (PROTECTOR Lite)
 * 🇵🇹 – Pandur II
 * - Patria AMV
 * – Piranha I vehicle and Mowag Duro IIIP
 * 🇸🇪 - Sisu Pasi, ARCHER Artillery System, RG-32M
 * - used on Bulldog and Mastiff vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan
 * 🇺🇸 – Stryker and M1A2 Abrams (the latter a main battle tank), plus numerous other vehicles