Protector M151

The PROTECTOR M151 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 [ [http://www.kongsberg.com/eng/kda/products/dynamicsystems/RemoteWeaponStation/ Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace] ] of Kongsberg, Norway.

The PROTECTOR is commonly used by the US Army Stryker Brigades. [ [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0IAV/is_5_94/ai_n16084360 The Stryker Remote Weapon System] ] [ [https://peosoldier.army.mil/pdfs/soldierfeedbackweaponstation.pdf Soldier Feedback Advances Remote Weapon Stations] ]

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 12.7 mm 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 [ [http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2006smallarms/cavoretto.pdf XM307 Weapons System] ]
* Javelin anti-tank guided missile (ATGM)
* Hellfire ATGM [ [http://www.mil.no/start/article.jhtml?articleID=78157 Et fremtidsrettet prosjekt] no icon] (from a modified PROTECTOR)

Versions

M151 versions

* PROTECTOR M151 – 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 NOR's M113 APC and Tactica vehicles (PROTECTOR NM221), and the Iveco LMV (PROTECTOR Lite), the PROTECTOR is widely used internationally.

Current operators:
"(listed alphabetically)"
*AUS – ASLAV PC vehicle
*CAN – RG-31 vehicle
*CZE – LMV
*FIN – Patria AMV vehicle
*IRL – Piranha III vehicle
*LUX – Dingo 2 vehicle
*NLD – Boxer vehicle
*PRT – Pandur II
*SUI – Piranha I vehicle
*UK
*USA – Stryker and Abrams (the latter a main battle tank), plus numerous other vehicles

Planned operators:
*FRA: contract signed 02 May 2008 for eight-year delivery of PROTECTOR to be used on the Renault VAB vehicle. [ [http://www.kongsberg.com/eng/kog/news/default.asp?id=33729 Weapon Control Systems framework agreement with France] – Kongsberg Gruppen press release, 02.05.2008]
*SLO: Patria AMV

Gallery

References