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[1] of Norway and Thales Group of France.[2]
The PROTECTOR is commonly used by the US Army Stryker Brigades.[3][4]
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[edit] 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[5]
- Javelin anti-tank guided missile (ATGM)
- Hellfire ATGM[6] (from a modified PROTECTOR)
The system also features 4 M6 Smoke Grenade Dischargers.
[edit] Versions
[edit] 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
[edit] Other variants
- PROTECTOR Lite
- PROTECTOR CROWS II
- Sea PROTECTOR – for naval applications
- PROTECTOR NM221 – includes internal ammunition feed
[edit] Operator countries
Current operators:
(listed alphabetically)
Australia – ASLAV PC vehicle
Canada – RG-31 vehicle
Croatia: Patria AMV, Iveco LMV, M-95, M-84D
Czech Republic – LMV
Finland – Patria AMV vehicle
France – Renault VAB
Ireland – Mowag Piranha IIIH CRV and RG-32M LTV
Luxembourg – Dingo 2 vehicle
Netherlands – Boxer vehicle
Norway – M113 APC and Tactica vehicles (PROTECTOR NM221), and the Iveco LMV (PROTECTOR Lite)
Portugal – Pandur II
Switzerland – Piranha I vehicle
Sweden - Sisu Pasi, ARCHER Artillery System, RG-32M
United Kingdom - used on Bulldog and Mastiff vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan
United States – Stryker and M1A2 Abrams (the latter a main battle tank), plus numerous other vehicles
Planned operators:
[edit] Gallery
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Australian ASLAV-PCs in Iraq
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Canadian RG-31s in Afghanistan
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Interior control station for M151 Protector Remote Weapon Station in Stryker ICV
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Remote Weapon Station on Stryker ICV
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Stryker ICV on patrol in Iraq
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Slovenian Patria AMVs with 40mm Mk 19 automatic grenade launchers.
[edit] References
- ^ Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace
- ^ Thales PROTECTOR RWS
- ^ The Stryker Remote Weapon System
- ^ Soldier Feedback Advances Remote Weapon Stations
- ^ XM307 Weapons System
- ^ Et fremtidsrettet prosjekt (Norwegian)
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