Protector M151 with an M2 heavy machine gun on an M1126 Stryker vehicle.

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 ^[1] of Kongsberg, Norway.

The PROTECTOR is commonly used by the US Army Stryker Brigades. ^[2][3]

[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 5.56mm machine gun
• MK19 40 mm grenade launcher
• H&K GMG 40 mm grenade launcher
• XM307 Advanced Crew-Served Weapon ^[4]
• Javelin anti-tank guided missile (ATGM)
• Hellfire ATGM ^[5] (from a modified PROTECTOR)

[edit] Versions

[edit] 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

[edit] Other variants

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

[edit] Operator countries

A PROTECTOR M151 on a Stryker ICV

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

Current operators:
(listed alphabetically)

•  Australia – ASLAV PC vehicle
•  Canada – RG-31 vehicle
•  Czech Republic – LMV
•  Finland – Patria AMV vehicle
•  Ireland – Piranha III vehicle
•  Luxembourg – Dingo 2 vehicle
•  Netherlands – Boxer vehicle
•  Portugal – Pandur II
•  Switzerland – Piranha I vehicle
•  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:

•  France: contract signed 02 May 2008 for eight-year delivery of PROTECTOR to be used on the Renault VAB vehicle.^[6]
•  Slovenia: Patria AMV
•  Croatia: Patria AMV, Iveco LMV, M-95, Croatian Romobil-two wheeler
•  Sweden: Sisu_Pasi, ARCHER Artillery System, RG 32

[edit] Gallery

Interior control station for Protector M151 Remote Weapon Station in Stryker ICV

Remote Weapon Station on Stryker ICV

Stryker ICV on patrol in Iraq

[edit] References

1. ^ Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace
2. ^ The Stryker Remote Weapon System
3. ^ Soldier Feedback Advances Remote Weapon Stations
4. ^ XM307 Weapons System
5. ^ Et fremtidsrettet prosjekt (Norwegian)
6. ^ Weapon Control Systems framework agreement with France – Kongsberg Gruppen press release, 02.05.2008

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