U.S. Army increases scope of KONGSBERG CROWS II framework agreement

[Someoneforyou]

Increased scope of CROWS II framework agreement
10 february 2011

KONGSBERG has signed a contract with the U.S. Army increasing the number of Common Remotely Operated Weapon Stations (CROWS) in the existing CROWS II framework agreement from 10.349 to 11.690 systems.

The total value of the increase will be agreed upon later this year. Total value of the increase will depend on the U.S. Army's future demand and annual allocations. KONGSBERG has received a purchase order for CROWS II systems valued at 345 MNOK as part of the increased scope of the framework agreement.

CROWS is a joint acquisition program for weapon stations for the U.S. Army`s vehicle programs. A common solution will result in substantial efficiency gains in respect of protection, training, support and further development.

The initial CROWS II framework agreement was disclosed on 22 August 2007.

The Protector Weapon Control System protects military troops by allowing the vehicle's weapons to be operated from a protected position inside the vehicle.

Source: Kongsberg

 

[Someoneforyou]

M153 PROTECTOR (CROWS II)
- based on the battle-proven M151 PROTECTOR

"¢ M153 PROTECTOR is designed for small and medium caliber weapons,
and can be installed on any type of platform.

"¢ Detached Line of Sight (DLOS) enables the gunner to keep his sights on target, independent of ballistic solution for the weapon/ammo in use.

"¢ Fully stabilized system provides unmatched observation and engagement capabilities.

"¢ Thermal Imager with dual field of view, autofocus and e-zoom.

"¢ Color Daylight camera allows a wide field of view up to 45 degrees while observing, and more than 30 times optical magnified close-up view of the target area when
identifying and engaging a long distance target.

"¢ The eye-safe Laser Range Finder provides extremely accurate range measurements,
providing the PROTECTOR first round on target capability.

"¢ PROTECTOR with its DLOS is the ultimate solution for accurate operation of the 40mm
Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL).

"¢ Incorporates a high volume ammo can & add-on armor for improved sensor and
servo protection.

Operational Capability:

In August 2007 KONGSBERG was awarded the prestigious contract of CROWS II
(Commonly Remotely Operated Weapon Station) by the US Army. CROWS is a joint
acquisition program for weapon stations for the US Army vehicle programs.
M153 PROTECTOR is based on the proven M151 PROTECTOR with more than 25 million
hours of operation and more than 15 million hours in combat, and has extremely high
reliability with a proven Operational Readiness Rate (ORR) of more than 99%.

Integrated Weapons & Missiles:

Qualified for the Browning M2 (12,7mm), MK19 (40 mm Automatic Grenade Launcher),
M240 (7,62mm) and M249 (5,56mm).

KONGSBERG continues to integrate additional weapons such as JAVELIN, MK47, MG3 and other standard NATO weapons.

Features:

- Gunner operates the PROTECTOR from within the safety of the vehicle's hull
- Proven and in active service
- Fully Stabilized
- Automatic Tilt and Cant compensation
- Accurate, Reliable and Safe
- Interface with Recoil damper for various weapons
- Qualified for global operations
- Low Life Cycle Cost
- Flexible and modular
- Optimized for low weight
- Lock-on target
- Automatic Lead Angle Correction
- Classroom and embedded trainer available.


Source: Kongsberg

 

[JayATL]

This maybe a silly quetsion- I'm a noob when it comes to this. Is that continuous ammo feed or does it look like the box has no way to be fed from inside truck

 

[Someoneforyou]

Future weapons system for today's Airmen
UNITED STATES - 11 MARCH 2011

POPE FIELD, N.C. -- Even though most military vehicles with weapon mounts offer some form of protection, manning them can be extremely hazardous. Exposed to Improvised Explosive Devices, rocket-propelled grenades and enemy sniper fire in the Area of Responsibility, Air Force gunners are extremely vulnerable.

Recently, Airmen of the 18th Air Support Operations Group began training with a new weapon system that will reduce casualties and shelter Airmen from potential enemy threats. That system is the XM153 Common Remotely Operated Weapons Station.

The system enables gunners to accurately engage targets with near-perfect precision while safely inside the protection of their armored vehicle. It is a remotely controlled weapon system that can be integrated with any armored vehicle on a variety of platforms to provide gunners the ability to identify, engage, and defeat targets out to the maximum effective range of whichever weapon is mounted.

CROWS can be equipped with the MK19 Grenade Machine Gun, .50 Caliber M2 Machine Gun, M240B Machine Gun, or the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon making it highly versatile. The weapons mounted to CROWS operate off of a larger ammunition supply of the standard crew-served weapons. This allows Airmen to utilize larger combat loads with less reloading, keeping the crew protected inside the vehicle.

"This will reduce casualties by providing a safer environment for the mobile gunner of crew-served weapons," said Capt. Benjamin Walker, 18th ASOG Air Liaison Officer and Flight Training Commander.

Training with CROWS provides Airmen with new capabilities and technologies that enhance not only the Tactical Air Control Party community and the 18th ASOG, but the supported units as well.

"These are some of the first TACP personnel to ever be operationally trained in the continental U.S. on the weapon system," said Captain Walker. "This training will make our TACP personnel even more lethal by being trained and qualified to operate the CROWS. By utilizing this system during "Troops in Contact" events, it keeps our personnel safer and gives them the opportunity to protect their vehicle as part of the crew."

"Trainees are enrolled in a 90 percent hands-on course with numerous progress checks on learning throughout," explained Captain Walker. "The training is objectively checked by means of practical exercises, along with an end-of-course written exam. Trainees also participate in a live fire exercise for the culmination of operator level proficiency."

The weapon itself can rotate 360 degrees and navigate 60 degrees up and 20 degrees down allowing the gunner to neutralize nearly any threat within range. The weapon is controlled by a joystick, which allows the gunner to control the weapon single-handed.

"The CROWS system is a great tool for helping to increase the safety and survivability of our Airmen," said Staff Sgt. Samuel Caldwell, 440th Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms Instructor who recently received training on the system. "It has a bit of a learning curve at first, but in no time at all, I was able to operate the system very efficiently. Employing this system in the AOR is really going to save lives."

The weapon's sensory systems utilize a laser range finder with fire control software that allows on-the-move target acquisition, enabling the gunner to zoom and lock on to targets while the vehicle is in motion. The system also features programmable target reference points for multiple locations, sector surveillance scanning, automatic target ballistic lead and tracking, and programmable no-fire zones.

The weapon can be used at an extremely high accuracy rate while the vehicle is in motion and the enemy on the run. Additionally, thermal imaging cameras capable of target engagement in the daytime and nighttime operations are also incorporated.

"Overall the system is superior to the alternative of having a crew member sitting atop the vehicle manning a crew-served weapon," said Captain Walker. "The system provides the capability to selectively fire high caliber, high energy weapons and grenades at targets precisely, day or night."

Until now, gunners had to operate crew served weapons manually while on a moving vehicle from an exposed position. Thanks to the CROWS, Airmen can be rest assured; those days are coming to an end.

Airmen participating in first operational firing of the 18th Air Support Operations Group's XM153 Common Remotely-Operated Weapons Station begin loading ammunition into the system at an urban convoy live fire range at Fort Bragg, N.C., on March 4, 2011. Airmen from various organizations requiring operational knowledge of this system participated alongside some of the first tactical air control party personnel to ever be trained on the weapon system.

 

[Someoneforyou]

KONGSBERG receives new U.S. Army CROWS contract valued at NOK 552 million
6 June 2011

KONGSBERG has booked an order valued at NOK 552 millions [$102.94 million - Ed.] from the US Army. The order is part of the increase of the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Stations (CROWS) framework agreement for up to 11.690 systems signed in February 2011.

The initial CROWS II framework agreement was disclosed on 22 August 2007.

CROWS is a joint acquisition program for weapon stations for the US Army`s vehicle programs. A common solution will result in substantial efficiency gains in respect of protection, training, support and further development.

The Protector Weapon Control System protects military troops by allowing the vehicle's weapons to be operated from a protected position inside the vehicle.


Source: Kongsberg