View source for Protector RWS

{{short description |Remotely controlled weapons system}}
[[Image:Kongsberg Protector RWS on M1126.jpg|thumb|M151 Protector with an [[M2 Browning machine gun|M2]] heavy machine gun on an M1126 [[Stryker]] vehicle.]]

The '''Protector RWS''' is a [[remote controlled weapon station|remotely controlled weapons station]] (RWS) that can be mounted to vehicles and stationary platforms. It has been in full scale production since December 2001. It is manufactured by [[Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace]] of [[Norway]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Systems |url=https://www.kongsberg.com/kda/what-we-do/defence-and-security/remote-weapon-systems/ |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=www.kongsberg.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Design==
The system consists of a stabilized firing platform, a [[fire-control system]] and [[joystick|control grips]]. Several weapons can be mounted to the platform, such as:
* [[M2 Browning]] 12.7×99 [[.50 BMG]] [[heavy machine gun]]
* [[NSV machine gun|NSV]] 12.7×108 [[heavy machine gun]]
* [[M240 machine gun|M240]]/[[FN MAG]] [[7.62×51mm NATO]] [[general-purpose machine gun]]
* [[M249 light machine gun|M249]]/[[FN Minimi]] [[5.56×45mm NATO]] [[light machine gun]]
* [[Mk 19 grenade launcher|MK19]] [[40 mm grenade|40×53 mm]] [[automatic grenade launcher]]
* [[Heckler & Koch GMG|H&K GMG]] 40×53&nbsp;mm automatic grenade launcher
* [[XM307 Advanced Crew Served Weapon]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071114120157/http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2006smallarms/cavoretto.pdf XM307 Weapons System]</ref>
* [[FGM-148 Javelin|Javelin]] [[anti-tank missile|anti-tank guided missile]]
* [[AGM-114 Hellfire|Hellfire]] anti-tank guided missile<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mil.no/start/article.jhtml?articleID=78157|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050420144950/http://www.mil.no/start/article.jhtml?articleID=78157|url-status=dead|title=Et fremtidsrettet prosjekt|archivedate=April 20, 2005}}</ref> (from a modified Protector)

==Versions==
Several versions of Protector have been developed with more than 20,000 units sold around the world in service with 23 countries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.army-technology.com/news/kongsberg-delivers-20000th-protector-rws-to-us-army/|title = Kongsberg delivers 20,000th Protector RWS to US Army}}</ref> Between the M151 and M153 variants Kongsberg has delivered more than 18,000 systems to the U.S. Armed Services. These systems are in-service within every branch of the U.S. military and many US agencies.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kongsberg.com/kda/news/news-archive/2022/u.s.-army-awards-usd-1.498-billion-idiq-crows-contract-to-kongsberg/ |title=U.S. ARMY AWARDS USD 1.498 BILLION IDIQ CROWS CONTRACT TO KONGSBERG |publisher=Kongsberg.com |date=31 October 2022}}</ref>

===Overview===
The Protector family includes the RS2, RS4 and RS6 Remote Weapon Stations, with weapons from light machine guns (5.56 mm) to light cannons (30×113mmB [[M230 chain gun]]).<ref name=kda-rws>{{Cite web |url=https://www.kongsberg.com/no/kda/products/defence-and-security/remote-weapon-systems/ | publisher=Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace|title=REMOTE WEAPON SYSTEMS |access-date=27 May 2021}}</ref> It also includes the Remote Turrets, designed for medium caliber cannons like 30×173mm and 40×180mm ([[Mk44 Bushmaster II]]).

{| class="wikitable"
! Name
! Former name / version / program
|-
|RS2
|Protector Lite, Protector Super Lite
|-
|RS4
|M151, M153 (CROWS), Protector nordic
|-
|RS4 low profile
|RWS Low  profile, M153 (CROWS)
|-
|RS4 naval
|RWS naval, Sea Protector
|-
|RS6
|RWS LW30, M153 (CROWS)
|-
|RT20
|MCT-30 (Medium Caliber Turret 30 mm),<br/>Protector Medium Caliber RWS
|-
|RT40
|MCT-30 (Medium Caliber Turret 30 mm)<br/>Protector Medium Caliber RWS
|-
|RT60
|MCT-40 (Medium Caliber Turret 40 mm)<br/>Protector Medium Caliber RWS
|}

===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
* Weight (kg): 135
* Height (mm): 749
* [[Operating temperature]] (in °Celsius): −46 to +65
* Storage temperature (in °Celsius): −51 to +71
The system also features 4 M6 Smoke Grenade Dischargers. Specifications (excluding weapons and ammo):<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kongsberg.com/en/kps/products/remoteweaponstation/~/media/KPS/Datasheets/Dataark_M151_september%202010%20A4.ashx |title=M151 PROTECTOR |access-date=2013-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304044154/http://www.kongsberg.com/en/kps/products/remoteweaponstation/~/media/KPS/Datasheets/Dataark_M151_september%202010%20A4.ashx |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===M153 Protector===
M153 Protector is designed to meet [[CROWS]] II requirement. Specifications (excluding weapons and ammo):<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kongsberg.com/en/kps/products/remoteweaponstation/~/media/KPS/Datasheets/Dataark_crows_sep%202010-A4.ashx |title=M153 PROTECTOR |access-date=2013-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304003019/http://www.kongsberg.com/en/kps/products/remoteweaponstation/~/media/KPS/Datasheets/Dataark_crows_sep%202010-A4.ashx |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Weight (kg): 172
* Height (mm): 762
* Operating temperature (in °Celsius): −46 to +65
* Storage temperature (in °Celsius): −51 to +71

===Other variants===
;Protector Lite
:Protector Lite is a lightweight version for 7.62&nbsp;mm machine gun with 200 rounds of ammunition carried.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kongsberg.com/en/KPS/Products/~/media/KDS/Files/Products/Remote%20Weapon%20Station/Brochures/PROTECTOR%20brosjyre.ashx |title=PROTECTOR Lite |access-date=2013-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060657/http://www.kongsberg.com/en/KPS/Products/~/media/KDS/Files/Products/Remote%20Weapon%20Station/Brochures/PROTECTOR%20brosjyre.ashx |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
;Protector Super Lite
:Protector Super Lite is the lightest version currently available, and  is a lightweight (30 kg), 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.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kongsberg.com/en/kps/products/remoteweaponstation/~/media/KPS/Datasheets/Dataark_Super_lite_SEPT%202010-A4.ashx |title=PROTECTOR Super Lite |access-date=2013-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052521/http://www.kongsberg.com/en/kps/products/remoteweaponstation/~/media/KPS/Datasheets/Dataark_Super_lite_SEPT%202010-A4.ashx |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
;Protector Medium Caliber RWS
:Protector Medium Caliber RWS is designed as a vehicle turret for 20 to 50&nbsp;mm autocannons, with coaxial machinegun of 5.56 to 7.62&nbsp;mm. Specifications (including weapons and ammo):<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kongsberg.com/en/kps/products/remoteweaponstation/~/media/KPS/Datasheets/MC%20RWS%20standard%20sept%202010.ashx |title=PROTECTOR Medium Caliber RWS |access-date=2013-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006223009/http://www.kongsberg.com/en/kps/products/remoteweaponstation/~/media/KPS/Datasheets/MC%20RWS%20standard%20sept%202010.ashx |archive-date=2013-10-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
;Sea Protector
[[File:The USCGC Sea Devil mounts a remote-controlled, gyro-stabilized machine gun on her bow.jpg|thumb|The {{USCGC|Sea Devil|WPB-87368}} with an [[M2 Browning]] .50 Caliber Machine Gun.]]
:Sea Protector is developed for naval applications.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kongsberg.com/en/kps/products/remoteweaponstation/~/media/KPS/Datasheets/Datasheet_Sea%20PROTECTOR.ashx |title=Sea PROTECTOR |access-date=2013-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031425/http://www.kongsberg.com/en/kps/products/remoteweaponstation/~/media/KPS/Datasheets/Datasheet_Sea%20PROTECTOR.ashx |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
:In operation, maximum azimuth [[slew rate]] >100°/s, with maximum elevation slew Rate >50°/s. Range of Elevation −20° to +60°
;Protector Dual RWS
Protector Dual RWS mounts two weapons. It provides a dual user functionality (Gunner / Commander). The coaxial weapon is mounted on the same axis as the main gun.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kongsberg.com/en/kps/products/remoteweaponstation/protector%20dual%20rws/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511025819/http://www.kongsberg.com/en/kps/products/remoteweaponstation/protector%20dual%20rws/|url-status=dead|title=PROTECTOR Dual RWS|archivedate=May 11, 2013}}</ref>
;Protector with Non Lethal Effectors
:Protector with Non Lethal Effectors is designed to close a capability gap in peacekeeping, peace enforcement and humanitarian operations as well as today's asymmetric warfare.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kongsberg.com/en/kps/products/remoteweaponstation/protector%20with%20non%20lethal%20effectors/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511025824/http://www.kongsberg.com/en/kps/products/remoteweaponstation/protector%20with%20non%20lethal%20effectors/|url-status=dead|title=PROTECTOR with Non Lethal Effectors|archivedate=May 11, 2013}}</ref>
;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&nbsp;nm), both developed by Kongsberg.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kongsberg.com/en/kps/products/remoteweaponstation/protector%20nordic/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511192943/http://www.kongsberg.com/en/kps/products/remoteweaponstation/protector%20nordic/|url-status=dead|title=PROTECTOR RWS – Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace|archivedate=May 11, 2013}}</ref>
;Protector NM221
:Protector NM221 includes internal ammunition feed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.deagel.com/Weapon-Stations/Protector-NM221_a001275002.aspx|title=Ancile|website=www.deagel.com}}</ref>

==Users==
{{more citations needed section|date=October 2019}}
[[File:Protector RWS Users.png|thumb|Map with users of the Protector RWS in blue]]
[[Image:Stryker-IFV-50cal.jpg|thumb|A M151 Protector on a Stryker ICV]]

*{{AUS}} – [[ASLAV|ASLAV PC]] vehicle<ref>{{cite web |title=ASLAV |url=https://nautilus.org/publications/books/australian-forces-abroad/security-general/aslav/ |website=Nautilus Institute |date=19 December 2011 |accessdate=20 September 2018}}</ref>
*{{CAN}} – Currently installed on the [[RG-31]] and [[Textron Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle|TAPV]] fleet. Additional units are on order for integration on the [[LAV III|ACSV]] fleet, with deliveries starting in late 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kongsberg to repair, overhaul remote weapons stations |url=https://www.upi.com/Kongsberg-to-repair-overhaul-remote-weapons-stations/93981382120366/ |accessdate=20 September 2018 |publisher=United Press International |date=18 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kongsberg.com/kda/news-and-media/news-archive/2020/kongsberg-awarded-contract-to-provide-remote-weapon-stations-to-the-canadian-army-worth-500-mnok/ |title=KONGSBERG AWARDED CONTRACT TO PROVIDE REMOTE WEAPON STATIONS TO THE CANADIAN ARMY WORTH 500 MNOK |author=Kongsberg Aerospace & Defense |work=Kongsberg.com |date=2020-05-25 |accessdate=2020-08-01}}</ref>
*{{CRO}} – [[Patria AMV]], 175 <ref>{{cite web |title=Croatia's New APCs: AMVs, RWS and Export Opportunities |url=https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/croatias-2007-wheeled-apc-competition-03050/ |website=Defense Industry Daily |accessdate=20 September 2018}}</ref>
*{{CZE}} – [[Iveco LMV|LMV]]
*{{DEN}} – Used on [[Piranha V]] vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kongsberg.com/newsandmedia/news-archive/2019/contract-to-deliver-remote-weapons-stations-to-denmark-worth-270-mnok/|title = Contract to deliver Remote Weapons Stations to Denmark worth 270 MNOK}}</ref>
*{{EST}} – [[CV90]] family<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.tu.no/artikler/pa-lista-over-brukere-av-den-norske-vapenstasjoner-har-det-dukket-opp-to-nye-nasjoner/515990?p=55677930|title=På lista over brukere av den norske våpenstasjonen har det dukket opp to nye nasjoner|first=Per Erlien|last=Dalløkken|date=December 21, 2021|website=Tu.no}}</ref>
*{{FIN}} – [[Patria AMV]] vehicle
*{{FRA}} – [[Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé|Renault VAB]]
*{{IND}} – [[TATA Kestrel]]
*{{INA}} – [[KMC Komando]] Fast Assault Craft & KMC-38M Patrol Vessel (Sea Protector Mk50)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Redaksi |date=2019-07-01 |title=Kapal Patroli KMC 38M TNI AD Dilengkapi Senjata Kongsberg Sea Protector MK50 |url=https://beritalima.com/kapal-patroli-kmc-38m-tni-ad-dilengkapi-senjata-kongsberg-sea-protector-mk50/ |access-date=2023-08-11 |website=Beritalima.com |language=id-ID}}</ref><ref name="auto"/>
*{{IRL}} – [[Mowag Piranha|Mowag Piranha IIIH CRV]] and [[RG Outrider|RG-32M LTV]]
*{{JPN}} – Currently only a few for testing<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.kongsberg.com/kda/products/defence-and-security/remote-weapon-systems/|title=PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Systems|website=www.kongsberg.com}}</ref>
* {{KUW}} – [[Véhicule Blindé Léger|VBL Mk 2]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/article/49184/middle-east-moves-to-balanced-vehicle-fleets-idx15vp|title=Middle East moves to balanced vehicle fleets [IDX15VP]|date=22 February 2015 |first=Christopher F.|last=Foss|website=Jane's 360}}</ref>
*{{LIT}} – used on [[Joint Light Tactical Vehicle]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.army-technology.com/news/kongsberg-to-deliver-protector-rws-to-lithuania/|title = Kongsberg to deliver its Protector RWS to Lithuania|date = 15 April 2020}}</ref>
*{{LUX}} – [[ATF Dingo|Dingo 2]] vehicle
*{{NLD}} – [[Boxer (Armoured Fighting Vehicle)|Boxer vehicle]]
*{{MKD}} – Unknown<ref name="auto"/>
*{{NOR}} – [[CV90]] family (Protector Nordic), [[M113 Armored Personnel Carrier|NM205F3 APC]] (Protector NM221), [[Iveco LMV]] (Protector Lite), [[Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate]] (Sea Protector), [[HNoMS Maud]] and [[Skjold-class corvette]] (Sea Protector)
*{{PRT}} – [[Pandur 8X8 APC|Pandur II]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=EXÉRCITO ENVIA BLINDADOS PANDUR PARA A RCA {{!}} Operacional |url=https://www.operacional.pt/exercito-envia-blindados-pandur-para-a-rca/ |access-date=2023-05-27 |language=pt-PT}}</ref>
*{{QAT}} – to be used on 490 [[Véhicule blindé de combat d'infanterie|VCBI IFVs]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2018/03/14/konsberg-norway-qatar-defense-technology-deal/|title = Norway's Kongsberg signs 8-year defense technology development deal with Qatar|date = 14 March 2018}}</ref>
*{{ROM}} – Unknown<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/>
*{{SLO}} – [[Patria AMV]]
*{{SUI}} – [[Mowag Piranha|Piranha I]] vehicle cdmt, [[Mowag Duro#DURO IIIP / DURO GMTF|Mowag Duro IIIP]] and canot-patrouilleur 16
*{{SWE}} – [[Sisu Pasi]], [[Patria AMV]], [[Archer Artillery System]], [[RG-32|RG-32M]]
*{{THA}} – Unknown<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/>
*{{TWN}} – Unknown<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/>
*{{UKR}} - [[Stryker]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Militarny |title=Ukraine receives Stryker equipped with Protector RWS Remote Weapon Stations |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/ukraine-receives-stryker-equipped-with-protector-rws-remote-weapon-stations/}}</ref>
*{{UK}}  – used on Mastiff vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan, [[General_Dynamics_Ajax|Ajax]] family of vehicles
*{{USA}} – [[Stryker]], [[M1 Abrams|M1A2 Abrams]], and numerous other vehicles

==Gallery==
<gallery mode=packed>
File:SEC Det X ASLAVs.jpg|Australian ASLAV-PCs in Iraq
File:Remote Weapons Station on a Canadian Nyala -a.jpg|Canadian RG-31s in Afghanistan
Image:Rws stryker interiorscreen.jpg|Interior control station for M151 Protector Remote Weapon Station in Stryker ICV
Image:Stryker 25th ID Iraq DF-SD-05-12693.JPEG|Stryker ICV on patrol in Iraq
File:Slovenians Patria AMV.jpg|Slovenian Patria AMVs with 40 mm Mk 19 automatic grenade launchers.
</gallery>

==References==
<references />

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* [https://www.kongsberg.com/kda/products/defence-and-security/remote-weapon-systems/protector-rs4/ Kongsberg Protector RWS webpage]

[[Category:Vehicle-mounted weapons]]
[[Category:Remote weapon stations]]
[[Category:Kongsberg Gruppen]]
[[Category:Goods manufactured in Norway]]
[[Category:Goods manufactured in France]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2000s]]