DSEI 2019: KONGSBERG presented ground-breaking RWS capabilities on Unmanned Ground Vehicle.

At DSEI 2019, the Milrem Robotics’ 5thgeneration THeMIS UGV integrated with a PROTECTOR RWS Javelin, is displayed at the KONGSBERG stand.

Ground-breaking RWS capabilities on an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (Picture source: Kongsberg)

A TITAN Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), featuring QinetiQ UGV control technology on a Milrem Robotics THeMIS mobility platform was used in the demonstration. Javelin and .50 caliber machine guns were fired, remotely and wireless, from a PROTECTOR Common, Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS). Video from the missile and RWS, as well as control and firing signals,  were transferred on a secure circuit over the radio.

In June this year, KONGSBERG proved their innovative capabilities by firing a remotely controlled Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin missile from a PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Station on an Unmanned Ground Vehicle. The event took place at Redstone Test Center, Alabama, USA.

This was also the first combined Javelin and M230LF 30mm Cannon firing from a single RWS, as the event also featured the Northrup Grumman M230LF (30mm X 113mm) cannon. The KONGSBERG LW30 RWS was mounted on an Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV).

This event is nothing short of ground-breaking. The customers have been consistent in their demand for wireless capability and for increased lethality like Anti-Tank Guided Missile Integration. Our ability to integrate our partners’ quality systems into common interfaces was essential to this demonstrations success. The combination of a wireless and remotely controlled weapon system, integrated on an unmanned vehicle, introduces capabilities that will secure our soldier's mission and safety to an even greater extent, said Pål Bratlie, Executive Vice President Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS.

Combing unmanned ground vehicles with modern weapon systems will bring disruptive capabilities to the battlefield. Milrem Robotics has experienced this effect already with several Armies using the THeMIS with an integrated heavy machine gun. Adding such a capable antitank missile as the Javelin will significantly increase the disruptive effect, said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.