The EURONAVAL exhibition in Paris, October 27 to 31, 2014, is the backdrop
for the launch of the new Sea deFNder® Remote Weapon Station (RWS).
This is the third model in the deFNder® range, produced by a world’s
leading firearms manufacturer, FN Herstal. Engineered for use by naval
forces and coastguards, it follows the innovative deFNder® Light
and the deFNder® Medium into global service. |
The
Sea deFNder® provides naval ships and coastguards with the advantage
of superior firepower in any scenario. This includes territorial waters
surveillance, selfdefense, anti-piracy, anti-terrorism and the interception
of drug or people smugglers. Its high modularity allows the Sea deFNder®
to be mounted on a wide variety of naval vessels, from speed boats and
patrollers right up to frigates and destroyers. The Sea deFNder®
RWS’ versatility extends to the weapons it can house. Its universal
cradle can hold any machine gun, from FN MINIMI® 5.56 up to .50
cal in the range (.50 cal is either the FN M2HB-QCB™ or FN Herstal’s
exclusive FN M3R™ that offers an outstanding firing rate of 1,100
RPM). The Sea deFNder® can also be equipped with 40mm AGLs for additional
firepower.
The Sea deFNder® shares many features of the deFNder® Medium
used on land based vehicles. This includes its sight module (CCD + IR
uncooled or cooled), one-hand or game pad control handle and ammo box
capacity. In addition, the Sea deFNder® has special specifications
for naval applications: specific surface treatment, improved water tightness
and water flow, specific environmental qualification based on maritime
standards and specific 2-axis gyroscopic stabilization dedicated to
naval application.
Prior to its official unveiling, an order has already been placed for
a number of Sea deFNder® Remote Weapon Stations. This brings the
total number of units ordered across the deFNder® range to over
1,300 for both land and sea based applications. The Sea deFNder®
is the latest example of constant innovation in weapons development
by FN Herstal, which has a history dating back 125 years. Its exceptional
service packages include everything its customers require for rapid
deployment of its Sea deFNder®. This includes associated weapon(s),
ammunition, technical documentation, technical support, operator’s
and maintenance training, and installation of the RWS onto the vessel.
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FN Herstal's Sea deFNder® Remote Weapon Station (RWS) at Euronaval
2014