Common Remotely Operated Weapon System
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The Common Remotely Operated Weapon System, (CROWS), is a remote-control weapon system that can currently be mounted to a variety of vehicles, including the M1114 and M1116 up-armored HMMWV and the M1117 Armored Security Vehicle. It is produced by Recon Optical (Barrington, IL, USA). [1]
It composed of two parts: the mount itself and the CROWS control group. The mount is capable of 360 degree azimuth rotation and -20 to +60 degree elevation. It facilitates the operation of a variety of crew-served weapons, including the M2 HB .50-cal Machine Gun, the Mk19 40-mm Automatic Grenade Machine Gun, the M240B 7.62-mm MG and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon. The sensor unit, mounted to the right of the weapon, includes a daylight video camera, a thermal imager for night operations, and an eye-safe laser rangefinder. It is also furnished with a fully integrated fire control system that provides ballistic correction.[2]
The CROWS control group mounts inside the vehicle, behind the driver's seat. It includes a display unit, switch panel unit, and joystick to provide full remote control of the weapon system. This enables the fighting crew to operate from inside armored combat vehicles, while still carrying out patrols, acquiring targets, and firing a variety of weapons more efficiently. [3]
The first CROWS were fielded in 2005 in Iraq, employed by Special Forces, military police, infantry and transport units. So far, more than 200 units have been fielded.[4]
CROWS is one of the weapons featured in America's Army.
[edit] System components
- A two-axis stabilized CROWS mount with azimuth, elevation, and sight drives
- Cradles and adapter kits for a range of weapons/ammunition on a variety of vehicles
- A viewing and sighting unit for day and night-time (infrared) viewing
- A control and display system for charging the weapons and providing fire-control, including a display screen and a joystick controller located inside the vehicle
- Ballistic armor for additional protection of the RWS
[edit] References
- ^ Recon/Optical Inc.: Crows
- ^ XM101 Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS)
- ^ CROWS gets Airmen out of the turret
- ^ Army Deploys CROWS
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