The PROTECTOR M151 Remote Weapon Station is a remotely-controlled weapons station (RWS) that can be mounted to vehicles and stationary platforms. It is manufactured by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace [1] of Kongsberg, Norway.
The PROTECTOR is commonly used by the US Army Stryker Brigades. [2][3]
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Overview
The system consists of a stabilized firing platform, a fire control system and control grips. Several weapons can be mounted to the platform, such as:
- M2 .50 cal heavy machine gun
- M240/MAG-58 7.62 mm machine gun
- M249/mini-mi 5.56mm machine gun
- MK19 40 mm grenade launcher
- H&K GMG 40 mm grenade launcher
- XM307 Advanced Crew-Served Weapon [4]
- Javelin anti-tank guided missile (ATGM)
- Hellfire ATGM [5] (from a modified PROTECTOR)
Versions
M151 versions
- PROTECTOR M151 – deployed with the first Stryker brigades
- M151 E1 (Block 1) – includes improved thermal cameras
- M151 E2 (Block 2) – stabilized version
- Several country specific adaptations
Other variants
- PROTECTOR Lite
- PROTECTOR CROWS II
- Sea PROTECTOR – for naval applications
- PROTECTOR NM221 – includes internal ammunition feed
Operator countries
In addition to the home country 
Norway's M113 APC and Tactica vehicles (PROTECTOR NM221), and the Iveco LMV (PROTECTOR Lite), the PROTECTOR is widely used internationally.
Current operators:
(listed alphabetically)
Australia – ASLAV PC vehicle
Canada – RG-31 vehicle
Czech Republic – LMV
Finland – Patria AMV vehicle
Ireland – Piranha III vehicle
Luxembourg – Dingo 2 vehicle
Netherlands – Boxer vehicle
Portugal – Pandur II
Switzerland – Piranha I vehicle
United Kingdom - [used on bulldog and mastiff vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan
United States – Stryker and M1A2 Abrams (the latter a main battle tank), plus numerous other vehicles
Planned operators:
France: contract signed 02 May 2008 for eight-year delivery of PROTECTOR to be used on the Renault VAB vehicle.[6]
Slovenia: Patria AMV
Croatia: Patria AMV, Iveco LMV, M-95, Croatian Romobil-two wheeler
Sweden: Sisu_Pasi, ARCHER Artillery System, RG 32
Gallery
 Interior control station for Protector M151 Remote Weapon Station in Stryker ICV |
 Remote Weapon Station on Stryker ICV |
 Stryker ICV on patrol in Iraq |
References
- ^ Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace
- ^ The Stryker Remote Weapon System
- ^ Soldier Feedback Advances Remote Weapon Stations
- ^ XM307 Weapons System
- ^ Et fremtidsrettet prosjekt (Norwegian)
- ^ Weapon Control Systems framework agreement with France – Kongsberg Gruppen press release, 02.05.2008
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