US Navy selects maritime version of M153 CROWS

Kongsberg will supply the US Navy with a maritime version of the M153 Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) used by the US Army under an order announced on 29 April. The navy is acquiring the system to fulfil the requirements of its remotely operated Stabilized Small Arm Mount (SSAM) weapon systems programme.

Optimised for naval operations, CROWS will keep personnel protected from hostile fire while enhancing overall ship protection and providing unique operational capabilities including enhanced target interrogation and the ability to counter asymmetric threats. The CROWS system will allow sailors to operate the array of sensors and weaponry from safely inside a vessel, instead of from unprotected, open positions.

The maritime CROWS version will be used for missions across the spectrum of naval operations, from harbour protection to littoral missions and into the open water. The system features a standard sensor package, including a daylight colour camera, a thermal night camera (IR) and a laser range finder allowing all-weather, day and night operations. The target tracking and comprehensive fire control provide first-burst on target capabilities while limiting collateral damage.

Kongsberg supplies the US Army with CROWS under the Protector M153 programme of record. The system has amassed over 10 million combat hours while being deployed on over 30 different vehicles with a wide array of weapons and sensor options. The company will continue providing CROWS to the US military for the next five years under a framework agreement awarded in late 2012.