Kongsberg to supply Protector Remote Weapon Stations to U.S. Air Force

WASHINGTON, 6 Aug.2008.Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS won a $28.8 million contract from the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army for deliveries of the Protector Remote Weapon Station (RWS). This is the first time that the Air Force has awarded Kongsberg a contract for weapon stations, and it is part of the $1.4 billion Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS II) framework agreement signed in August 2007.

CROWS is a joint acquisition program for weapon stations for the U.S. Army's vehicle programs. This common solution will result in substantial efficiency gains in respect to protection, training, support and further development. The Protector RWS, in the CROWS II configuration, enhances troop protection and lethality by providing soldiers with the ability to acquire and engage targets while inside the safety of a vehicle.

The Protector RWS is designed to mount on various vehicle platforms and support numerous weapon systems.

With production facilities in Johnstown, Pa., Kongsberg is currently manufacturing and delivering systems on the CROWS II contract in the U.S.