Fjernstyrte våpenstasjoner for kjøretøy og skip - teknologiinnspill til FS 07

Recent events, such as the war in Iraq, have contributed to a renewed focus on the vulnerability of gunners on lighter fighting and patrol vehicles. Together with advances in electro-optical technology, this has lead to an accelerated development and production of remotely controlled weapon stations (RCWS/RWS/OWS), allowing remote firing of weapons (HMG and light guns) from deep within the vehicle with enhanced precision. Although to a somewhat lesser extent, this development also applies to smaller naval platforms, such as patrol boats and fast attack craft. The weapon station concept also permits weapon systems to be integrated in unmanned ground and surface vehicles (autonomous or remotely controlled). This report gives a brief survey of current systems and their applications. Furthermore, it sketches some trends in the development of concept and technology.