RAFAEL Announces Release of Unique Weapon Station
Haifa, May 2004 – RAFAEL Armament Development Authority announces the release of its RCWS-30 (Remote Controlled Weapon Station), equipped with a 30mm caliber gun and multi-purpose missiles (patent pending) - the latest, most advanced, powerful, and lethal weapon station, to be unveiled at the Paris Eurosatory 2004 exhibition, June 14-18.
The RCWS-30 was developed for use on any modern, light-armored, high-mobility fighting vehicle; new or upgraded. The RCWS-30 unique design provides light weight, low silhouette in its folded-down position - compatible with C-130 or A-400 air-transport, generous elevation range (–20° to +60°) - in its extended position, unlimited traverse range (± n×360°), minimal deck penetration, and minimal occupation of the vehicle internal volume. The RCWS-30 remote control capability enables the gunner to assume a safe position anywhere inside the armored vehicle, and allows an optional take-over by the Commander - to designate targets and operate the weapons.
The RCWS-30 armament includes: 30mm ATK MK 44 (or any other gun of 30 to 40mm caliber, specified by the user), optional launcher pod for two RAFAEL SPIKE-LR anti-tank/multi-purpose guided missiles (or similar missiles specified by the user), coaxial 7.62mm General-Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), and two triple (2×3) smoke grenade launcher tubes. Fire-ready ammunition accommodates 140 high-explosive (HE) and 60 armor-piercing (AP) 30mm rounds, 2 missiles (optional), 460×7.62mm rounds, and 6×76.2mm smoke grenades.
Surveillance and targeting are provided by a day, color CCD zoom camera and by a night, cooled, dual field-of-view (FOV) thermal imager, which allow day and night detection and recognition ranges compatible with the weapons (over 4000 meters). Integration of an optional Laser Range Finder (LRF), GPS-based True-north finder, and a powerful, on-board computer, enable fire control and connectivity to Battle Management System (BMS).
Twenty years ago RAFAEL, together with the IDF, pioneered the development, deployment and operational use of the Overhead Weapon Stations (OWS) family with 7.62 and 12.7mm caliber machine-guns. Further models included OWS with 25mm automatic cannons for Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs), and naval versions: stabilized, slaved and remote controlled weapon stations with 20, 23, 25 and 30mm automatic cannons (the Typhoon).
The current RCWS-30 is a natural evolution of all previous weapon stations developed and promoted by RAFAEL to many customers worldwide. It makes use of proven components and technologies, providing a technically mature, low-risk system that can be further tailored to the user's particular needs.
In 1998 RAFAEL's Remote Control Weapon Station (RCWS) became the first to be selected and later deployed for operational use in land vehicles by the Canadian Forces.
Further developments over the recent years followed: interchangeability of three weapon types (7.62, 12.7 and 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher, AGL) within a common RCWS; integration of RAFAEL SPIKE--LR and SPIKE-ER in the land- and naval 25mm weapon stations, respectively; and connectivity to BMS - to mention just a few. These developments have brought about acquisition contracts for the IDF, US Navy, UK Army, Hellenic Coast Guard and Royal Australian Navy.
RAFAEL designs, develops, manufactures and supplies a wide range of advanced defense systems for all branches of the Israel Defense Forces and other armed forces worldwide. These leading-edge products are based on RAFAEL vast technical and operational experience. In addition to its defense technologies, the company has also formed partnerships with civilian counterparts to develop commercial applications based on its proprietary technology. RAFAEL has a workforce of over 5000 employees and registered sales of $830 M in 2003.
For further information please contact
RAFAEL public affairs. Tel: 972-4-8791244
