Euronaval 2022: Size, weight and stability considerations drive development of Shark RWS
Shark RWS prototype. (Photo: General Robotics)
Naval SOF may benefit from the compact and lightweight Shark RWS.
General Robotics has adapted the design of its Pitbull remote weapon station (RWS) to meet ‘specific’ naval SOF requirements for firepower from small high-speed craft, CEO Shahar Gal announced on 18 October.
The new Shark weighs less — 85kg without weapons or ammunition — and is more compact than other naval RWSs, the company claimed during Euronaval 2022 in Paris.
General Robotics added that Shark can function remotely ‘on a cluttered deck’, and during tests of a prototype in Sea State 3 it still scored direct hits.
‘We developed the SHARK prototype as a robust yet lightweight system offering seamless remote operation by a single operator with some special adaptations for naval use,’ Gal said, adding that the prototype was further refined based on feedback from customers and partners after field trials.
The kind of small high-speed craft used by naval SOF mean it is difficult to operate an RWS as the platform is seldom steady. To ensure they hit the target with gunfire, SOF operators must therefore approach the target at close range.
Crews on larger boats often operate stabilised weapon stations to improve fire accuracy but these systems are much larger and heavier for the kind of rigid-hull inflatable boats used by SOF, General Robotics argued.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK opens new submarine centre to support nuclear deterrent vessels]()
UK opens new submarine centre to support nuclear deterrent vessels
The Submarine Availability Support Hub is the latest in a string of government investments in submarine warfare.
-
![Royal Australian Navy takes first Arafura OPV for testing]()
Royal Australian Navy takes first Arafura OPV for testing
Though the delivery marks progress, the delayed programme was slashed to six vessels in 2024.
-
![Indonesian Navy changes names of Italian multipurpose combat ships]()
Indonesian Navy changes names of Italian multipurpose combat ships
The renamed vessels were part of a modular class originally built for the Italian Navy, but will now serve in the Indonesian fleet.
-
![Double SCHOTTEL deal advances two ship programmes]()
Double SCHOTTEL deal advances two ship programmes
SCHOTTEL has announced its thrusters will be fitted to both Polish and Portuguese programmes.
-
![Denmark commits to three new Arctic vessels in light of Trump’s Greenland comments]()
Denmark commits to three new Arctic vessels in light of Trump’s Greenland comments
The vessels have been a necessity for years, but now Denmark is planning a stronger Arctic presence.
-
![UK upgrades threat detection systems on its Royal Navy warships]()
UK upgrades threat detection systems on its Royal Navy warships
The news of the upgrade comes just a week after UK Royal Navy (RN) vessels escorted a Russian spy ship out of the English Channel.
