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.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates]()
Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates
The Italian Navy is being refreshed with two new ships ordered, while in the past six months steel was cut for a new frigate, an enhanced frigate was delivered and Horizon-class frigates passed a design review.
-
![Singapore declassifies SEAL Carrier swimmer delivery vehicle for special forces use]()
Singapore declassifies SEAL Carrier swimmer delivery vehicle for special forces use
Singapore’s navy has introduced the Combatant Craft Underwater vessel, a multi-mode swimmer delivery vehicle designed to enhance its Naval Diving Unit’s ability to conduct covert maritime special operations.
-
![US Navy foresees additional delays in the Columbia-class programme]()
US Navy foresees additional delays in the Columbia-class programme
After estimating that the first Columbia-class submarine would be delivered 16 months late, the US Navy has recently confirmed that an additional month will be required to complete its construction.
-
![UK demonstration shows how sensors and C2 can protect ports from multi-domain threats]()
UK demonstration shows how sensors and C2 can protect ports from multi-domain threats
Naval vessels are at high risk when in harbour, port or dockside and the threat from asymmetric attacks has been shown in the Ukraine war against Russian ships. A demonstration of combined systems in the UK hoped to show a potential solution to defence, government and commercial delegates.
-
![Final US Navy Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship concludes acceptance testing]()
Final US Navy Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship concludes acceptance testing
After troubled progress with the Littoral Combat Ship programme, the US Navy plans to commission USS Pierre (LCS 38) this autumn.
