dc.description.abstract | 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. | en_GB |