Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS)
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Updated: 2022

DESCRIPTION

The Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) is a stabilized mount that contains a sensor suite and fire control software, allowing on-the-move target acquisition and first-burst target engagement. CROWS also features programmable target reference points for multiple locations, programmable sector surveillance scanning, automatic target ballistic lead, automatic target tracking, and programmable no-fire zones.

Future enhancements include integration of other weapons, escalation-of-force systems, sniper detection, integrated 360-degree situational awareness, increased weapon elevation, and commander’s display.

BENEFIT TO THE SOLDIER

CROWS allows the Warfighter to remotely engage targets with precision fire while on the move or stationary to the maximum effective range of the weapon. Capable of target engagement under day and night conditions, the CROWS sensor suite includes a daytime video camera, thermal camera, and laser rangefinder. CROWS is designed to mount on any tactical vehicle and supports the MK19 Grenade Machine Gun, M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun, M240B Machine Gun, and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Interoperable with the MK19, M2, M240B, M249, and Javelin systems
  • Camera: 27x zoom, 47-degree field of view (FOV) (day)
  • Thermal: 2x zoom, 3 degrees and 11 degrees dual FOV (night)

PROGRAM STATUS

  • 4QFY18: CROWS-Javelin Fielding to support 2nd Calvary Regiment Stryker enhanced lethality Operational Needs Statement
  • 2QFY20: CROWS Technology Refresh/Enhancement Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) approval

PROJECTED ACTIVITIES

  • 2QFY21: Stryker Technology Refresh/Enhancement CROWS Developmental Test
  • 1QFY22: CROWS Competitive Contract Award
  • 2QFY22: Stryker ECP CROWS M153A4 Fielding

Acquisition Lifecycle Phase

Production & Deployment

Foreign Military Sales

  • M153: United Arab Emirates
  • M153A2E1 (Low Profile): Kuwait

Contractors

  • Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace (Johnstown, PA)