GD and Rafeal Team to Produce Remote Weapon Stations

Nov 29, 2012 ASDNews Source : General Dynamics Corporation

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, a business unit of General Dynamics, and RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., are offering the Samson line of Remote Weapons Stations (RWS) to the U.S. military.  These cost-effective and field-proven remote weapons stations allow a gunner to remain protected inside the vehicle while operating a weapon remotely.  The larger variant is lighter than manned turrets and does not require penetration into the vehicle hull, saving significant interior space for personnel and mission equipment.

Four Samson variants will be offered, including the combat-proven MKI which is fielded in Afghanistan on Czech Army Pandurs.  Samson configurations are also currently in service with the Israeli Defense Forces and other allied armed services.  The RWS variants support a variety of weapons including 5.56mm to .50 caliber machine guns, 40mm grenade launchers and cannons up to 40mm, and can easily be integrated onto new or existing light to heavy combat vehicles.  The Samson RWS product line will be produced and supported in the United States.

“Combining the market-leading features of the Samson RWS product line and General Dynamics’ weapon and vehicle integration experience allows our team to bring affordable, leap-ahead capability to existing vehicle modernization and next-generation ground combat and amphibious vehicle programs,” said Steve Elgin, vice president and general manager of armament systems for General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products.

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. formed a joint venture, GR Dynamics, in 2003 to provide low-risk and high-value armament products to the U.S. Department of Defense.  The joint venture previously delivered the MK49 MOD 0 naval remote weapon station to the U.S. military.