2 Cav Regt bombed up
New weapons to help beef up ASLAVs in Iraq

The 50 calibre HMG is operated using the Remote Weapon Station (RWS) while the crew commander is enclosed within the ASLAV-PC. Photo by Cpl Crissy Williams, Norforce

By Cpl Crissy Williams

THE introduction of the Remote Weapon Station (RWS) to 2 Cav Regt’s ASLAV 3 PC vehicles has significantly increased potency and protection levels.

The new Kongsberg RWS’s capabilities were recently demonstrated at the Mount Bundy firing range to soldiers about to deploy to Iraq with the vehicles.

CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy, RSM-A WO Kevin Woods and Commander 1 Bde Brig John Cantwell, were also on hand to witness the demonstration, which included the firing of the Mk 19 Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL), a new weapon in the ADF arsenal.

The RWS provides the ability to engage targets with either a 50 calibre Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) or the Mk 19 AGL remotely, and both weapons are being fielded in Iraq.

Capt Ben Passmore, 2 Cav Regt Technical Adjutant, said the benefits of the RWS are many.

“The ability to select which weapon is mounted in the RWS gives the mission commander greater flexibility in choosing weapon combinations to suit a particular task and threat environment,” he said.

“The provision of below-armour protection for the crew commander is also another major improvement.

“All this is combined with a 24-hour capable weapons sighting and imaging system that can engage targets out to 2000m, improving crew and vehicle survivability.

“We think the system is outstanding, and look forward to it being fitted to the entire ASLAV 3 PC fleet.”

The RWS incorporates a thermal imagery sight, day camera, and laser range-finder mounted in a single platform.

They are linked to a ballistic computer, turning the ASLAV-PC into an accurate and effective fighting machine.

Once the target is sighted, the system’s computer will give the most probable target solution, providing high probability of a first-round hit.

Future upgrades to the RWS include plans to incorporate full weapon stabilisation, auto-track and auto-lay capabilities and the ability to mount the Javelin missile in conjunction with either the 50 calibre HMG or Mk 19 AGL.