Brazil's ARES developing new lightweight RCWS

Brazil's ARES Aeroespacial e Defesa, a local operation of Elbit Systems, is finalising a prototype of its new-generation REMAX (Reparo de Metralhadora Automatizado X) family of stabilised remote-controlled weapon stations (RCWS) for tracked and wheeled armoured vehicles.

The REMAX 4, in development since late 2019 together with the Brazilian Army Technological Center, is suited for M2HB 12.7 × 99 mm and MAG58 7.62 × 51 mm machine guns.

The new RCWS is to be trialled at the Army Evaluations Center mounted on an Iveco VBTP-MSR Guarani 6×6 armoured vehicle once the prototype is complete by year's end, the company's Marketing and Commercial Director, Frederico Medella, told Janes . The RCWS will be proposed for Brazilian and export markets, Medella added.

Featuring automatic target tracking, the new RCWS measures about 690 mm high and weighs approximately 200 kg.

It utilises a low-profile dual-axis gyro-stabilised weapon mount with weapon cradle, ammunition feeding system, ammunition magazine for 300 12.7 × 99 mm or 600 7.62 × 51 mm rounds, four 76 mm smoke grenade launchers, in-house produced slip ring, ballistic computer, motion control equipment, and a fire-control system bay mounting a gyroscope unit and an OIP EOPTRIS 2.0 electro-optical imager. It also incorporates a day camera, uncooled thermal camera, and eye-safe laser range finder that are independent of the armament bay.

The turret is controlled by the internal gunner's Elbit Systems high-definition display coupled to a control handle unit. A commander's high-definition display is available as an option.

The turret can be linked to an Elbit Systems E-LAWS 2 laser warning system installed in the hull of the vehicle. The army is studying the addition of ballistic protection around the optronic suite.