STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., Sept. 28 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army awarded General Dynamics Land Systems a $24 million contract for a remote-control weapons system for use from inside armored vehicles.
General Dynamics Land Systems announced it would supply the U.S. Army with its second version of the Commanders Remote Weapons Stations, CROWS II. The contract is for 468 units, with 370 slated for enhancements to the M1A2 battle tank.
The system allows combat soldiers to acquire and engage enemy targets from inside the armored vehicle.
Mark Roualet, president of General Dynamics Land Systems, said the unit mounts on the outside of an armored vehicle, allowing commanders to stay in constant contact with the gunner and loader.
He described the laser range finder for the CROWS II as a significant step in improving accuracy in a range of environmental conditions. The new version also adds improvements in terms of the capacity for .50-caliber machine gun rounds.
The system uses a joystick that allows gunners to zoom in and lock on to enemy targets while the vehicle is in motion.
General Dynamics said it plans to complete the CROWS II by 2012.
