News Review: EOS releases RO weapon system | ADM Dec 2010/Jan 2011

Australian firm Electro Optic Systems (EOS), in cooperation with Northrop Grumman, has released the first Remote Weapon Station (RWS) that can be entirely operated and controlled by means of wireless network communications.

“The new technology we have developed allows weapon systems to be deployed with no physical connection to an operator,” EOS CEO Ben Greene said.

Remotely controlled weapon systems have been used in combat for some five years now. 

The key objectives of these systems have always been the improvement of weapon effectiveness, and the removal of the gunner to a safer position remote from the weapon itself.

A key limitation until now has been the need to locate the weapon system operator relatively close to the deployed weapon, because the weapon controls were connected by cables. 

Wireless controls have not been possible because of several safety and security issues including:

• A wireless system could be taken over by opposing forces and used against friendly forces unless very secure communications were employed.

• The absence of a human operator results in deficiencies in the overall situation awareness at the weapon location, giving rise to safety and security concerns.

• The need for clear identification of friendly forces to prevent fratricide.

• Unpredictable time delays in very remote control links require certain functions of the weapon application be implemented robotically but without allowing robot control of the weapon itself.

All of these issues have been overcome by EOS and Northrop Grumman with a generic device architecture that can be rapidly adapted to specific military digital environments. 

The architecture’s rules-based weapon controls allow reliable and safe weapon operation over limited bandwidth and stressed communication systems.

“EOS’ partner, Northrop Grumman Corporation, has contributed both robotic deployment technology as well as secure network communications technology for this effort,” Greene said. 

“The new weapon systems are not only operated without wires, but are also networked as integral parts of modern battle management systems, providing network resource information to enable a distant operator to make reliable decisions on the use of lethal force.”