View source for M151 Protector

[[Image:Kongsberg_Protector_RWS_on_M1126.jpg|thumb|'''M151 Protector''' with an [[M2 Browning machine gun|M2]] heavy machine gun on an M1126 [[Stryker]] vehicle.]]

The '''M151 PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Station''' is a [[Remote weapon system|remotely-controlled weapons station]] (RWS) that can be mounted to vehicles and stationary platforms. It is manufactured by [[Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace]] <ref>[http://www.kongsberg.com/eng/kda/products/dynamicsystems/RemoteWeaponStation/ Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace]</ref> of [[Kongsberg]], [[Norway]].

The PROTECTOR is commonly used by the [[United States Army|US Army]] [[Stryker]] [[Brigades]]. <ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0IAV/is_5_94/ai_n16084360 The Stryker Remote Weapon System]</ref><ref>[https://peosoldier.army.mil/pdfs/soldierfeedbackweaponstation.pdf Soldier Feedback Advances Remote Weapon Stations]</ref>

== Overview ==
The system consists of a stabilized firing platform, a [[fire control system]] and [[joystick|control grips]]. Several weapons can be mounted to the platform, such as:
* [[M2 Browning machine gun|M2]] .50 cal heavy [[machine gun]]
* [[M240 machine gun|M240/MAG-58]] 7.62 mm machine gun
* [[M249|M249/mini-mi]] 5.56mm machine gun
* [[Mk 19 grenade launcher|MK19]] 40 mm [[grenade launcher]]
* [[Heckler & Koch GMG|H&K GMG]] 40 mm grenade launcher
* [[XM307]] Advanced Crew-Served Weapon <ref>[http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2006smallarms/cavoretto.pdf XM307 Weapons System]</ref>
* [[FGM-148 Javelin|Javelin]] [[anti-tank guided missile]] (ATGM)
* [[AGM-114 Hellfire|Hellfire]] ATGM <ref>[http://www.mil.no/start/article.jhtml?articleID=78157 Et fremtidsrettet prosjekt] {{no icon}}</ref> (from a modified PROTECTOR)

The system, also features 4 M6 Smoke Grenade Dischargers.

==Versions==

===M151 versions===
* M151 PROTECTOR – deployed with the first [[Stryker]] brigades
* M151 E1 (Block 1) – includes improved thermal cameras
* M151 E2 (Block 2) – stabilized version
* Several country specific adaptations

=== Other variants ===
* PROTECTOR Lite
* PROTECTOR [[Common Remotely Operated Weapon System|CROWS II]]
* Sea PROTECTOR – for naval applications
* PROTECTOR NM221 – includes internal ammunition feed

==Operator countries==  
[[Image:Stryker-IFV-50cal.jpg|thumb|200px|A M151 PROTECTOR on a Stryker ICV]]
In addition to the home country {{NOR}}'s [[M113 Armored Personnel Carrier|M113 APC]] and Tactica vehicles (PROTECTOR NM221), and the [[Iveco LMV]] (PROTECTOR Lite), the PROTECTOR is widely used internationally.

Current operators:<br />
''(listed alphabetically)''
*{{AUS}} – [[ASLAV|ASLAV PC]] vehicle
*{{CAN}} – [[RG-31]] vehicle
*{{CZE}} – [[Iveco_LMV|LMV]]
*{{FIN}} – [[Patria AMV]] vehicle
*{{FRA}} – [[Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé|Renault VAB]]
*{{IRL}} – [[Mowag_Piranha|Piranha]] III vehicle
*{{LUX}} – [[ATF_Dingo|Dingo 2]] vehicle
*{{NLD}} – [[Boxer_(Armoured_Fighting_Vehicle)|Boxer vehicle]]
*{{PRT}} – [[Pandur_8X8_APC|Pandur II]]
*{{SUI}} – [[Mowag_Piranha|Piranha]] I vehicle
*{{UK}}  - [used on bulldog and mastiff vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan
*{{USA}} – [[Stryker]] and [[M1 Abrams|M1A2 Abrams]] (the latter a [[main battle tank]]), plus numerous other vehicles

Planned operators:
*{{SLO}}: [[Patria AMV]]
*{{CRO}}: [[Patria AMV]], [[Iveco LMV]], [[M-95]], [[Croatian Romobil-two wheeler]]
*{{SWE}}: [[Sisu_Pasi]], [[ARCHER Artillery System]], [[RG 32]]

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:Rws stryker interiorscreen.jpg|Interior control station for M151 Protector Remote Weapon Station in Stryker ICV
Image:Kongsberg Protector RWS on M1126.jpg|Remote Weapon Station on Stryker ICV
Image:Stryker 25th ID Iraq DF-SD-05-12693.JPEG|Stryker ICV on patrol in Iraq
</gallery>

==References==
<references />


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[[Category:Vehicle weapons]]

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