Press Release Hornet - Eurosatory2024

RCWS: protecting the gunner, disembarked personnel and the vehicle

A remotely controlled weapons system is a weapon system mounted on a vehicle or platform that can be controlled from inside the vehicle by an operator. The initial function of a RCWS is to enhance the gunner's protection. The main purpose is the use of optronics to observe the battlefield and improve intelligence capabilities.

Genesis

Until the second Iraq war, small and medium-caliber turrets (i.e., 12.7mm) were operated manually, exposing the gunner to enemy fire. Losses, particularly in urban areas and more specifically during the capture of Fallujah, prompted the US army and then other Western armies to develop remotely controlled weapon stations. This new equipment soon proved essential for better observation of the battlefield at rest and in motion (stabilization), as well as day and night vision (day and night thermal cameras).

RCWS in the French Army: from WASP to integration in the SCORPION program

• In 2012, France placed its first order for RCWS with Norwegian manufacturer Kongsberg, to equip part of the country's front armored vehicles (VAB) for Afghanistan. During the same period, Panhard, who later joins Arquus in 2013, (VBL) and small protected vehicles (PVP).
• As part of the #Scorpion program, Arquus designs a complete range of RCWS. The move towards an enhanced info-collaborative combat doctrine has necessitated major technological advances and increased deployment of TTO systems on new vehicles. Hornet is the Arquus s brand name for the remotely operated turrets developed as part of the Scorpion program. These latest-generation RCWS meet three needs:
• Protection of the gunner, with weapons deployed from inside the vehicle - Armor protection, with a unique independent ring architecture for faster, more precise deployment of smoke grenades. - Intelligence acquisition and sharing with Blue/Red force tracking displayed directly on the RCWS operator's screen.

Thus, were born the T1, T2 and T3 turrets, called Hornet, Hornet Lite and Hornet S at Arquus. Over 600 turrets have been delivered, with the first participation in Operation Barkhane in 2022. The flagship product is the Hornet turret, capable of housing either a 12.7mm M2HB machine gun, a 7.62mm MAG58 machine gun or a 40mm grenade launcher. The turret is fitted with Safran's Mineo? electronic block, stabilized, with daylight and thermal cameras, and a rangefinder. The turret can be used to fire both rolling and moving targets.

EUROSATORY 2024

This year, Hornet will be presenting Hornet Stealth Protection in Hall 5A, stand in B179. Hornet Stealth Protection proposes a soft-kill protection solution. Based on the Hornet T1 RCWS, already in service with the French armed forces, the Hornet Stealth Protection incorporates a Laser warning system and an acoustic sensor, enabling it to automatically rally its Galix ring equipped with 8 smoke grenade launchers, or the 12.7mm M2HB machine gun, depending on the threat detected.

Hornet products will also be present on several partner stands. In fact, as an original equipment manufacturer, Hornet RCWS can be integrated on many platforms, both domestic and foreign. This year's Eurosatory will feature:

• The Hornet Sight (Hornet S) on the 3105 turret from John Cockerill Defense. The Hornet S is a commander sight armed with a 7.62mm machine gun, and currently equipped with the ERBC Jaguar.
• The Hornet Airguard on AM General LLC 's 4x4 Saber. This configuration is dedicated to nonspecialized anti-drone warfare, where the independence of the RCWS from its ring allows the addition of Cerbair Chimera 200 RF detection and jamming functions.
• The Hornet Lite turret on the UNAC AC Raider fardier, robotized by Safran ED. - The Hornet turret on KNDS France DS France's new RCT 40 turret, with the dual function of commander sight and secondary superstructure armament.
• The Hornet Akeron turret on the Arquus VAB mark III will be equipped with an Akeron MMP anti-tank missile and a smoke-launching crown to illustrate the adaptability of our equipment.

Markets and technological perspectives

Arquus, through its Hornet Business Unit, now offers its products to export markets. The market for RCWS has grown strongly in recent years. The Hornet Business Unit has a differentiation strategy by proposing innovative functions in developing domains such as protection of armored vehicles, antitank warfare (integration of the Akeron missile from MBDA ) or anti drone warfare. Conscious of the need to propose cooperative industrial approaches, the Hornet Business Unit can offer very open value-sharing schemes with production localization.