U.S. Army memorandum for correspondents (Feb. 3, 2004): CROWS system displayed at Pentagon, prototypes deployed in Iraq.

A prototype of the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS)--currently deployed in Iraq--was on display in the Pentagon Courtyard Feb. 4-5.

"This system significantly increases safety to Soldiers through the ability to remotely operate the weapon from inside the vehicle, thus eliminating the need for a gunner outside of the vehicle," said Col. Michael J. Smith, PM Soldier Weapons. "Our first priority is to equip Soldiers with the best capabilities possible, ensuring a safe return home."

CROWS, which is mounted on a variety of vehicle platforms--including the HMMWV--provides Soldiers with the capability to acquire and engage targets while protected by the vehicle. It supports the MK19 Grenade Machine Gun, 50 Caliber M2 Machine Gun, M249 Semi Automatic Weapon, and M240B Machine Gun. CROWS includes two axis-stabilized mounts, a sensor suite, and fire control software allowing on-the-move target acquisition and first-burst target engagement. The CROWS sensor suite permits target engagements under day and night conditions and includes a daytime video camera, image intensifier, heavy thermal weapon sight, and laser rangefinder.

Four prototypes of the CROWS system were deployed to Iraq in December under an urgent needs request. The Army is using those systems in support of various urban missions in Iraq. Testing of the next design iteration, which incorporates upgraded capabilities, was started simultaneously at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md.

PM Soldier Weapons is conducting several demonstrations of the CROWS system over the next few months. With two demonstrations already conducted at the Pentagon and Fort Stewart, Ga., the next demonstration will be May 15-20, at Fort Knox, Ky.

PM Crew Served Weapons is assigned to PM Soldier Weapons, a project office of PEO Soldier (https://PEOSoldier.army.mil) and is responsible for maintaining and improving crew served weapons including, light, medium, and heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, sniper systems, and associated fire control and target acquisition products for U.S. Soldiers. The organization also develops future weapons systems that enhance reliability and the weapon's life cycle, such as XM307 Advanced Crew Served Weapon, XM312 Lightweight .50 Caliber Machine Gun and CROWS.

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PM Soldier Weapons is based at the Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., and supports Soldiers through the development and production of current and future individual and crew served weapon systems, ammunition development, and associated target acquisition/fire control products that provide Soldiers with decisive overmatch capability by dramatically increasing lethality and range at a lower weight.

CROWS was developed in conjunction with ROI based in Barrington, Ill.

(For more information contact Cynthia Smith at [phone].)