On Thursday October 27th, the U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Ground Combat Systems and Project Manager for the Stryker Brigade Combat Team, in conjunction with General Dynamics Land Systems, presented the first of the up-gunned “Dragoon” vehicles to the U.S. Army.
One of the most noticeable changes on the vehicle is the 30mm turret, known as PROTECTOR MCT-30 from KONGSBERG.
The Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle, produced by General Dynamics Land Systems, Michigan USA, is an “up-gunned” vehicle that will be used by the US 2nd Cavalry Regiment Stryker Brigade, which is stationed in Europe. Up-gunning the Stryker’s by integrating a 30mm cannon will, as stated by Maj. Gen. David G. Bassett, program executive officer for Ground Combat Systems, not only increases firepower but also increases the survivability of the platform.
The selection of PROTECTOR MCT-30 for the Stryker program was announced in December last year, and the accelerated delivery of the first systems is a result of a close and effective cooperation between the two companies, and strong determination from both sides in order to deliver a world class capability to the U.S. Army.
KONGSBERG has, over the past eight years, developed the innovative PROTECTOR MCT-30 turret by leveraging KONGSBERG`s extensive experience from remotely controlled weapon stations. The system design and selected sub systems introduce new technologies that increase both performance and reliability for medium caliber weapon systems. The system’s capabilities have been demonstrated and tested by the US authorities in several iterations over the last several years. This delivery and upcoming test initiatives will bring the system through the final milestones for operational use by the US Army.
“This cannon fires a much greater distance, with much more effective munitions, and that allows our soldiers to approach their objective more protected, with less return fire from the enemy. They're able to move more quickly at less risk, because they're supported by a much more effective weapons system,” said Col. Glenn Dean, the Army’s Project Manager for the Stryker Brigade Combat Team.
Government testing of these vehicles is planned to start in January, 2017 with the initial fielding of the systems to occur in 2018.
KONGSBERG is an international, knowledge-based group delivering high technology systems and solutions to clients within the oil and gas industry, merchant marine, defence and aerospace.
KONGSBERG has 7 400 employees located in more than 25 countries and total revenues of NOK 17.0 billion in 2015.
