Firing trials and demonstrations of the new Electro Optic Systems R-400S Mk 2-HD RWS fitted with the M230LF 30mm chain gun. EOS is a prolific supplier of the combat proven R-400 Stabilized Remote Weapon Station which is in service with the United States Army, the Australian Defence Force and the Dutch Army. The R-400 is a single weapon station capable of operating a variety of weapons including canon, machine gun and automatic grenade launcher. EOS also manufactures the heavier R-600 which is in service with the Singaporean Army and is capable of operating two weapons. With more than 500 systems having been deployed in theatres in Iraq and Afghanistan, EOS RWS solutions incorporate a high degree of user feedback gained from combat deployment.
The R400S-Mk2 continues the EOS commitment to refine and improve its remote weapon system product range. The Mk 2 remains a single weapon station specifically developed to provide 30 mm firepower in a high precision weapon system weighing less than 400 kg. It retains its R400 heritage to operate a variety of other weapons including machine gun and automatic grenade launcher. The first round hit probability is provided through an enhanced integrated ballistic solution which analyses weapon and ammunition data; range and ambient environment in addition to vehicle attitude and dynamics.
Performance can be further enhanced with optional video track of targets and multi-axis stabilisation. The Mk2 is ‘plug-and-play’ compatible with other EOS weapon systems. Below-armour control systems linked to above-armour mounting and cabling are compatible with other family members. The advanced technology of the R400S-Mk2 combined with the lightweight 30mm ATK M230 LF cannon provides light vehicles with unprecedented access to firepower normally reserved for much heavier (armoured) vehicles. The Mk2 has a variant optimised for tracked vehicles which minimises high frequency road and vehicle vibration from degrading the video image displayed to the operator. Precise mobile engagements up to 2 km with 30 mm lethality are now a reality. The Mk2 provides a reliable, flexible and powerful weapon station for a broad range of fighting vehicles (wheeled or tracked).
The The M230LF Chain Gun is a 30 mm, single-barrel automatic cannon developed by Hughes and now manufactured by Orbital ATK. It is an electrically operated chain gun, a weapon that uses external electrical power (as opposed to recoil or expanding gas generated by the firing cartridge) to cycle the weapon between shots. In February 2015, Oshkosh Defense and ATK conducted a firing demonstration of the M230LF on an Oshkosh M-ATV MRAP to demonstrate the viability and effectiveness of a medium caliber weapon system for light tactical vehicles. The live fire demonstration showcased improved accuracy in mobile engagements and improved lethality on the M-ATV using the gun, mounted on the R400S-Mk2, a 3-axis stabilized remote weapon station weighing less than 400 kg (880 lb).
