In an era where innovation and adaptability are paramount in ensuring the safety and security of nations, the integration of cutting-edge weaponry into defense systems becomes a strategic necessity. The Venom LR revolver cannon, developed by UK-based AEI Systems, stands as a prime example of such innovation. This remarkable weapon system is poised to equip Turkish remote weapon stations (RWS), promising enhanced capabilities and heightened defensive readiness for Turkey’s armed forces. The Venom LR is no ordinary weapon; it represents the culmination of years of expertise and dedication in the design and manufacture of medium-caliber cannons. AEI Systems, renowned for its role as the design authority for the ADEN 25 and ADEN 30 aircraft guns, has crafted the Venom LR from the ground up, incorporating a host of features that make it a formidable addition to any RWS.
One of the Venom LR’s standout features is its reduced recoil, made possible through a combination of a gas-operated system and a three-stage muzzle brake. This design innovation not only enhances accuracy but also minimizes the disruptive impact of recoil, allowing for more precise and controlled firing. Compatibility is another key attribute of the Venom LR. It accepts standard 30mm ammunition, a testament to its versatility and cost-effectiveness. With ammunition options ranging from armor-piercing to high-explosive, this weapon system can adapt to a variety of mission profiles. The integration of the Venom LR onto Unirobotics’ Trakon RWS is a significant development. The Trakon RWS boasts impressive capabilities, with an electric traverse that covers 160 degrees left and right, and the option of 360-degree traversal with a slip ring. Elevation ranges from -15 to +55 degrees, offering ample flexibility for engaging targets in various terrains and scenarios.
The stabilised sensor pod, mounted on the Trakon RWS, complements the Venom LR’s firepower with advanced optics, including a day camera with zoom, an infrared thermal camera with x6 continuous zoom, and an eyesafe laser rangefinder with an impressive range of up to 12,000 meters. This combination of firepower and surveillance capability ensures that the Trakon RWS equipped with the Venom LR is a formidable asset on the battlefield. The Venom LR provides operators with a range of firing modes, including single-shot, 225 rounds per minute, and fully automatic at 1,200 rounds per minute, all with an effective range of 2,000 meters. The partnership between AEI Systems and Turkish conglomerate Samsun Yurt Savunma (SYS), which completed an 80% investment in AEI Systems in early 2023, is a testament to the international collaboration and trust that underlies the Venom LR project. Its naval applications, albeit with some minor adjustments, make it a versatile choice for safeguarding maritime interests as well.
VENOM LR is an autocannon derived from ADEN 30 mm gun, although most of its components and working principle being different. The LR stands for low recoil. It is designed to be fired from RCWS that can mount 12.7 mm machinegun. VENOM LR is designed for Remote Weapon Station (RWS) integration where reduced recoil forces permit installation to light reconnaissance vehicles and fast patrol vessels. The recoil force has been reduced from around 22 kN of the standard VENOM 30 to about 7 kN (9 kN maximum). The company claimed that it is up to 50% cheaper than the Orbital ATK M230LF, thus giving it highly competitive price, non-ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) alternative to M230. The cannon is able to use AP (Armour Piercing) ammunitions, AP-T (Armour Piercing – Tracer), HEDP (High Explosive Dual Purpose), HEI (High Explosive Incendiary), HEI-T (High Explosive Incendiary – Tracer), and both standard and tracer training ammunition. The autocannon has been tested on Midgard 300 RWS built by Valhalla Turret and EOS R400S MK.2 Single RWS.
