The US Navy has awarded Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace a $329-million contract to supply medium caliber turret systems for the US Marines’ amphibious combat vehicles (ACV)-30.
The deal covers Lots 5 and 6 full-rate production of 175 Protector Remote Turret 20 (RT20) systems and support services such as program management support, tooling development, associated turret hardware, and interfaces and software.
Also included are logistics management information data, training materials, technical manual development, and field service representative and training support for integration and fielding.
However, the initial terms of the contract are currently provisional and will be formally established by February 18, 2025.
Work will be performed completely in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be completed by June 4, 2028.
Protector RT20
The RT20 is a compact and lightweight turret that has been selected for the US Marine Corps’ ACV 30mm cannons.
It is also one of the three variants under Kongsberg’s Protector Remote Turrets that enhance crew safety and are capable of customization to meet specific requirements in protection level, sensor performance, and number of operators.
Aside from remote operation, the turret is also designed for accessible ammunition reloading under the vehicle’s armor protection.
It also allows for more space to transport cargo or troops inside the vehicle due to its elimination of the need for a traditional ammunition basket inside the vehicle.
Kongsberg describes its Protector turrets as having a linkless ammunition handling system to reduce chances of jamming or failure during operation.
These turrets also include a network-based fire control architecture, which can be wirelessly operated when integrated with an unmanned vehicle.
