INNOVATORS IN ON-THE-MOVE - FIREPOWER Remote weapon stations and multi-mission precision for the modern battlespace - Electro Optic Systems
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INNOVATORS IN ON-THE-MOVE
FIREPOWER Remote weapon stations and multi-mission
precision for the modern battlespace
CUSTOMER AND SUPPLIER
ENGAGEMENT
Aside from its pioneering
technology, EOS has grown its
business based on customer-
focused fundamentals. Starting
early with customer engagement
that seeks to optimise both an
understanding of the customer
requirement and how the
technology can be enhanced
to the customer performance
criteria; the detailed engagement
approach continues right through
to system delivery.
EOS’ ability to achieve tight customer
optimisation is facilitated by four critical
advantages. Firstly, EOS has designed and
owns the IP for all its key technologies and
U.S. Army CROWS training class in Iraq Australian Defence Force (ADF) Bushmaster in action components allowing for detailed control over
all layers of the system and over the quality
REMOTE
of every component and process input. This
detailed control is what enables world-class
precision engagement capability.
WEAPON
Secondly, design modularity is key, allowing
EOS to optimise systems to meet each
customer’s specific requirements. Modularity
STATION
through the employment of common line
replacement units and operator interfaces
also works to keep acquisition, training and
life-cycle costs low by maximising simplicity
PIONEERS
and commonality across the entire EOS
product family.
U.S. Army ‘Hummers’ with EOS CROWS I in Iraq EOS’ CROWS I on a U.S. Army ‘Hummer’ ADF Bushmaster on operation with EOS’ R400S EOS’ CROWS II with a 0.50 cal heavy machine gun Thirdly, all EOS RWS are C4I architecture-
agnostic – able to be integrated with Generic
Electro Optic Systems (EOS) is the privatisation of Australia’s satellite tracking with the control and precision required for unit for fitment to a variety of direct and indirect awarded. The RWS were employed on Vehicle Architecture or other customer-
a world-leader in the fields of program, for whom they had worked. tracking, EOS saw an opportunity to apply this fire weapon systems. vehicles operated by the ADF in Iraq and specified configurations – as well as being
space domain awareness, satellite technology in the defence world. EOS' Defence Afghanistan. platform-agnostic and not tied to any specific
communications and remote weapon Greene’s vision saw global opportunities for laser Systems division was formed in the late 1980s. Incorporating the company’s sensors, lasers, weapon, subsystem or interface systems.
stations. Headquartered in Canberra rangefinders, imaging security and ground space operator interface, electronics and stabilisation In 2007 the U.S. Army was required to
in the Australian Capital Territory, stations. Eager to bring their technical know-how Drawing on its space payload experience, technology, EOS developed the world’s first re-bid the CROWS contract, which was Finally, EOS, as either a prime contractor
the company has two manufacturing and innovation to a wider marketplace, EOS EOS designed the very first example of what RWS under the U.S. Army’s CROWS (Common eventually awarded to another company. or supplier, has optimised its culture to
facilities in Australia and one in began by developing systems intended for space is now known as the remote weapon station Remotely Operated Weapon System) program The loss of supplying RWS to the U.S. emphasise collaboration with all potential
Huntsville, Alabama. EOS also has use, particularly in the field of laser tracking and (RWS). The RWS - allows weapons to be fired from 1993 in partnership with U.S. company Army was a bitter loss for the company, partners. The company has forged strong
integration and sustainment centres rangefinders. EOS’ technology base expanded accurately on the move while the crew remains Recon Optical. Trial units were delivered to the but forced EOS to rebuild and transform commercial partnerships with many leading
located in Singapore and Abu Dhabi. rapidly to cover a range of associated technology under armour – is now a widely deployed army for testing in Iraq and Afghanistan from its defence business with more resilient defence contractors as well as developing a
areas, such as optics design, gimbals, laser technology by armed forces around the world, 2003, and in the following year EOS CROWS I products, processes and management. global network of suppliers, including a strong
Since 2003, a year after the company was ranging telescopes, beam directors, optical but in the late 1980s the technology was seen went into full production, resulting in 500 Australian supply chain, for the thousands of
listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, EOS coatings, precision mechanisms and ruggedised as exotic and risky. The U.S. Army was the first units being delivered directly to U.S. Army The results were extremely positive, components and major assemblies that make
has delivered 2,100 systems to nine customers assemblies, along with the necessary associated to recognise this as an important technological combat units. with the company positioning itself for up the product portfolio.
around the world with many systems on order. electronics and software. avenue to pursue. stronger growth throughout the 2010s,
Additional orders for the EOS CROWS opening up new major markets and EOS is a completely vertically integrated
The company’s history dates back to 1983, when Having designed and engineered optical In 1991, EOS secured an order from the U.S. I followed in 2005, and in late 2006 a launching new products to better suit Original Equipment Manufacturer for major
Dr Ben Greene, an adviser to NASA, and a group payloads ruggedised for the challenging Army for MUGS (Multi-Purpose Universal Gunner AUD$14 million contract to supply 44 the requirements of a wider range of system components, and thus maintains
of scientists formed the company as a result of conditions posed by launch into space, along Sight), a laser-based, battery-powered fire control RWS to the Australian Defence Force was potential customers. control over the obsolescence chain.
2 EOS-AUS.COM/DEFENCE EOS-AUS.COM/DEFENCE 3
REMOTE
WEAPON
STATIONS
R400S Mk2-HD Dual with M230LF 30mm The R150S with 12.7mm heavy machine gun The T2000 with MK44S 30mm cannon and the
cannon, 7.62mm and Javelin missile on the on the Hawkei vehicle R400S Mk2 D-HD with 12.7mm heavy machine
Polaris Dagor vehicle gun on the Hanwha Defense Australia AS21
Redback vehicle
a range of customers, mounted on over 20 platforms including the Thales Hawkei and
different platforms. The common control Bushmaster vehicles.
interface can be integrated with various
architecture standards and customer-specified The RWS has two sensor unit options. The
display units. Integration with vehicle battle lightweight uncooled sensor unit is intended
management systems adds capabilities such mainly for self-protection duties and for support
as Slew-to-Cue and Far Target Location as well vehicles. Alternatively, a longer range cooled
offering easy integration to other vehicle systems sensor unit can be fitted that is capable of ISR for
such as local situational awareness sensors, reconnaissance surveillance missions.
R400S Mk1 with 12.7mm heavy machine gun on the Dutch Bushmaster vehicle
HUMS and active protection systems.
MEDIUM GIMBAL RWS
Only a company with decades of experience in to develop its products, and today is the only lethality and situational awareness through LIGHT GIMBAL RWS The mid-range EOS RWS is the R400S, which
producing ruggedised and precise systems for company in the world to offer a lightweight ISR rated sensors but significantly enhances The R150S is the world's lightest gimbal capable has its origins in the original EOS CROWS I R400S Mk2 Dual with M230LF 30mm cannon
demanding space and defence customers has RWS able to mount all weapons up to both crew survivability – three factors that are key of operating the 12.7mm heavy machine gun design. Now much improved, the latest R400S and 7.62mm on the JLTV vehicle
the ability to deliver precision engagement to the 30x113mm and 30x173mm cannon and shoot to mission success. The employment of the to the full extent of its capability. The RWS was Mk2 is a dual weapon/cannon system that can
maximum specification of any mix of weapons. them precisely on the move over long range. RWS also improves the versatility of all military developed to answer a requirement for a lower- be configured for both anti-tank guided missile
EOS has the knowledge to understand the harsh vehicles, including ultra-light land platforms. weight unit that can be mounted on vehicles (ATGM) and surface-to-air missile launch. With sophisticated ballistic solution system that
demands of firing from a moving vehicle, against EOS’ systems are used on land, at sea on that have payload and roof loading limitations. a 12.7mm weapon and 500 rounds it has an on- takes into account various parameters such
moving targets, in harsh environments, day or a variety of vessels and also have airborne Successful RWS must be intuitive to use for One of the aims of development was to create the-roof weight of 295kg. as weapon and ammunition type, range,
night – while taking in to account demanding applications; for example a side-firing 30mm the operator and robust, reliable and easy an RWS with around 50 percent of the weight of atmospheric conditions, target motion and
platform vibration and motion variables. cannon being mounted in Airbus AC-235 aircraft to maintain in the field. EOS products are the R400S, yet be able to mount 12.7mm heavy Used with the cooled sensor unit, the RWS vehicle atitude.
employed as an airborne gunship delivering built on modular components and common machine guns, in addition to smaller-caliber provides advanced surveillance and integrated
At the core of the EOS portfolio is a range of precision air/ground engagement. interfaces, vital attributes in keeping training, 5.56mm and 7.62mm weapons. battlefield sector scanning capabilities. It The R400S is considered a ‘plug-and-play’
remote weapon stations (RWS) that have logistics and life-cycle costs down. Products can be programmed with up to 200 target system, able to be quickly integrated into battle
been developed to answer a wide spectrum of From its original EOS CROWS I system, share many common and modular elements In a typical installation of the R150S for reference points for rapid engagement directly management systems, while its design allows
requirements, from providing self-defence for the company has advanced its state-of-the to achieve this, and all have proven, excellent self-protection, with a 7.62mm machine gun from surveillance mode. Firing inhibit zones it to be packaged into small modules that can
light tactical vehicles through to medium caliber art technology in terms of providing highly reliability on operational service. and ammunition, the system weighs 100kg can be programmed into the system, that also be dispersed around the interior of the vehicle
turret systems for armoured vehicles. Having precise on the move firing capability. The compared to 230kg for the R400S in the same has a video tracker with recording options. to take up small spaces and minimise intrusion
pioneered the RWS market EOS continues RWS concept not only increases combat EOS has delivered more than 2,100 RWS to role. It has been integrated to a number of land First round hit probability is enhanced by a into the cabin.
EOS REMOTE WEAPON STATIONS AND TURRET
LIGHT GIMBAL: R150S with 12.7mm heavy MEDIUM GIMBAL: R400S Mk2 with M230LF MEDIUM GIMBAL: R400S Mk2-HD Dual HEAVY GIMBAL: The R800S with MK44S TURRET: The T2000 with MK44S 30x173mm cannon and
machine gun 30mm cannon with M230LF 30mm cannon, 7.62mm and 30x173mm and Javelin Missile R400S Mk2 D-HD with 12.7mm heavy machine gun
© DCNS
Javelin missile
4 EOS-AUS.COM/DEFENCE EOS-AUS.COM/DEFENCE 5
Suicide drone swarms are present an asymmetric threat Titanis 35kW Directed Energy Beam Director on containerised system
TITANIS DRONE DEFEAT
Independent Gun Sight Unit GUA Control Group
Countering the threat caused by These systems sit together with, and are
drones is now a global issue and an integrated through, a proprietary C2 and fire
increasing concern for the military, control system developed by EOS.
government and homeland security
forces across every continent. High volume fire, point defence solutions,
It is expected that unmanned range from the 7.62mm Dillon Aero M134- Kinetic C-UAS using airburst munition
Although remote weapon stations are mainly aerial systems (UAS) will be used series minigun to larger calibre 30mm guns
applied to land platforms – including main increasingly for malicious purposes (e.g. the Northrop Grumman M230LF 30mm
battle tanks such as this M1A2 (top right), EOS’
as the cameras, weapons, toxic cannon with EOS R400S Mk2 RWS, or Mk44 II
technology can also be employed at sea and
in the air – represented here by a riverine craft chemicals and explosives they are Bushmaster chain gun with the heavier weight
(left) and the 30mm cannon installation in an able to carry will be used for acts of EOS R800 RWS) firing airburst munitions
AC-235 (above) terrorism, espionage and smuggling. (including 30mm x 113mm proximity fused
airbursts and 30mm x 173mm airburst rounds)
EOS has developed the R400S to mount TURRET weapons in service. The Mk44S can be upgraded The Titanis Counter UAS (C-UAS) system to deliver C-UAS effects out to 3000m.
a range of 30x113mm cannons. With this EOS has developed the T2000 turret to provide to the 40x180mm Supershot with the exchange has been developed by EOS to address the
system configuration even small lightweight a modern medium calibre turret that integrates of just three parts, and larger cannons can also growing threat from malicious and threatening One of the key differences between C-UAS
military vehicles such as the Polaris Dagor situational awareness, protection and firepower be incorporated within the design. The turret also unmanned aircraft systems. and other missions is the high angular speed RWS fitted with Dillon Aero M134-Series Minigun
or Land Cruiser utility vehicle can gain the using the proven Elbit MT30 turret as its basis. includes a coaxially mounted machine gun and that can be achieved by the UAS at relatively
range and accuracy required to outshoot The T2000, fitted with EOS' fire control system, twin ATGM launcher. Based on the EOS R-Series remote weapon short range. EOS RWS have been modified
significantly more capable enemy platforms. electro-optics, and control systems and drives stations (RWS), Titanis is a fully integrated, with a fourth-axis independently slewing Developed and manufactured in-house by
Previously, such vehicles did not have the features a 30mm cannon and coaxial machine The T2000 has integrated key technologies scalable C-UAS suite combining specific sensor unit that can move independently in EOS, the DE system – which includes the
structural strength to carry the 30x113mm gun and can be fitted with ATGM, active including: detection, command and control (C2), and azimuth to track fast-moving targets. A 1-Hz beam director, and co-mounted optical
cannon, and consequently were vulnerable to protection systems and situational systems. • Iron Fist active protection system layered hard and soft kill defeat capabilities laser provides laser ranging and tracking target identification and tracking system – is
hostile fire. With the R400S lightweight cannon The crew compartment of the turret has been • Iron Vision helmet mounted situational necessary to acquire, track, and defeat throughout the engagement. designed to address Groups I, II, and III UAS
configuration, light vehicles can now out-range designed for crew protection, functionality awareness system swarming UAS threats. swarm threats, with high rates of target
commonly encountered threat weapons such and comfort. Operators use simple and robust • Laser warning systems Passive and active soft kill EW systems, engagement, out to ranges of 4000m.
as 14.5mm heavy machine guns and the 2A42 controls arrayed around three multi-function • ARTIST on-board training system The Titanis system allows the operators to designed to operate across all-threat
30mm cannon. screens. Fitted with manual gun controls and match kill solutions to large numbers and frequency bands are, as with the radar The ability to maintain and manage the
an emergency sight, the T2000 allows the crew SENSOR UNITS varying combinations of small and large drones solutions, integrated according to customer quality of the beam, the software that
HEAVY GIMBAL RWS to keep fighting even when critical systems are EOS offers three sensor unit configurations to ensure that the threat can be mitigated preference. Typical solutions include offerings ensures precision engagement and drives
The R800S is a heavy duty RWS that mounts unavailable. which can be enhanced with additional regardless of their direction, numbers and from Blighter in the UK, Echodyne in the US the process, and all the mechanical designs
the Bushmaster Mk44/XM813 30x173mm capabilities if required. The lightweight sensor capabilities while managing the environmental, and RADA in Israel. and architectures, are all EOS designs and
cannon plus hard points for ATGM, rockets The fitted R400S RWS provides the commander unit has an uncooled thermal imaging unit. The geographic, airspace and personnel safety intellectual property.
and other hardware. Employing the same with an independent sight for surveillance and medium weight sensor unit has a 640x medium- considerations. Titanis’ DE system has been deployed with
common interface as other EOS systems, the target acquisition, and the capability to engage wave infrared thermal imager and 34x zoom a 35kW high energy laser (HEL), although Arguably, the largest growth rate in lightweight
R800S is intended for customers requiring a independent targets using the RWS' weapons. daylight camera, and has growth potential for A typical all-up Titanis configuration the HEL in its current format is capable of lethality systems is in the unmanned systems
lethality upgrade on lighter vehicles without The RWS can also be fitted with C-UAS 1024p and high-definition sensors. The system incorporates direct fire engagement systems, scaling to around 55kW. The HEL system has space, for both integration on unmanned
compromising payload or making the capability for drone defeat. employs a continuous zoom camera that passive and active soft kill electronic warfare been demonstrated as a small containerised platforms with remote operation, and also
extensive modifications required of a full allows the user to switch between day and night (EW) systems, an integrated sensor suite- system; however, while the DE beam director for the engagement and defeat of unmanned
turret system. The R800S offers protection The main weapon fitted to the turret is the cameras seamlessly. The panoramic gun sight including Pulse-Doppler, software-defined radar, is slightly different to a weapons station systems. In a C-UAS application, Titanis with
levels from STANAG Level 2 through to 4 and Northrop Grumman Mk44S 30x173mm cannon. unit is highly stabilised and can deliver main day/thermal camera, laser rangefinder and it has 60% commonality with the R400S direct engagement/point defence, passive and
delivers turret level direct firepower for 30% of The cannon is widely used by the US, UK, NATO armament and independent commander sight radio frequency (RF) detection systems - and RWS and will therefore be employable from active EW and directed energy capabilities
the weight. and other allies of Australia with thousands of performance in a compact integrated unit. an optional directed energy (DE) kill system. deployable platforms. constitutes a significant force multiplier.
6 EOS-AUS.COM/DEFENCE EOS-AUS.COM/DEFENCE 7
R400S on the Pratt & Miller Engineering
expeditionary modular autonomous vehicle
R400S on the Milrem Themis unmanned ground vehicle R400S with M230LF 30mm cannon on the IAI
LR2 unmanned ground vehicle
DEFINING THE
viewed as key lethality subsystems available This highlights the advantage EOS has in
to a force rather than simply as another owning the entire system and error budget;
platform accessory. EOS’s family of products the company does not experience issues
FUTURE OF is leading the way in defining these new
market expectations.
when integrating different manufacturer’s
assemblies or services to their systems.
THE RWS EOS’ focus has always been on ensuring
the RWS is optimised and integrated
This flexibility in software and control
solutions is becoming even more important
RWS demand continues to grow worldwide, with other subsystems on-board, as well due to the growth in customer interest in
as customers seek further network integration as being compliant with a customer’s unmanned and robotic systems. The RWS
of their sensor to shooter assets and architecture. Modular and advanced human goes hand-in-hand with this revolution
continuous improvements to the survivability machine interfaces and control groups as unmanned combat platforms will also
of their soldiers. The original underlying coupled with proprietary software solutions require precise low latency sensor and
premises for an RWS remain the same: keep facilitate low latency enhanced data and lethality solutions. The only way to meet
the operator safe by having them seated and sensor information, sharing not only with the specialised platform requirements of
strapped into a protected or mine-resistant other on-board systems but to other autonomous vehicles (such as the need for
environment while delivering situational platforms, sensors and C4I nodes within a lighter weight systems and to meet bandwidth
awareness, accurate fire support and area networked battlespace. challenges) will be to further develop the
suppression. However, now customers are specialised capabilities found and championed
seeking greater range, lethality and accuracy EOS products and architecture are flexible and in RWS and unmanned turret technologies.
from these integral ISR and firepower assets adaptable to enable rapid software updates/
as well as greater digital integration of the amendments to achieve optimal integration EOS believes the RWS will continue to be
sensor/shooter capability. The RWS is now matching any specific customer requirement. remote rather than autonomous.
EOS Defence Systems Pty Limited EOS Defence Systems PTE Limited
90 Sheppard St, Hume, ACT 2620, 10 Pandan Crescent #06-01,
Australia Singapore, 128466
EOS Defense Systems USA, Inc. EOS Optronics GmbH
2865 Wall Triana Hwy SW, Huntsville, Ulrichsberger Str. 17, 94469
Alabama 35824, USA Deggendorf, Germany
FIND OUT MORE: EOS Advanced Technologies LLC
Tawazun Industrial Park, Ajban,
EOS Defence Systems
Kalvermarket 53, 2511 CB,
EOS-AUS.COM/DEFENCE EOS-AUS.COM/DEFENCE
Abu Dhabi, UAE The Hague, The Netherlands
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