Stryker RWS: AA Capable?

[Timothy OConnor]

Can the Stryker's RWS with the .50 engage aerial targets in remote control mode? It would seem that finding and tracking the target while using the RWS function would be impossible, but maybe against low/slow flying helicopters?

Thanks,

Tim

[KillerSix]

The remote weapons system is effective against low flying helicopters. The controls are easy to use; you can acquire the target at wide angle and then zoom in to engage. The RWS can track fast moving helicopters during day and night without any problems. Obviously, they haven't been used to down an aircraft yet, but with proper lead it would be much smoother and easier than firing a .50 cal manually.

[av8rmongo]

Does it compute the proper lead for you or is it a guestimate from the operator? It seems to me that being able to track an object in the viewer and being able to put bullets into it are two different propositions. A computer might be able to solve part of the lead angle problem by knowing the bearing rate change of the mount as it slewed to follow the target but without some distance measurement it would be impossible to determine speed of the target in order to get the bullets out ahead of the target. A fast mover further away can have the same slew rate as a slower target in close but it will take a lot more lead angle (and elevation) to get bullets out in front of the faster target. Or does the sensor unit allow for determination of speed and distance?

Paul

[jb]

... It seems to me that being able to track an object in the viewer and being able to put bullets into it are two different propositions. A computer might be able to solve part of the lead angle problem by knowing the bearing rate change of the mount as it slewed to follow the target but without some distance measurement it would be impossible to determine speed of the target in order to get the bullets out ahead of the target. A fast mover further away can have the same slew rate as a slower target in close but it will take a lot more lead angle (and elevation) to get bullets out in front of the faster target. Or does the sensor unit allow for determination of speed and distance?

Paul

....Geeeze! Here in Wisconsin we don't need computers to lead any targets!! Leading targets just comes natural here

[Gort]

The RWS is not really anti-aircraft capable. At least not any more than any other vehicle mounted machine gun. Yes it is stabilized, has good day/night sensors, a laser range finder, and a rapid slew rate (100*/sec). But what it doesn't have is a way to compute lead for moving targets - other than the gunners' skill with kentucky windage. There is also one other teensie weensie little problem with engaging aerial targets - the system is limited to -20*/+60* elevation. You can only engage a target that is within 60* of the horizon. If a target is higher than that you're SOL. However, if you encounter an aerial target that is low enough, and slow enough, you could have a chance. Provided that the vehicle crew had the situational awareness to spot it in the first place. Heck, you can shoot helicopters with the 120mm of the M1A2 - so long as it is within 20* of the horizon.

regards

Steve

[KillerSix]

The RWS does not have a computer with built in algoritems for lead. The gunner has to lead using the same basic principles that the army has trained on for years kbut it is much easier and faster to slew with the RWS than a pintle mounted weapon. I can only tell you that I've tracked Blackhawks and Apaches with the RWS and could have made a great effort at engaging with the .50 cal. The other 8-9 RWS .50 cals in the company would make it an uncomfortable place for an attack helicopter and would make it very difficult to maintain the straight and level flight required to effectively engage targets.