EDGE Group has unveiled the 7IS Remote Control Weapon Station (RCWS) at the UMEX 2022 exhibition.
The 7IS is a two-axis, servo-controlled, stabilized system developed by EDGE entity HALCON. The vehicle-mounted system features an optical payload with seven lenses and a weapon cradle armed with a M4 Colt 5.56mm assault rifle that has 30 and 50 round magazines, providing an immediate and effective armed response to detected threats.
The 7IS has a 360-degree rotation capacity, an elevation range of -15 degrees to 45 degrees and can traverse and elevate simultaneously to the angular positions demanded by the ground control station interface. Weighing approximately 30kgs, the lightweight system requires only one remote operator. Its highly sophisticated optical sensor is equipped with a laser range finder that is accurate within 50 cm beyond 2,000 meters; two day cameras; a thermal imaging system; a green visible laser pointer; an invisible laser pointer; and a spotlight that is effective up to 100 meters. The 7IS can operate in weather conditions between -5 degrees to 50 degrees Celsius.
“The 7IS RCWS is yet another example of the pace of development, local manufacturing prowess, and future-forward outlook of EDGE with respect to developing sophisticated sovereign capabilities,” said Saeed Al Mansoori, HALCON CEO. “The fourth industrial revolution demands innovation that EDGE is excited to spearhead, with this latest system marking a significant achievement that adds a ground weapon to EDGE’s portfolio of precision-guided and loitering aerial munitions. It is also a testament to our investment in R&D and our capability to bring solutions, software and systems to the defense market and beyond with speed and agility.”