John Cockerill Defense (previously CMI Defence) has confirmed that its private venture Protected Weapon Station Generation 2 (CPWS Gen 2) finished trials in late 2019 and is now at Technology Readiness Level 7 (TRL 7), meaning it is an operationally demonstrated prototype, Christopher Foss reports.

CPWS Gen 2  mounted on Arquus VAB Mk 3 (Picture source: John Cockerill Defense)

According to Simon Haye, chief marketing officer at John Cockerill Defense, “The PWS Gen 2 has now undergone successful firing trials integrated onto a French Arquus Véhicule de l’Avant Blindé [VAB] 6×6 Mk 3 armored personnel carrier and targets were successfully engaged while the platform was moving, followed by engagement of moving targets while the platform was moving.” During these trials, the PWS Gen 2 was armed with a Northrop Grumman Armament Systems (previously ATK) 25 mm M242 dual-feed cannon with a 7.62 mm machine gun (MG) mounted coaxially to the left. A John Cockerill Defense computerized fire control system (FCS), which includes a mast-mounted meteorological sensor, was coupled to a French SAFRAN stabilized roof-mounted panoramic sighting system with day/thermal channels and an eye-safe laser rangefinder.

To engage targets beyond the range of the PWS Gen 2’s main armament, a pod of anti-tank missiles or unguided rockets could be integrated onto the right side of the turret.

As Xavier Delhaye, Communication Manager at John Cockerill Defense, explained to Army Recognition, the CPWS Gen2 is equipped with an innovative convertible roof. This convertible roof can be opened in different ways, depending on the usage. In the observation position, the roof is opened parallel to the turret top in order to allow direct view observation around the turret while remaining under protection. This position also allows sniping or handgun firing. In the egress position, the roof is wide open to the front of the turret permitting evacuation of the crew under protection. This position is also used for daily activities from inspection, to larger maintenance activities. The reloading is also largely improved.

CPWS Gen 2  mounted on Arquus Sherpa Light (Picture source: John Cockerill Defense)

The CPWS Gen2 is equipped with an innovative convertible roof that can be opened in different ways, depending on the usage (Picture source: John Cockerill Defense)

3D view of the CPWS Gen 2 mounted on a schematized Oshkosh JLTV (Picture source: John Cockerill Defense)