U.S. Army continues to upgrade Stryker 8x8 armored vehicles with the latest generation of weapon stations to increase firepower. The American company Oshkosh Defense was recently selected by the U.S. Army to integrate the 30 mm MCWS (Medium Caliber Weapon System) onto the Stryker Double V Hull Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICVVA1).
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ICVVA1 Stryker 8x8 armored vehicle fitted with the 30mm Medium Caliber Weapon System MCWS at AUSA 2021, defense exhibition in Washington D.C. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The Stryker ICVVA1 is a program launched by the U.S. Army to modernize the Stryker armored vehicle that includes modification of the flat-bottomed hull into a double V-hull to increase protection against IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices), following the lessons learned by U.S. troops deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. Other improvements include a new 910 amp alternator capable of supporting electrical power required for future network upgrades, a new power distribution panel, new payload capacity, and optimization of the driveline.

The Stryker ICVVA1 with the MCWS turret will have a crew of three including the driver, commander, and gunner, and is able to transport nine infantry soldiers.

In June 2021, the U.S. Army selected the Oshkosh Defense team, which includes Pratt Miller Defense and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to integrate the 30 mm MCWS onto the Stryker Double V Hull Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICVVA1). This upgrade will provide increased lethality, accuracy, and range while maintaining the mobility and survivability of the Stryker ICVVA1.

The 30 mm MCWS (Medium Caliber Weapon System) is based on the Israeli-made Rafael’s proven SAMSON family of turrets. The system was customized to meet the mission requirements of the US Army’s Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCTs).

The Samson turret is a new generation of Israeli-made turret offering a high level of lethality and survivability that can be integrated on wheeled and tracked combat vehicles. The turret is equipped with a computerized fire-control system with advanced image processing for fast and accurate target acquisition. The turret can be armed with one 30/40mm automatic cannon, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. In option, the turret can integrate the Trophy Active Protection System (APS) and launcher station for anti-tank guided missiles Spike LR 1&2.

The American company Pratt Miller Defense which is now part of Oshkosh Defense has developed the design of the MCWS to integrate the new weapon station onto a Stryker 8x8 combat armored vehicle under the Stryker Medium Caliber Weapons System (MCWS) lethality program in partnership with the Israeli company Rafael.

The MCWS is an unmanned turret that will integrate the XM813 cannon allowing the use of programmable airburst ammunition compatibility through a dual-feed ammunition handling system. The turret is also equipped with improved optics and an extended direct-fire range over the current 30mm temporary ONS solution.

Manufacturing of the MWCS will be performed in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The first U.S. Army unit will be equipped with the Stryker MCWS beginning in Fiscal Year 2023.