The Containerized Weapon System (CWS) is a program developed by the U. S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) on Redstone Arsenal and is now managed by the Close Combat Weapon Systems (CCWS) on Redstone Arsenal, in close coordination with the Rapid Equipping Force (REF).
The Containerized Weapon System (CWS) is a program developed by the U. S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) on Redstone Arsenal and is now managed by the Close Combat Weapon Systems (CCWS) on Redstone Arsenal, in close coordination with the Rapid Equipping Force (REF). Its concept is to mount a Commonly Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS II) on a remotely controlled mast inside a Tricon container. The Tricon has a controlled roof hatch that allows the CROWS II to be completely concealed within the container.
When needed, the hatch is opened, the mast raised, and the remote weapon system is available for use. An extender kit is used to control the system through fiber optic cable so that the gunner can be concealed at a remote location while operating the system. The CWS computer connects to the force protection network and receives targeting information from external sources. When a target geo-location is received, the CWS computer determines an azimuth and elevation solution to the target, and provides a slew command to the CROWS II.
This provides an immediate direct fires solution. CWS is powered via batteries and solar panel for recharge, with a generator backup, and is currently deployed in several OCONUS locations. Invariant Corporation supported CWS from its inception and was involved with the initial systems engineering and design. Invariant developed controller software that runs on a situational awareness (SA) computer in the command operations center. The SA computer runs Invariant software and provides remote control of the CWS, status feedback of power and control systems, mapping software for situation awareness and interfaces to other systems in theater. Invariant personnel are deployed and supporting this system today.