JOHANNESBURG, South Africa -- BAE Systems has designed and developed a new light-weight Self Defence Remotely Operated Weapon (SD-ROW) turret, which enables forces to engage hostile targets without exposing operators to harm. The design and development work has been conducted by BAE Systems engineers in South Africa.

The SD-ROW turret will be launched at the forthcoming Africa Aerospace and Defence 2010 (AAD) exhibition which will be held in Cape Town, 21-25 September 2010.

This unique weapon system, which is equipped with a small calibre arm, was designed for simple installation and removal on a variety of soft-skinned, light armoured and mine protected vehicles with specific emphasis on logistical carriers. It can be operated by one crew member from under or behind cover and the weapon can easily be removed for personal use.

"The SD-ROW turret is a cost effective solution for first-order defence for many types of operational vehicles, such as logistics transport carriers, lighter attack and other mine-protected vehicles and allows under-armour protected target engagement without exposing the gunner," explains Johan Steyn, Managing Director for Land Systems South Africa.

Depending on the selected weapon configuration, the SD-ROW turret is effective against enemy targets over a 600 metre range. It has "on-the-move" engagement capability and the gunner or driver can operate the weapon without changing their position.

• Height: 610mm

• Width: 470mm

• Weight: 65kg (including the weapon and 200 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition)

• Turret elevation angle: -20 to +80

• Turret travers angle: -135 to +135

Visit BAE Systems at AAD 2010 on Stand 6C26.

BAE Systems is a global defence, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. In 2009 BAE Systems reported sales of £22.4 billion (US$ 36.2 billion).

BAE Systems
14.09.2010