Hornet Launches Innovative Remote Weapon Systems at SOFINS 2021 in France
The 2021 edition of SOFINS offers a prime platform for Hornet to exhibit its array of Hornet remote-operated weapon stations, which have already been chosen by the French Army for integration into its modern combat platforms, including the Griffon, Jaguar, and Serval.
During the exhibition, Hornet aims to make a distinctive contribution to the discussions surrounding the enhancement of equipment for Special Forces vehicles. This conversation underscores the importance of contemporary systems such as remotely operated turrets for Special Forces teams, both at home and abroad.
The Hornet remote-operated weapon stations are designed with remarkable versatility, combining efficient tools with advanced sensors. They prove to be invaluable for reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence missions, as well as for facilitating communication, tracking blue/red forces, designating enemy targets, and coordinating indirect fire. These systems can serve as vital assets for patrol operations or deep-strike assignments, augmenting conventional Special Forces skills.
In the configuration presented at SOFINS, the Hornet turret offers outstanding performance in a notably compact design, weighing only 260 kg without any optional extras. This weight limitation allows for use in long-range, autonomous missions with minimal equipment and ammunition. The Hornet turrets also surpass traditional circular-mounted weapons regarding accuracy, particularly during mobility. They are gyro-stabilized from the optronic unit, ensuring superior stability and precision. The likelihood of striking the target with the initial shot is improved by an advanced ballistic solution calculation system that factors in various elements such as weapon type, ammunition, range, target movement, and vehicle dynamics. These multifaceted capabilities enable reduced ammunition logistics when required while still achieving excellent tactical results.
Initially crafted for regular forces under the Scorpion initiative, the Hornet RCWS can be customized to align with the specific operational demands of Special Forces, adhering to the fundamental principles of Special Forces: utilizing innovative equipment to accomplish their unique missions.
Leveraging insights gained from the Scorpion program RCWS, Hornet now offers leading-edge remotely operated weapon systems outfitted with cutting-edge technologies and features. The current portfolio comprises the Hornet, the flagship model of the new lineup, and the Hornet Lite, a streamlined version featuring the same optronic systems. These RCWS significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the vehicles they equip, propelling them into new operational realms. Every Hornet RCWS operator stands to gain from insights gathered and potential enhancements within the series.
Hornet RCWS have been operational on the Army’s Griffon vehicles since 2019 and will be incorporated into all forthcoming combat vehicles, starting with the Jaguar and Serval. The Hornets are integral to the cooperative combat abilities fostered by the Scorpion initiative, where each RCWS-equipped vehicle can respond to threats identified by other units. Consequently, the Hornet RCWS will be instrumental in the Army’s operational engagements in the forthcoming decades.
Hornet was officially launched at IDEX 2021 in Abu Dhabi, concentrating on the promotion and marketing of its range of remotely operated turrets: the Hornet and the Hornet Lite.
