CROWS II air defense system from NASAMS passes firing tests (video)
During the Red Sands exercises in Saudi Arabia, the US Army tested the modernized containerized air defense system CROWS II. It uses APKWS II missiles with a laser guidance system to destroy targets.
According to The Drive, the CROWS II uses the Arnold Defense LAND-LGR4 four-launch rocket launcher with four missiles. It is mounted on a combat station. The manufacturer of the air defense system is Kongsberg Defense. It also produces NASAMS systems used by the Ukrainian army.
It is worth noting that CROWS II launchers have been used by the US Army for quite some time. A modified air defense system was tested in Saudi Arabia. Its combat platform is located in a container with a hinged lid.
CROWS II requires two soldiers to deploy. It takes them about 30 minutes to connect the air defense system to a power source, charge the missiles, and activate them. Containers with PU can be connected to a single network using Ethernet. In this case, they will destroy air targets together.
CROWS II is equipped with RPS-42 radar manufactured by Leonardo. The station is in a container with a launcher. It uses infrared cameras and an optical laser to guide missiles to their targets. Containerized air defense systems are good because they can be delivered by truck to any location for further deployment. This approach provides greater flexibility in operation.
