Over the past few AUSA meetings, SIG SAUER has incrementally introduced new robotic solutions such as the Pitbull Remote Weapon Station and small-arms integration into aerial drones.

This year, they exhibited a scaled-down version of their RWS mounted to an IAI Fire Storm APUS 60 quadcopter, which was developed specifically for this application. It is fuel-powered and offers 3 hours of endurance.

The RWS features an LMG and 200 rounds of 7.62 NATO ammunition for a total weight of 24 kg. It uses the same technology as the ground-based RWS, but scaled down for aviation use. Consequently, it is purpose-built for use with the LMG and is not modular, or intended to accept a variety of weapons. It will traverse 30 degrees left and right and depress -45 degrees. That, combined with the manoeuvrability of the drone, will ensure target acquisition, PID, and engagement via the controller.

Additionally, they showed the Pitbull RWS mounted to a Deka Sentry Security Platform. This all-terrain, wheeled, multi-mission robot is offered in 3 models, with this being the Monster Bot. It is adapted from a carriage for individuals with mobility challenges and is gyrostabilised to offer a solid, upright platform for any application, including ISR and weapon employment. For example, it keeps the payload level even when negotiating stairs.

While the weapon station relies on SIG’s controller, the platform itself can be autonomous, negotiating terrain on its own with little to no human input other than waypoints.