Companies within the WB Group are consistently developing products for the maritime domain. Following the launch of the FONET NAVY shipborne digital communication and data exchange system, the focus has now shifted to weaponry. Recently, work on maritime unmanned systems was revealed (WB Group unveils Unmanned Surface Vessel demonstrator), and now AREX, a WB Group company, has presented a new weapon module designed for warships, smaller patrol vessels, and unmanned surface vehicles.
The ZMU-05N is a modular weapon system developed by the WB Group for naval vessels
The ZMU-05N Naval Remote-Controlled Weapon Module was developed as a modern means of close-in defense for watercraft. It is designed to replace manually operated deck-mounted heavy machine gun (HMG) positions. In the configuration showcased at the DSEI trade fair in Japan, the module was armed with a 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun. High-precision targeting is ensured by the weapon’s stabilization system and a day/night sighting sensor with an integrated laser rangefinder, independently stabilized from the weapon itself. Like its land-based counterparts, the ZMU-05N is remotely operated from within the host platform (or via radio communication), ensuring the operator’s safety. According to information obtained by MILMAG, the manufacturer does not rule out integrating the weapon module with the FONET NAVY maritime digital intercom system, which could further simplify configurations on vessels equipped with this solution. At the same time, WB Group has stated that the ZMU-05N will also be capable of integration with shipboard combat systems. (The first public shooting demonstration of ZMU-03 and ZMU-07)
Joystick and control panel of the ZMU-05N
The weapon system operator will be able to utilize AI-based target analysis systems, enabling accelerated detection and classification of potential targets. Additionally, the targeting process will be simplified by an automatic tracking system.
Based on the specifications of earlier systems developed by AREX, it is likely that the ZMU-05N can be integrated with WB Group’s unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This capability could be particularly important for arming unmanned surface vehicles operating at a significant distance from their operators. In such cases, the FLYEYE UAS could not only detect targets but also serve as a signal relay, significantly extending the operational range.
The ZMU-05N is a lightweight platform that can be integrated with most types of watercraft / Graphics: WB Group
The ZMU-05N is a lightweight remotely operated weapon system equipped with a 12.7 mm (0.5 inch) heavy machine gun and a CM-02 day/night optronic sight integrated with a laser rangefinder. The entire system is powered by 24V DC. It operates in temperatures ranging from -30°C to +50°C and is designed to function in high salinity and icing conditions. Its dimensions are 1.64 x 0.92 x 0.63 meters. The weight without armament is 167 kg, and with the Browning M2 HMG, the module weighs just over 200 kg. The ZMU-05N allows for firing in a vertical (elevation) range from -10° to +50° and full 360° horizontal (azimuth) rotation. The minimum angular speed is less than 0.5 mrad/s (for both elevation and azimuth), with maximum angular speeds of 1.5 rad/s in elevation and 2.5 rad/s in azimuth.
The integrated electro-optical head includes a daytime camera with a 1/3″ color CMOS sensor offering a resolution of 1930 x 1080 pixels, and a thermal imaging camera with an uncooled bolometric detector featuring a sensitivity of NEDT < 50 mK, producing an image resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. Completing the system is a laser rangefinder with a wavelength of 1.54 μm, capable of measuring distances from 50 to 4000 meters.