HAMMER Remotely-Operated Weapons System for Robotic and Manned Vehicles

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

by David Crane
david@defensereview.com

A company called More Industries, LLC is manufacturing and marketing a remotely-operated weapons system (i.e. remote-controlled weapons system) called HAMMER for use on UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles, a.k.a. ground robots), manned ground vehicles (i.e. HMMWVs/Humvees, APCs/IFVs, and civilan vehicles like flatbed trucks and SUVs/4x4s), and UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), turning the latter into UCAVs (Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles). The company claims that the HAMMER Remotely-Operated Weapons System, a.k.a. Hammer Remotely-Operated Shotgun System, when combined with the company’s H2X-40 Turret System, will give UGVs and manned ground vehicles a COTS (commercial off-the-shelf), warfare-ready weapons solution for multiple urban warfare/MOUT , peacekeeping, and law enforcement applications. These applications include, but are not necessarily limited to EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) of IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices), anti-personnel use during anti-terrorism/counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations, SWAT ops, perimeter defense and installation/high-value-target defense, and any/all Special Operations/Special Forces ops in urban warfare environments. On lightweight UAVs like unmanned helicopters (i.e. remote-controlled helicopters), the HAMMER Remote-Operated Weapons/Shtogun System can be used by itself (fixed-mounted) to reduce weight and drag, rather than employing the H2X-40 Turret System. An unmanned helicopter doesn’t necessarily need a turret system, since it can orient itself to the target very quickly (so it’s facing the target head-on).

The HAMMER weapons system consists of an MPS AA-12 full-auto shotgun (12-gauge) outfitted with an…

electronically controlled firing mechanism/trigger mechanism (i.e. solonoid trigger mechanism) that’s remote-actuated via remote control. The remote control unit is of course supplied with the system. The automatic trigger mechanism is fully encapsulated to keep out water, mud, sand, and any other foreign matter/materiels. Sighting is accomplished through a daylight-visible bore-sighted laser or optional bore-sighted camera.

According to the company, the HAMMER weapons system/shotgun system is very safe, since a human operator is kept in the loop at all times. It’s the human being that makes all movement and firing/enemy engagement decisions. HAMMER employs a safety system that makes it impossible for the onboard weapons to fire until the human operator decides to fire them.

The H2X-40 Turret System employs a dual-gun mount. This allows two AA-12 Shotguns (Auto Assault-12 Shotguns) to be utilized simultaneously. Onboard ammo capacity is 16-40 rounds, depending on what type of magazines are utilized (i.e. loaded into the AA-12 Shotguns). The operator can load the two AA12s with 8-shot box magazines or 20-shot drum mags.

The latest-version of the AA12 Shotgun (Auto Assault-12 Shotgun) can fire most-if-not-all 3-inch AND 2.75-inch 12-gauge combat loads, including the impressive FRAG-12 munitions (a.k.a. FRAG-12 grenade rounds, which were recently test-fired from an AA-12 Shotgun) and HEVI-Shot high-penetration/long-range loads. A pair of AA-12s loaded up with 40 rounds gives the operator a formidable anti-personnel capability in the event he has to "go hot" on the enemy in a hurry.

Rumor has it that the HAMMER/H2X-40 combo system has already been tested with dual daylight-visible green targeting lasers (one laser for each gun), although DefenseReview has yet to receive confirmation/verification of this. The system has already been successully mounted on and fired from an SUV/4×4 via remote control from inside the vehicle.

Defense Review will be publishing video footage of the latter. DefRev would also like to see video footage demonstrating HAMMER’s counter-IED and anti-personnel capabilities. We’d particularly like to see a single HAMMER Remote-Operated Shotgun System mounted to the NRI AutoCopter Gunship.

Neural Robotics Incorporated (NRI) is currently developing a larger-version AutoCopter that should be able to accomodate a minimum of two AA12 Shotguns along with several pod-mounted Spike guided missiles (launched directly off the pods, rather than being tube-launched), since it’s expected to have an 80-pound payload capacity. The Spike missiles weigh approx. 5 lbs each. We don’t yet have weight information on the mounting pods. A larger-version AutoCopter Gunship carrying multiple AA-12 full-auto shotguns and multiple Spike guided missiles would, in our opinion, make a formidable UCAV (Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle) for close-to-medium-range combat engagements, and would perhaps be an ideal force-muliplier for any/all anti-terrorism/counterterrorism and counterinsurgency ops.

DefenseReview is a proponent of ummanned systems (robotic vehicles, a.k.a. robots) of all types, and weaponized robots in particular, provided they can accomplish the mission. Robots don’t get tired, and they can’t be killed. They can only be disabled and destroyed. They’re expensive monetarily, but inexpensive with regard to human life, emotional cost, and PR. Damaged and destroyed robots/unmanned vehicles are much better than dead and wounded U.S. infantry soldiers and Marines, provided the robots can get the job done and/or accomplish the mission.

Company Contact Info:

More Industries, LLC can be contacted by phone at 603-924-9085, and via email at info@moreindustries.com. Ask for Grinnell More.

HAMMER Remotely-Operated Weapons System Product Materials:

Right-Click here and then click on "Save Target As" (Microsoft Internet Explorer) or "Save Link As" (Mozilla Firefox) to download and view Page One of the HAMMER Unmanned Shotgun System fact sheet/spec sheet. (PDF Format)

Right-Click here and then click on "Save Target As" (Microsoft Internet Explorer) or "Save Link As" (Mozilla Firefox) to download and view Page Two of the HAMMER Remotely-Operated Shotgun System fact sheet/spec sheet. (PDF Format)

Right-Click here and then click on "Save Target As" (Microsoft Internet Explorer) or "Save Link As" (Mozilla Firefox) to download and view Page One of the HAMMER Remote-Operated Shotgun System fact sheet/spec sheet. (JPEG Format)

Right-Click here and then click on "Save Target As" (Microsoft Internet Explorer) or "Save Link As" (Mozilla Firefox) to download and view Page Two of the HAMMER Remote-Controlled Shotgun System fact sheet/spec sheet. (JPEG Format)
H2X-40 Turret System Product Materials

Right-Click here and then click on "Save Target As" (Microsoft Internet Explorer) or "Save Link As" (Mozilla Firefox) to download and view Page One of the H2X-40 Turret System fact sheet/spec sheet. (PDF Format)

Right-Click here and then click on "Save Target As" (Microsoft Internet Explorer) or "Save Link As" (Mozilla Firefox) to download and view Page Two of the H2X-40 Turret System fact sheet/spec sheet. (PDF Format)

Right-Click here and then click on "Save Target As" (Microsoft Internet Explorer) or "Save Link As" (Mozilla Firefox) to download and view Page One of the H2X-40 Turret System fact sheet/spec sheet. (JPEG Format)

Right-Click here and then click on "Save Target As" (Microsoft Internet Explorer) or "Save Link As" (Mozilla Firefox) to download and view Page Two of the H2X-40 Turret System fact sheet/spec sheet. (JPEG Format)
The following information comes from the More Industries HAMMER Remotely-Operated Weapons System fact sheet/spec sheet. In the document, the system is referred to as the HAMMER Unmanned Shotgun System, but this name is likely to change in the near future, since the system is actually remotely-operated (operated via remote-control), with a human being in the loop at all times (human operator making all decisions):

"The HAMMER™ Unmanned Shotgun System delivers true multi-shot disruption capability to military and civil EOD teams. With both 8 and 20 round magazine options EOD techs now have the tools to complete the job. Whether breaching a door, exposing a hidden device, or neutralizing an IED, HAMMER delivers.

Features:
All stainless steel construction won’t rust
Rugged & versatile mounting system
Available 8 & 20 round magazines
Fully encapsulated trigger mechanism
Operates through standard firing systems
Electronically controlled firing actuation
Safety lever for manual weapon securing
Laser or camera sighting systems
Weatherproof & ultra-low maintenance
Wide range of available ammunition
Supports non-lethal, smoke, & grenades

Specifications:
Firearm: Firearm core utilizes MPS AA-12 tactical 12-gage shotgun
Dimensions: Approximately 2” x 12.5” x 33” (5cm x 32cm x 84cm)
Weight: Approximately 15 lbs (6.8 kg)
Materials: Aircraft grade stainless steel, thermoplastics, & anodized aluminum
Gage: 12 gage shotgun chambered for 2-3/4” – 3” version in testing now
Action: Gas operated from open bolt full-automatic with electronic select-fire
Safety: Manual safety lever overrides electronic functions
Orientation: Typical mounting with magazine facing up
Voltage: 18–30 Volts DC – standard firing system interface
Sighting: Daylight visible bore sighted laser – optional bore sighted camera
Maintenance: Minimal cleaning required – runs dry (no oil to attract sand & dust)
Recoil: Minimal – Approximately 10 lbs (4.5 kg) constant force
Capacity: 8 round box magazine & 20 round drum magazines available
Barrel: 13” (33cm) length stainless with locking breach
Rate of Fire: 300 rounds per minute (5 rounds per second)
Warranty: 1 year materials & workmanship

Pictured: HAMMER Unmanned Shotgun System shown with available twenty round drum magazine. The control port connector is visible on the trigger block near the HAMMER logo.

The HAMMER Unmanned Shotgun System is designed for Explosive Ordnance Disposal robots and other unmanned systems. Applications include EOD, SWAT, high value target defense, Special Forces, and MOUT operations."

The following information comes from the More Industries H2X-40 Turret System fact sheet/spec sheet:

"EOD Capability:
With its wide range of motion and support for two HAMMER Unmanned Shotguns the HX-240 Turret System is ideal for counter IED missions where multiple disruptions are required during the exposing and neutralization of multiple threats.

Features:
Supports 2 HAMMER Unmanned Shotguns
Remote positioning, sighting, & control
Supports manned & unmanned vehicles
Supports fixed sites and asset defense
Computer-based user interface
Weatherproof & ultra-low maintenance
Supports less-lethal, smoke, & grenades

Pictured: HX-240 Turret System shown with two HAMMER Unmanned Shotguns

Specifications:
Dimensions: Approximately 20” x 16” x 16” (51cm x 41cm x 41cm)
Weight: Approximately 25 lbs (11.5 kg)
Materials: Black anodized aluminum, stainless steel, & engineering plastics
Safety: Emergency stop switch halts all functions
Power: 18–30 Volts DC – from battery system or power supply
Sighting: Dual daylight visible bore sighted lasers and bore sighted camera
Maintenance: Minimal – sealed design is waterproof and dustproof
Angular Rate: 15 degrees per second – pan & tilt
Motion Range: 340 degrees pan & tilt with both programmable & physical stops
Payload: Dual HAMMER Unmanned Shotgun Systems or 40 lbs (18 kg)
Feedback: Absolute encoders
Interface: PC or notebook based graphical user interface with joystick input
Warranty: 1 year materials & workmanship

Pictured: Dual HAMMER Unmanned Shotgun Systems mounted on the HX-240 Turret.

The HX-240 provides sighting and operator control of weapons on robots, unmanned systems, manned vehicles, and fixed “high-value-target” installations."

Company Contact Information for MPS AA-12 Shotgun and AMC FRAG-12 Munitions:

If you’d like to get more information on the Auto Assault-12 Shotgun (a.k.a. AA-12 Shotgun, a.k.a. AA12 Shotgun) family, including the more compact AA-12 CQB (Close Quarters Battle) model with 13-inch (13") barrel, you can contact Military Police Systems (MPS, Inc.) by phone at 423-534-2480. Call for pricing, and ask for Jerry Baber. MPS, Inc. is located in Piney Flats, Tennessee.

If you’d like more information on the FRAG-12 Munitions/Grenade Family, you can contact Action Manufacturing Company (AMC) by phone at 215-739-6400, or by fax at 215-423-7749. Ask for Randy Aukamp.
Additional information on FRAG-12 Munitions Family:

Click here to read the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) Fact Sheet on the FRAG-12 grenades (a.k.a. FRAG-12 grenade round, a.k.a. "British FRAG-12 munition").
Previous DefRev articles on AA12 Shotgun and FRAG-12 Munitions/Grenades (in order of most recent to least recent):
Auto Assault 12 (AA12) Combat Shotgun for Mil/LE Special Operations (Published on October 28, 2004. This blurb-type article was the first article DefenseReview ever published on the AA-12 Shotgun.)


Related Articles:


Acronyms used in this article:

HMMWV – High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle

APC – Armored Personnel Carrier

IFV – Infantry Fighting Vehicle

SUV – Sport Utility Vehicle

UGV – Unmanned Ground Vehicle

UAV – Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

UCAV – Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle

AA-12 – Auto Assault-12

HAMMER Remotely-Operated Weapons System for Robotic and Manned Vehicles by

About David Crane

David Crane started publishing online in 2001. Since that time, governments, military organizations, Special Operators (i.e. professional trigger pullers), agencies, and civilian tactical shooters the world over have come to depend on Defense Review as the authoritative source of news and information on "the latest and greatest" in the field of military defense and tactical technology and hardware, including tactical firearms, ammunition, equipment, gear, and training.

Check Also

ATI Schmeisser S60 60-Round 5.56mm NATO.223 Rem. Magazine with Window for Tactical AR-15 Carbine/SBR’s: Nylon-Reinforced Polymer Wonder Mag!

By David Crane david (at) defensereview (dot) com June 12, 2023 Imported by American Tactical …