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SOURCE: AFI

Zen Technologies has introduced Barbarik, the world’s lightest Ultralight Remote Controlled Weapon System (URCWS), a breakthrough in military technology that brings precision targeting to ground vehicles, naval vessels, and even static defensive positions. Designed to operate weapons between calibers of 5.56mm to 7.62mm, Barbarik enhances battlefield effectiveness while keeping personnel safely out of harm’s way, signaling a new standard for compact, powerful remote weapon stations.

The Barbarik URCWS is an adaptable weapon platform designed for the rigors of modern combat, capable of integration on various platforms, including wheeled and tracked ground vehicles, naval vessels, and fixed positions such as rooftops. This versatility allows Barbarik to meet the diverse demands of contemporary warfare, serving as a powerful force multiplier across multiple operational theaters.

Supporting a variety of armaments such as 7.62mm and 12.7mm machine guns, 40mm automatic grenade launchers, and Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM), the Barbarik system offers strategic flexibility. Notably, its dual-weapon capability enables configurations such as a 12.7mm machine gun paired with a 7.62mm machine gun, or a 12.7mm machine gun with a 40mm grenade launcher. This capacity to mix and match weaponry enables Barbarik to engage a broad spectrum of targets effectively, from personnel to lightly armored vehicles.

Equipped with state-of-the-art sighting systems, Barbarik utilizes thermal imagers, laser rangefinders, and high-precision optics to ensure reliability and accuracy under various operational conditions, day or night. By enabling remote control, the system allows operators to stay out of the line of fire, thus reducing risk to personnel while expanding tactical flexibility in complex combat scenarios.

The inclusion of a high-torque EM brake, electronically operated trigger, and electronic gearing with a thermal gimbal camera highlights Barbarik’s sophisticated actuator design, which improves operational efficiency by 50%. Moreover, the weapon station’s smooth Field Oriented Control offers precise aiming with an accuracy of ±15 arc seconds, ensuring each engagement is highly accurate. A lightweight yet robust design makes Barbarik both transportable and resilient, even in challenging environments.

Barbarik URCWS Operating Modes

Barbarik’s design introduces multiple modes of operation that adapt to various mission requirements and engagement scenarios:

  1. Touch-to-Aim Mode: In this mode, the operator simply taps the target on a touchscreen, instantly aligning the weapon’s crosshair with the target. This interface reduces engagement time significantly, improving response speed during high-pressure encounters. Once a target is selected, Barbarik’s weapon aligns with it automatically, reducing the traditional reliance on manual joystick control.
  2. Preregistered Targets Mode: Designed for situations with known enemy firing points, Barbarik allows pre-surveyed targets to be saved with unique identifiers. Once set, operators can engage up to six targets in under a minute, ensuring rapid response to multiple threats.
  3. Joystick Operation Mode: This standard mode uses a crosshair to manually align and engage targets. While conventional, it provides the operator with a familiar control option for precise targeting.
  4. Anti-Drone Mode (E-Gearing): For aerial targets like drones, Barbarik includes a specialized stabilized sight that tracks moving targets at long ranges. The system’s electronic gearing predicts the position of the target, aligning the weapon crosshair accordingly. Operators then engage the target manually, providing a reliable counter-drone solution with human oversight.

Technical Specifications of Barbarik URCWS

FeatureDescription
Actuator DesignInnovative design boosts operational efficiency by 50%
High Torque EM BrakeEnsures quick, precise braking for stability
Field Oriented ControlProvides smooth control with ±15 arc seconds precision
Electrically Operated TriggerEnables secure, reliable firing without manual intervention
Electronic GearingThermal gimbal camera with advanced electronic gearing
High-Precision Encoder19-bit inductive encoder for precise targeting
Weapon InterchangeabilityCompatible with Assault Rifles, MMGs (NATO / GHOST), and other supported armaments
Lightweight DesignCompact and easily mounted on multiple platforms

Barbarik’s development marks a milestone in defense technology, with Zen Technologies setting a new benchmark for ultralight weapon systems. Its ability to combine firepower, precision, and remote safety makes Barbarik an invaluable tool for mission-critical scenarios where rapid response and minimal risk to personnel are essential. Additionally, its versatility in weapon configurations and operating modes positions Barbarik as an adaptable solution for a wide array of combat roles, from anti-personnel operations to drone interception.