STAMP is a two-axis stabilized remote weapon station optimized for naval applications. It was developed to address the growing need for effective close-in defense against asymmetric maritime threats such as fast attack craft, pirate boats, unmanned surface vehicles, and low-altitude aerial targets.

Operational Purpose and Role

STAMP primarily fulfills a close-in defense and force protection role aboard naval vessels. It enhances survivability in littoral and congested maritime environments where rapid reaction and precision engagement are essential.

Typical missions include:

• Port and harbor security
• Counter-piracy and anti-smuggling operations
• Protection against swarm attacks by fast boats
• Fire support during amphibious operations
• Protection of high-value naval assets

Within a layered naval defense architecture, STAMP forms the innermost defensive ring, bridging the gap between large-caliber naval guns and small arms.

Doctrine and Concept of Employment

STAMP operates within a platform-centric defense doctrine. It can function as:

• A standalone operator-controlled weapon system
• A sensor-cued system integrated with ship radar
• A component of the Combat Management System (CMS)

Typical engagement sequence:

• Target detection via ship radar or EO sensors
• Identification through electro-optical system
• Automatic target tracking activation
• Operator authorization and engagement

This structure reduces collateral damage risks while maintaining rapid response capability.

System Architecture

STAMP consists of three core subsystems:

Stabilized Weapon Turret

• Two-axis gyroscopic stabilization
• 360° continuous rotation via slip ring
• Elevation range: –15° to +55°
• Resistant to ship roll and pitch movements

Electro-Optical Sensor Suite

• Daylight CCD camera
• Thermal imager
• Laser range finder (public range data limited)
• Automatic target tracking algorithm

Fire Control and Operator Console

• Below-deck control unit (< 70 kg)
• Ballistic computation system
• Manual and semi-automatic engagement modes

Survivability and Protection Approach

• Remote operation increases crew survivability
• Low radar and visual signature turret design
• Marine-grade corrosion-resistant construction
• Stabilization ensures accuracy in rough sea states
• Accuracy and Reaction Time

The reaction time depends on the sensor cueing method and operator response. Automatic tracking significantly improves engagement precision against fast-moving small targets.

Integrated Ecosystem

STAMP can integrate with:

• Shipboard Combat Management Systems
• Surveillance and navigation radars
• Meteorological sensors
• External EO director systems

On network-centric platforms such as MİLGEM-class corvettes, it operates as a fully integrated subsystem.

Advantages Against Modern Threats

• Effective against swarm attacks
• High precision in rough sea conditions
• Cost-effective close-in solution
• Reduced manpower exposure

Limitations:

Limited effective range compared to main naval guns

Not optimized for heavily armored targets

Variants and Configurations

STAMP supports multiple weapon configurations:

• 12.7 mm M2 heavy machine gun
• 7.62 mm machine gun
• 40 mm MK19 Mod 3 automatic grenade launcher
• GA-19/A Gatling gun (limited publicly available data)

Detailed Technical Specifications

Weight and Structure

• Above-deck unit: < 250 kg (excluding weapon and ammunition)
• Below-deck unit: < 70 kg
• Compact and suitable for small displacement vessels

Mobility

• Elevation: –15° / +55°
• Azimuth: 360° continuous rotation

Weapon Options

• 12.7 mm M2 HMG
• 7.62 mm machine gun
• 40 mm MK19 Mod 3 AGL
• GA-19/A Gatling

Sensors

• Daylight CCD camera
• Thermal imaging system
• Laser range finder
• Publicly available detection range data is limited.

Fire Control and Engagement

• Computerized ballistic calculation
• Automatic target tracking
• Operator-controlled firing

Command & Control

• CMS integration capability
• Radar cueing support
• Network-enabled configuration

Electronic Warfare Resistance

Detailed electronic protection specifications are not publicly disclosed. Military-standard EMI/EMC compliance is reported.

Deployment and Logistics

• Modular design
• Low maintenance requirements
• Suitable for retrofit integration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is STAMP used for?

• STAMP provides close-range naval defense against asymmetric and fast-moving threats, enhancing vessel self-protection capability.

What is the effective range?

• Effective range depends on weapon configuration. For the 12.7 mm M2, effective engagement is typically around 1.5–2 km. The 40 mm AGL configuration differs.

Can it operate at night?

• Yes. The thermal imaging system enables night and low-visibility operations.

How many targets can it track simultaneously?

• The automatic tracker focuses on one primary target. Multi-target awareness depends on ship radar and CMS.

Is it stabilized?

• Yes. Two-axis stabilization compensates for ship roll and pitch, significantly improving accuracy.

Which platforms can integrate STAMP?

• Corvettes, patrol boats, landing ships, fast attack craft, and coast guard vessels.

What are its competitors?

• Comparable systems include:
• Rafael Typhoon
• MSI Seahawk
• Kongsberg Sea Protector

STAMP is considered competitive in cost-effectiveness and maritime adaptation.

Sources

• ASELSAN official STAMP product page
• ASELSAN annual reports
• Public naval procurement disclosures
• International defense exhibition catalogs
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