Moog Inc. offers three RIwP weapon stations to the UK
RIwP combat module version CUAS at DSEI-2025
Several years ago, the American company Moog Inc. developed the RIwP combat module, capable of carrying various weapons and other devices. Later, a number of its modifications were presented with different equipment compositions and different combat capabilities. In early September, three new versions of such a module were shown at once - these products are intended for the British Armed Forces and were created taking into account their needs.
Three modifications
In early September, the DSEI-2025 military-technical exhibition was held in London. The American company Moog Inc. took part in it and demonstrated all its new developments. The central place in its exposition was occupied by the RIwP series (Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform) products, as well as advertising materials for this project.
Moog Inc. showed three new products of the RIwP series. Two were demonstrated on special stands, and the third was mounted on an armored car for clarity. Information materials on new and previous projects of the family were also presented.
It is reported that all three new combat modules were developed specifically for the British Armed Forces. Taking into account the requirements and wishes of the British Army, the configuration of the products and the composition of their equipment, on which the combat capabilities depend, were determined. The resulting modules can participate in several current London programs.
The three new modules, like the previously presented samples, are built on the common RIwP platform, but receive different devices and weapon. The first of them is an anti-aircraft complex with rocket and barrel armament, and it was this that was shown on the basis of an armored car. The second project involves assembling a multi-purpose module with missiles and a machine gun. The third option is a carrier of a small-caliber cannon for short-range air defense.
If there is interest from the customer, Moog Inc. is ready to develop other variants of combat modules. Depending on the requirements of a specific program, they can be similar to the three presented products or have a different configuration.
Multi-role modification for the British Army
Three new versions of the RIwP module will be presented to the relevant competitions of the British Ministry of Defense. The developer company expects success and to receive lucrative contracts. The customer should be interested in the unification of three models with all its advantages, their high technical and combat characteristics, etc.
Standardized products
It should be recalled that the RIwP project was first presented back in 2021. At that time, Moog Inc. published promotional materials and also showed mock-ups of combat modules in different configurations. Subsequently, new versions of the module were demonstrated at various exhibitions, including the last three for the UK.
It was reported that RIwP products attract the attention of exhibition visitors and receive high marks. In addition, the developer company has repeatedly applied for participation in various competitions. However, as far as we know, contracts for the supply of such combat modules have not yet been concluded. Perhaps new samples with DSEI-2025 will change this situation for the better.
The basic idea of the RIwP project is quite simple. A universal platform is proposed on which various types and kinds of weapons, as well as optical and other means can be installed. The assembled product must be mounted on an armored carrier vehicle. The customer can choose the module configuration and the carrier for it - compatibility with a wide range of platforms and weapons is declared.
The advertisements feature more than a dozen different RIwP variants. These can include multi-purpose systems as well as specialized modules for combating tanks or aviation.
The central element of the project is a platform for devices and weapons. It is made in the form of a U-shaped device with a pair of side supports. The platform has volumes and landing places for various products, and is also equipped with horizontal and vertical aiming drives.
Anti-aircraft variant of RIwP based on Foxhound armored car
In the front part on the right side of the platform there is a socket for an optical-electronic station with sighting functions. In advertising materials there are at least half a dozen different OES. On the front part there can be mounted an antenna of a small-sized radar, the type of which is also chosen by the customer.
It is proposed to mount a swinging part for barrel armament between the supports. Compatibility with six different machine guns and cannons has been ensured to date; twin mounts can also be used. The advertisement demonstrates more than a dozen different launchers for several types of missiles. The module can carry anti-tank or anti-aircraft missiles.
For the UK
Using the principles previously proposed, Moog Inc. has developed three modules for the British Army. They differ from other RIwP variants mainly in their weapons. They use products and systems already in service with the UK or under consideration for purchase.
The first version of the module is designated UK-SHORAD (UK Short-range Air Defense -Defense short-range missile for the UK"). It is equipped with two quadruple launchers for Starstreak HVM or LMM Martlet surface-to-air missiles. A 7,62 mm M240 machine gun is also offered. For target detection, an OES with day, night and range-finding channels is provided.
The second modification of RIwP is planned to be offered for the MCCO/Force Overwatch (Mounted Close Combat Overwatch) competition. This module carries a 30-mm XM914 cannon and a machine gun. In addition, it is planned to mount four containers with Brimstone missiles. A combat module with such weapons will be able to hit unprotected and armored targets within a radius of 10 km.
Three new variants of the RIwP module
A modification of the UK Specialist CUAS designed to combat UAVs has also been proposed. Its main armament is the American-developed 30-mm XM813 automatic cannon. The M240 machine gun has also been retained. An OES is used for guidance, but radar integration is possible. In addition, appropriate control devices are provided for the use of projectiles with a programmable fuse.
Unclear prospects
Moog Inc. has been marketing the RIwP family of combat modules for several years now, offering various versions of them. However, these efforts have not yet been successful. Despite advertising and regular participation in trade shows, the project has not yet advanced beyond participation in competitions from potential customers. No contracts for the delivery of finished products have been signed, and it is unknown whether they will ever appear.
It is easy to see that the RIwP project does have a number of advantages and benefits that should help it find its buyer. The main one is the modular architecture. It allows building combat modules on a common base with different equipment and weapons, more fully corresponding to the customer's wishes.
Moog Inc. offers a unified platform of key components on which other devices must be mounted. A wide range of barrel and missile weapons with different characteristics are offered, and it is also possible to use various electronic systems. The list of compatible components may be expanded.
The developers believe that the RIwP family modules, depending on the configuration, can be multi-purpose or specialized. For example, the latest projects for the UK present a product designed to combat UAVs.
However, the chosen architecture of the project is not without its ambiguous features and shortcomings. They could lead to the absence of real commercial results and limit the prospects of the modules.
Possible components of the RIwP module
The universal platform of the RIwP module allows for the installation of various swinging parts and launchers. Its design must take into account the characteristics of different loads, and it cannot be optimized for specific products. This may result in excessive complexity of the design, as well as some technical limitations when integrating certain means and systems.
However, we are talking only about the most common components - the body, guidance drives and some control devices. All other units, including the most complex ones, can be changed. In essence, savings and unification are achieved by simplifying and reducing the cost of some of the simplest components. It is unlikely that such an approach will significantly reduce the cost of the assembled module.
The very need to create a universal combat module of this type also raises questions. There are many similar products on the market, equipped with one or another weapon. They immediately have an optimal design and high characteristics. Sometimes, replacement of devices and weapons is also provided, but it is not radical and does not determine the appearance of the module as a whole.
When considering RIwP products, the customer faces a specific choice. He can purchase a module from Moog Inc., modified to meet his requirements, or buy a similar product of a different type from another manufacturer, which already has the required appearance. In this case, the cost of two combat modules can differ significantly.
Ambiguous result
Thus, the American company Moog Inc. proposed and implemented an interesting concept of a combat module compatible with a wide range of weapons. It is developing this project and regularly presents new versions of such modules - three more products of this kind were shown in early September.
However, the promising idea has not yet generated any revenue. Potential customers are in no hurry to sign contracts for the supply of RIwP products. Now the developer wants to attract the attention of the British Armed Forces, for which it has developed three new modules that meet their requirements. It is still unclear whether it will be possible to sign contracts this time.
Information