Dual elecation weapon station and method of use

Apparatus comprising in combination:

• a) a gimbaled weapon system (GWS) having a sighting system, a control unit, a weapon cradle and an operator interface for the GWS located remotely from the weapon cradle and the sighting system for operating the sighting system and the weapon cradle, wherein the weapon cradle is elevated using a first elevation drive and wherein the weapon cradle is co-located with the sighting system as a unit in the GWS;
• wherein the GWS further comprises a second elevation drive elevating the sighting system independently of the elevation of the weapon cradle by the first elevation drive, wherein elevation of the weapon cradle by the first elevation drive does not affect the elevation of the sighting system such that target tracking performed by the sighting system is independent of the elevation of the weapon cradle;
• and
• b) a network of multiple, mobile target sensors located remotely from the GWS and providing coordinates or location of a target to the control unit of the GWS.