Once a new weapon gets perfected, it becomes very popular. Such is the case with CROWS (common remotely operated weapon stations). This idea has been around for nearly half a century, but years of tinkering, and better technology, have made the remote control gun turret finally work effectively and dependably. CROWS us a real life saver, not to mention anxiety reducer, for troops who drive through bandit country a lot, and man the turret gun. Youre a target up there, and too often, the bad guys get you. Not with CROWS. The gunner is inside the vehicle, checking out the surroundings (with night vision and telephoto capabilities). The U.S. Army just ordered another 230 CROWS systems (at $296,000 each) for armored hummers. All will be delivered by next April.