Military Technology 11/2019

Spotlight on MSPO MT 11/2019 · 51 During MSPO 2019 in Kielce in September, Polish industry showcased several interesting developments, including an indigenous infantry armoured fighting vehicle (IAFV) and a technology demonstrator for a new anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). HSW presented the latest version of its flagship project - the BORSUK (BADGER) tracked IAFV. Intended as the long-awaited replacement for the post-Soviet BMP-1s, of which roughly 1,000 are currently in service, up to 800 BORSUKs AIFV variants could be ordered, plus 800 specialised variants. A significant change in comparison with the BORSUK presented last year is modified composite side-armour a re-designed front, inclu­ ding lights and a breakwater. Moreover, design of the troop compartment has now been completed. The current version is once again equipped with the ZSSW remotely controlled turret system, carrying an ATK Mk44 BUSHMASTER II 30mm cannon with a co-axial UKM-2000C 7.62 mm and two Spike-LR ATGM. The company expects qualification trials in 2020 and completion of all development the following year, with serial produc- tion ready to commence in late 2021. HSW confirmed that the current BORSUK recently passed static and dynamic trials: given production ca- pabilities and Poland’s financial constraints, the Polish Army might expect to receive up to 50 vehicles annually. The same company demonstrated the latest variant of the RAK 120mm self-propelled mortar (SPM) on a tracked hydropneumatic chassis, known as LPG (for Light Tracked Chassis). Ultimately, the tracked RAK mortars are intended to be deployed in heavy brigades, which are equipped with main battle tanks (MBT) and AIFVs. The concept of new SPMS appeared in 2005, when Poland started to field the ROSOMAK wheeled APC. Both have the same mortar, based on Patria’s AMOS advanced mortar sys- tem. RAK is equipped with a fire control system integrated with a ballistic computer, internal and external communication systems, 360° observation sensors, laser-warning system, 81mm smoke grenade launchers, laser rangefinder and GPS/INS system. Maximum speed is 60km/h. Bumar-Łabedy showcased an upgraded LEOPARD 2 MBT, known as 2PL. The most visible difference from a standard LEOPARD 2 is the new turret shape, resulting from additional armour. Other changes include re- placement of the hydraulic stabilisation system with an electric one and improvements to the L44 smoothbore gun, which will be now able to fire more advanced munitions, including DM63 and DM78 CSDS-T/DM88. The 2PL also features PCO’s KLW-1 ASTERIA thermal vision camera for gun- ner and commander and the KDN-1 NYKS reversing camera. Total weight increases by 4t to 59.2t. The December 2015 contract calls for completion of 128 2A4 tanks by 30 November 2021, with a contract for an additional 14 signed in July 2018. 2PLs are expected to receive modern communi- cations solutions in the near future, in the form of systems from Teldat and WB Electronics. Visitors to MSPO 2019 also witnessed recent developments in anti-tank systems. WITU presented a mock-up of a tandem-warhead MOSKIT- LR ATGM, designed as an efficient weapon against modern MBTs and AIFVs: a cheaper alternative to Rafael’s SPIKE, produced under license by MESKO. According to WITU, tests have proven penetration of 700mm rolled homogenous armour (RHA). Declared range is 4km, increased to 8km if a more powerful warhead and better targeting systems are used. A more mature system is PIRAT, which is under development by MESKO and CRW Telesystem-Mesko. It has already undergone field testing, which confirmed effectiveness of the guidance system, based on indigenous- ly designed digital sensors and LPC-1 laser target designator. PIRAT has top-attack capability, the manufacturer says; a new capability for Polish systems. Range is 2,500m and penetration 500mm RHA. Three local companies – HSW, OBRUM and WZM – showcased their technology demonstrators for new tracked tank-hunters, in response to a Polish Army programme to field a modern vehicle with modern ATGMs. Decisions have yet not been made but there are at least three candidates: Raytheon’s TOW, MBDA’s BRIMSTONE and Rafael’s SPIKE-ER2. WZM presented a tank destroyer mounted on a modified BWP-1 chassis. The vehicle – as yet unnamed – can engage heavily-armoured targets, includ- ing those featuring active protection systems, according to the compa- ny. It is equipped with a launcher of up to 12 programmable 12km-range missiles with fire-and-forget capability. OBRUM presented its concept of a tank destroyer based on the Universal Modular Track Platform (UMPG), while HSW – jointly with WZU – showcased a tank-hunter based on the South Korean K9 chassis, now produced by HSW under license for the KRAB howitzers. On the helicopter front, Leonardo and PGZ demonstrated a new con- cept based on the W-3 SOKÓŁ, a medium-size, twin-engine, multipurpose helicopter designed and produced by PZL-Swidnik (part of Leonardo). The SOKÓŁ New Generation is based on proven, tested technologies and will include new, fully digital avionics from the AW169 with glass cockpit, flight management system), Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS), full authority digital engine control), Synthetic Vision System (SVS) and a health and usage monitoring system (HUMS). It will also feature a new 4-axis autopilot, new main rotor blades and increased payload capacity from 6,400 to 6,600kg and would carry anti-tank and air-to-air missiles, as well as 70mm rocket launchers and 12.7mm/20mm cannon pods. At the same time PGZ, in cooperation with Warsaw-based ITWL and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, presented a concept for deep modernisa- tion of the Mi-24 assault helicopter. This offer includes a cabin upgrade, integration with SPIKE ATGMs, Mesko’s PIORUN MANPADs and Mesko’s 70mm unguided rockets. Upgraded Mi-24s would get more digital equip- ment, including advanced self-defence systems, new communications, INS/GPS navigation, night-vision goggles, multi-functional screens and Rafael’s opto-electronic head with day/night observation sensor and laser target designator. Robert Czulda Spotlight on MSPO Polish industry presented new developments at MSPO Robert Czulda, PhD , a research associate in the Department of the Foreign Policy and Security Theory (University of Lódz, Poland), is an expert in international secu- rity and defence issues, and a regular contributor to MT. Bumar-Łabedy showcased an upgraded LEOPARD 2 MBT. (Photo: Author) HSW presented the latest version of its BORSUK (BADGER) tracked IAFV. (Photo: Author) ¸ ¸ ´