Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1150145
241 Modernization Potential Initially Ślązak was to be a multipurpose vessels with major ca- pabilities in the ASuW domain and limited capabilities in the ASW, anti-aircraft and land attack areas. To recover the originally planned capabilities, the vessel would need to receive the following arma- ment and equipment: Ä Two quadruple anti-ship guided missile launchers capable of striking the land targets. The Polish Navy currently has two types of missiles as such at its disposal. Orkan-class fast attack craft use the Swedish RSB 15 Mark 3 while the Naval Missile uses the NSM missiles, Ä SHORAD system. The vessel has some spare space available at the bow, in front of the bridge, that would make it possible to accommodate a VLS system for missiles of this class. Considering the space constraints, a VLS module that could accommodate 16-24 CAMM or Mica short range missiles could be a viable option here. Ä Missile or AAA CIWS placed within the superstructure, in front of the helipad. SeaRAM or RAM systems can be considered in case of the missile-based solutions. When it comes to gun-based anti-air- craft solutions it shall be noted that the Polish industry is working on an OSU-35 program utilizing the 35 mm KDA cannon - this could also be considered as a potential solution here. Ä SIGINT system providing the vessel with passive threat detection and warning capability, Ä Laser warning receivers, ble to refuel and rearm the helicopter. Permanent stay and maintenance are rather far from being possible. This solution was a major error, as early as during the keel laying stage. It really hampers the vessel's ability within the ASW and sea surveillance domains. The disadvantages above remain valid also in circumstances in which the corvette was redefined to become an OPV. On-board helicopter is a major advantage of the pa- trol vessel since it greatly extends the area of responsibility and allows for a rapid deployment of the boarding group along with rapid boarding on the suspected vessel. The limitations imposed by a lack of helicopter could be, at least partially, mitigated, through use of UAVs. Solution as such has been proposed in case of the German K-130 - Ślązak's cousin-design. K-130 feature a small hangar for two Schiebel S-100 Camcopter VTOL UAVs. Solution as such is missing in case of Ślązak as well. Summing it up, it is hard not to note that Ślązak is a patrol vessel only name-wise. Considering the factors such as the propulsion system mak- ing it possible to attain speeds exceeding 30 knots, rich configuration of the ship's combat system, ICT and communication suites, advanced radars and optoelectronic sensors, it turns out to be obvious: the Polish Navy would not be receiving an OPV, but an under-equipped corvette. In the light of the above and in the light of the expenditure related to the vessel, the only reasonable solution here would be to install extra equip- ment on the warship, so that it is able to effectively carry out the mission for which it was originally designed. Mirador is placed on a pedestal behind the chimney, so that it allows for observation and fire control in the stern sector. NDS-3070 Vanguard is the sole sonar sensor and its purpose is to sup- port the navigation procedures and detect the mines. One should also mention the new elements of the equipment that ap- peared instead of those that had been planned earlier on. Since patrol tasks are now to be the primary job of the vessel, it now features two RHIBs, instead of a one. The first one, Markos MK-790 can transport up to 15 persons and it is used to transport the VBSS teams. It has two 250HP engines and has a top speed of 30 knots. It is placed in an en- larged chamber on the right side of the vessel. Second is Markos MK- 500 with a single 100 HP engine. It has a top speed of 12 knots and can transport up to 6 people. The boat has been placed on the stern, in the place that was originally to accommodate the RAM system. When one describes the vessel, aircraft capabilities should be mentioned as well. Unfortunately, at the stage when the 621 was being designed, no relevant emphasis was placed on that matter. The vessel has no hangar for the helicopter, it only features a helipad in the stern making it possi- www.fragoutmag.com