Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1220268
ultimately, to Q12015. The delays had a myriad of underlying reasons, rang- ing from corrections required to be introduced in the individual elements of the battalion module, to the procedural matters related to legal changes made in July 2013, with regards to liquidation of the implementation works. Lack of finalized reconnaissance vehicle project and lack of proper ammuni- tion available also had a detrimental impact on the project. And the mortar rounds were the primary factor that would be decisive in meeting the high and strict requirements defined by the military. The matter of ammunition turned out to be serious enough for the MoD to accept conditional finaliza- tion of work with the use of modified OF-843B ammunition. The ammo doc- umentation was developed at HSW. This made it possible to carry out tests of a complete module. The process was completed in September 2015. Then, negotiation began, between the MoD and HSW. Ultimately the Polish MoD placed an order for 64 mortars and 32 command vehicles. The gross value of the agreement was set at the level of PLN 968,319,188. Deadline has been set at the end of 2019. The timeline above creates a picture of how consistent action, and lack of juggling the changes, on the part of the Ordering Party, translates into a successful project. It took 11 years, from the beginning of the works, until the testing process came to an end. This time would have been shorter, had it not been for high requirements defined (and this is justified) by the mili- tary and voluntarism of the institutes and research facilities developing the ammunition for Rak. Lack of broader, domain-related experience coupled with attempts made to develop a unique mortar bomb that had no counter- part around the world resulted in a couple of years of delay and necessity to save or even rescue the program – by deciding to finalize the work with involvement of modernized legacy mortar bombs. However, all signs seem to suggest that the matter is headed towards a happy end. Openness of the administrator, as well consistency and drive on the part of the HSW S.A. facility, can both serve as an example of how pioneer programs could end in an unquestionable success: developing one of the best systems in its class, globally. At the same time, one should regret that no course of action as the one adopted in case of Rak and Krab programs (saved thanks to change of requirements or procurement of a license where it was needed) was adopted in case of the Homar, Kryl or Langusta II projects. RAK – TURRET SYSTEM Universal turret system of the mortar may be integrated on any wheeled or tracked platform of proper capacity and with volume available to ac- commodate the turret basket. Due to the high level of autonomy the in- tegration only requires a power supply and proper bearing to be provided for the turret. The turret system consists of a turret body, mortar cradle, basket with a power-supply system, ammunition magazine and an au- to-loader. The turret body has been made from armored steel. The internal part is covered with anti-spall liner that additionally includes an extra layer of thermal insulation. The whole protection is meeting the requirements of STANAG 4569A Level 1 with major reserves. Should any effector pene- trate the armor, the lining reduces the quantity of fragments and limits the angle at which the fragmentation cloud expands by more than 50%. An- other protection system comes in a form of fire-extinguishing/explosion containment Deugra system with a number of optical sensors and three VEHICLES