Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1220268
could be used for reconnaissance purposes, to look for regrouping routes, find out what the situation may be in the firing position area and to organ- ize support. The AWR carrier may be controversial, however it also sports equipment that cannot be complained about. The crew of four (driver, radar operator, optronics operator and the driver) have a broad array of sensors at their disposal, including two observation suites that are used to obtain target identification and positioning data that is then used to devel- op firing solutions for the support company, battery or battery squadron. First, the vehicle features an onboard PZOR reconnaissance suite consist- ing of a tactical ground surveillance radar and an optronic sensor (CCD, LLTV and IR cameras plus a laser rangefinder), installed on a remotely con- trolled mast. Meanwhile, WZOR portable reconnaissance system features an artillery rangefinder (CCD/IR cameras and a laser rangefinder) along with data- and audio-links connecting the aforesaid sensor suite with the AWR platform via wired and wireless connections. AWR's dry weight is 12,000 kilograms, it is 7,390 mm long, 2,475 mm wide and 2,720 mm high. It has ground clearance of 450 mm and can attain speed, on the road, of 100 kph. Its range is 800 kilometers. Artillery ammunition carriers (AWA) are based on the Jelcz P882D.53 8x8 truck with an armored cabin (STANAG 4569/A Level 1). The vehicles in question allow for both loading and unloading of the ammunition. They carry a 20-feet flat rack that is fitted onto a hook-based loading system with floor featuring sockets for simple, rapid and reliable mounting of the ammunition pallets. AWA can carry six ammunition packages fitted with locking mechanisms fitting them onto the container platform. The pallets can be loaded or unloaded by a forklift or by a crane. Ground clearance of this vehicle is 400 mm. It can attain speeds of 85 kph on the road and its range is 650 km. Artillery armament repair vehicles (AWRU) are based on the P662D.35 6×6 platform by Jelcz and feature a 4-person cabin providing STANAG 4569/A Level 1 protection. AWRU's task is to allow for overhauling and repairing the armament and electronics in field conditions, maintenance support and delivering spares. They feature a 20-feet workshop 1C con- tainer that is modular. It features a set of hydraulic supports that allow for rapid loading and unloading. The container features technical and user compartments. The latter has been equipped with specialist and basic workshop tools and a set of spares. It is modular - it features racks and tables on both sides, along with a proper lighting, A/C, heating and air-fil- tering systems. Furthermore, the container also features electrical sock- ets and compressed air source. Technical compartment features the A/C module, power-supply module, inverter and the batteries, air filtering and dehumidifier modules, onboard power-generator, portable 2 kW generator unit, air compressor module and self-leveling module for the container lift- ing system (SUPK). The carrier in question also features a winch, a towing system with a towing boom, satellite navigation suite, gun mount with a 7.62 mm machine gun, FONET comms suite, radio and filtering system within the cabin providing at least 200 Pa of overpressure. Ground clear- ance of this vehicle is 400 mm. It can attain speeds of 85 kph on the road and its range is 650 km. All of the fire module components provide the user with an ability to act against the enemy with the use of 8 mortars, but they also allow for efficient command and control process thanks to 4 AWD platforms that offer role-redundancy which renders the whole module challenging to neu- tralize. Own reconnaissance platoon may seem to be archaic in the era of the net-centric battlefield and with capabilities offered by the ZZKO Topaz, however it provides the units with a complete autonomy - not only within the scope of reconnaissance, but also when it comes to securing the unit when on the move and when assuming and leaving the firing positions. This is an invaluable asset on the contemporary battlefield. Three AWA vehicles are used as means of rapid ammunition supply also making the reloading periods much shorter which is especially relevant. AWRU plat- form is also very important here as it would be tasked with maintaining the operational capacity of the module's vehicles in field conditions. The elements form a certain type of system, thanks to which survivability, fire- power and operational capabilities of the Polish mortars are all multiplied. RAK – A CONSISTENT PATH TOWARDS A SUCCESS Development and implementation of the wheeled RAK system along with a whole fire module serves as a perfect example of how complex and long-running R&D can be. The project also exemplifies how much deter- mination and luck are needed to successfully complete the given effort, in the Polish conditions. It took 11 years, from the beginning of the works, until the testing process came to an end. The program had to overcome numerous obstacles related to ammunition, the AWR carrier and, unfortu- nately, the ever-changing conceptual framework at the MoD. Fortunately Photo: Patria www.fragoutmag.com