Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1365706
vantageous. The vessel type defined as a "patrol corvette" is a slight overstatement. Ślązak is a hybrid warship, with a relatively modern set of sensors (SMART-S multifunction radar, Sting-EO fire control system, Mirador EO sensor, and expansive radio and satellite communications suite). At the same time, one should note the fact that the armament is modest - with 76 mm and 30 mm cannons, and machine guns. Grom MANPADS remains the only air defense asset available onboard, providing the ves- sel with a limited VSHORAD capability. Apart from the sensors and the combat system with corvette roots, another element that points to the advanced nature of the vessel is the CODAG powerplant (diesel engines and a gas turbine, combined). Con- figuration as such is specifically designed for surface combat- ants. Nonetheless, it is not commonplace for such a powerplant to be used on an OPV. For an OPV, the economic nature of the propulsion system, and its simplicity that would diminish the number of faults, are the key factors. These features diminish the operational costs and also increase availability. Summing it up, instead of a series of modern corvettes, the later, the warship was to be received by the Navy. Ślązak was launched in July 2015. Nonetheless, the shipyard trials did not begin until August 2017. The amended work plan assumed that the trials would last around 1 year. Ślązak was scheduled to be commissioned in mid-2018. The deadline has not been met - this time, due to the change of the property structure at the Shipyard. After new agreements, involving the new owner - the PGZ Group - were signed (covering the finalization of trials), the Navy was to receive the vessel in March 2019. However, this deadline was missed as well. The vessel was handed off with a delay of 6 months, on November 8th, 2019. The official induc- tion celebration took place on November 28th. Throughout the last year, the ORP Ślązak crew was conduct- ing training that resulted in attaining the combat-ready status. It may then be concluded that the Ślązak's saga, after 18 years, came to an end. One should, however, have a closer look at the results. Paying 1.3 billion zlotys, the Polish Navy has received a vessel that differs significantly from the original assumptions made more than 2 decades ago. And the difference is disad- www.fragoutmag.com