Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1407425
to be a "normal" period, analogous to the foreign R&D programs in this domain. Numerous postponements were also made, as a result of a decision made by the Ordering Party (a justified one, one needs to note). From the very beginning, the main assumption was for the first order to cover the delivery of 208 turret systems. 180 for the wheeled IFVs, and 28 for the R1/R2 reconnaissance variants of the Rosomak vehicle. When it comes to the ZSSW-30/ RTCS-30 program milestones, several dates should be listed. Between 2013 and 2015, the development efforts were taking place. In 2015 and 2016 the factory testing began when it came to the prototype. On February 14th, 2016, the Spike ATGM was first launched, successfully, within the framework of the turret integration tests. The technical design was ready in April 2017 - at the same time, the prototype was being tested, also with the involvement of the end- user, the military. In 2018 tests in engagements against targets on the move began. The prototype was also involved in a collision, which further extended the testing period. In November 2019 the primary portion of the development effort came to an end. The subsequent qualification test program was launched on January 22nd, 2020. The tests have been going on in line with the schedule until December, despite the slight delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 Q2 has been defined as the deadline for drafting the technical documentation for the turret. The delivery agreement is also expected to be concluded by then, crowning the whole process launched in 2013. Delivery of 208 turret systems should take 2-3 years, starting from the moment when a stable chain of cooperating parties and subcontractors is established. Unfortunately, the Ordering Party shall be prepared for the Armed Forces to absorb the manufactured turrets. Recent experiences show that this is not the case. The ability that the Polish Ministry of Defense has to receive modern equipment is not even comparable to the manufacturing capability that the PGZ businesses exhibit. Describing the capabilities and solutions embedded in the ZSSW- 30 system is challenging, as the consortium partners have not disclosed any details - their hands are tied by the contract signed between them, and the administrator, ANALYSIS