Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1407425
ZSSW-30 - What is it like, and what is coming up next for this system? What is the ZSSW-30 turret like, days before the test program is accomplished? Above all, it is an entirely Polish product. It has been designed and is being manufactured in Poland, with particular attention paid to the interest of the Polish Armed Forces. Only some parts have been provided by foreign suppliers. The ATK gun and the French sensors of the PCO S.A. thermal imaging systems remain the only critical components procured abroad. The ATK cannon is soon going to be license-manufactured, domestically. ZSSW-30 is independent of political fluctuations, and pressure imposed by foreign industries. Secondly, the Polish turret is among the best in its class, globally. Despite the weight limitation (2,400 kg), it features a solid, homogeneous armor. It may be rapidly reinforced, to comply with the Level IV STANAG requirements. Due to the unmanned design, and due to the amphibious requirements defined for the carrier vehicles, we can conclude that the above level is sufficient. This success is somewhat in contrast when placed against the background of the urgent need to develop a hybrid soft/hard-kill active protection system that would replace the Obra-3. Furthermore, the user should also resign from using a separate hard-kill system. It is also possible here to polonize a foreign system if full and safe "polonization" is feasible. The primary armament is optimal. The 30x173 mm ammunition will be effective for years to come, while Bushmaster is a gun that is highly valued, enjoying a good reputation in the accuracy and reliability domains. One of the main advantages of the ZSSW-30 turret is the large quantity of ready- to-use ammo available immediately - this includes, potentially, the lethal ABM/programmable rounds. The integration of the Spike-LR is another important feature, as the aforesaid ATGM is the best choice around (still), thanks to the optical fiber guidance system with the human element in the decision- making loop. The total available quantity of ammunition depends on the carrier platform. Nonetheless, a high quantity of ABM rounds available for immediate use, and the modern fire control system, realistically the turret is far better even than the BMP-2's system - a benchmark in its class (the above refers to the number of rounds needed to effectively neutralize/ eliminate the threat). The capacity of the fire control system, the accuracy of the armament on the move, and in engagements against moving targets is impressive. At the range of 2 kilometers, it is (at least) on par with the accuracy of NATO 3rd generation MBTs. Despite the problematic nature of assessment in this department, one could risk stating that the WB Group's product is one of the best solutions, when it comes to automatic/semi- automatic engagements, regardless of the positioning of the turret, vehicle hull, and sights. The WB Group also paid particular attention to the situational awareness of the crew, through automating the data link between the turrets, and the external sources of data. The UX for the gunner and the commander are designed as they should be. The interfaces are ergonomic, they provide stable positions, the switchology is not convoluted. The seats are comfortable, and the fire control system's handling remains intuitive. What is the future then, www.fragoutmag.com