Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1446249
AIM-120 AMRAAMs on the mid-wing pylons. Alternatively, extra two SDBs could complement the weapons load instead. Thanks to the innovative design, the Valkyrie may act as a valuable, complementary asset supporting the manned MRCA - this has been proven during the promising test phase. WZL Nr 2 S.A., meanwhile, showcased the 3rd gen. Dragonfly loitering munitions system, which has sparked a lot of interest among the potential export customers, creates an opportunity to launch series manufacturing. Comparing the system to competitive solutions, one needs to note that procurement of a system by a domestic customer could be an important element of promotional activities. What are the changes that have happened to the Dragonfly program over the last 5 years? One can say that the system has matured, and become more universal. The use of a VTOL platform that requires no specially- designed launch system of any sort also translates into unique operational capabilities. Thanks to these properties, and thanks to the implementation of new software, it is possible to use interesting covert tactics when using the system. The operator may deploy the Dragonfly platform to any location within the range of the control system (radius of ca. 10 kilometers), land it, and wait for the potential targets to appear in sight. This makes it possible to conceal the system on the battlefield and carry out surprise strikes. This capability is not available for conventional loitering munition systems based on a concept of a conventional airstrike or using varied launch solutions. Furthermore, thanks to its modular design (a single Dragonfly UAV consists of three base sections), it is possible to replace the battery at any time, for extension of the readiness period. Alongside the Lockheed Martin F-35A, the suppliers of weapons systems designed for this aircraft also presented their broad offers. Two businesses stood out here - MBDA and Raytheon. The former entity was promoting European missile solutions: ASRAAM, Meteor, and SPEAR 3. All missiles above are to be integrated on the F-35, within the framework of the Block 4 upgrade. This paves the way for Poland to procure weapons as such outside the FMS framework and gain operational independence in some way, from the US- weapons supplier - and US armament is gradually becoming a standard in the Polish Air Force. Meanwhile, Raytheon has yet again presented its GBU-35/B StormBreaker bomb, which is to be integrated on the F-35, and the F-16C/D Viper. It is a small diameter bomb weighing 93 kilograms, enabling the carrier platform to act against ground targets around 100 kilometers away from the drop location. Thanks to its multifunctional guidance system (including GPS, a millimeter radar, and FLIR sensors) the bomb may also be used against mobile targets. This is a relevant change in comparison to the GBU-39/B, used against well-known, stationary targets. Kongsberg also presented an F-35-dedicated weapon - the JSM (Joint Strike Missile) anti-ship missile. The procurement of this weapon may be supported by the fact that Poland utilizes the NSM missiles - in the Naval Missile Units - and also by the fact that the logistical supply chain has been established locally, by Poland. EXHIBITION