Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/483661
December 2014 launch had technical character – it was to turn the hulk due to the next devices installation phase - it came back to the land at the same day. Another part was also balancing and the weight distribution check. The second factor is important because basic project was changed few times during the years (incl. modifications in the air deck or changing rooms location). According to available information, acquired data confirmed computer simulations and allowed to assume that the final (third) launch will go without surprises. Current status of development has been assessed on 98%. For the spring final rolling out of the hull from the construction hall is planned together with mast and upper level of chimney installation. Summer supposed to be up and coming – the equipment and armament installation phase will start. ORP ŚLĄZAK will be armed with 76 mm OTO Melara Super Rapid automatic cannon, two Marlin-WS remotec control weapon with 30 mm Bushmaster II automatic cannons, THALES SMART-S Mk.2 radar system, STIR 1.2 EO Mk.2 fire control system and Mirador electrooptical sight system. Data from electronic devices will be collected in combat information center which will be integrated by THALES company and will be developed from system used in modernized Orkan-class rocket ves- sel. The proposed equipment suite will enable future mounting of additional armament primarily anti-ship missile, whether it is going to be Swedish RBS-15 (which were bought for Orkan-class) or Norway NSM (possibly ORP ŚLĄZAK Malaysian "semi twins" will be armed with it), time will show. As it was written before, future ORP ŚLĄZAK will be one of the first new vessels which Polish Navy will received. In next few years, it will expect for next vessels with similar size and tasks – three Miecznik-class (Polish: swordfish) offshore patrol vessels (politi- cally correct corvette) or three Czapla-class (Polish: heron) patrol. In total, Polish Navy will have seven medium-sized vessels in service. Both types will be based on unified hulk construction – the difference will be size and armament set. What is more interesting, between potential provider German company MEKO is mentioned. Till this time ORP ŚLĄZAK , together with Olivier Hazard Perry class frigate and ORP Kaszub corvette will constitute the hard core of Polish Navy forces. REPORT