Polish Gepard 2.0 unveiled: New defense system breakthrough at MSPO 2024
During the MSPO 2024 fair, the company PIT Radwar achieved what was merely a tiny model a year ago. This can be called the Polish Gepard 2.0. Here’s what it can do.
7:01 AM EDT, September 4, 2024
At the PIT-RADWAR stand, a demonstrator of the land variant of the OSU-35K cannon mounted on a Jelcz truck chassis was presented. This is just a demonstrator for the Polish armed forces because the final design might be quite different if they show interest.
Plans have already been made to install this weapon system on the KTO Rosomak chassis, but a larger platform would be preferred. Meanwhile, the photos below show the maritime OSU-35K turret, only in green paint.
Sa-35 - the weapon the land forces are missing
Currently, the role of high-level CIWS (Close-In Weapon System) in the Polish army is fulfilled by Pilica sets, modernized ZU-23-2 23 mm caliber cannons with a range of up to 2 miles using the latest ammunition.
The OSU-35 system, based on the Oerlikon KDA automatic cannon acquired in the 1990s for the practically failed PZA Loara program, allows targeting at distances of up to 3.4 miles. The Polish system uses two types of ammunition produced by the Mesko company: sub-caliber with a fragmenting core (FAPDS-T) and programmable SAP-35, which showers the target with tungsten balls and fragments. There is also the training TP-T, simulating accurate ammunition.
Each shell is programmed to explode as it leaves the barrel at a calculated time based on its muzzle velocity and the distance to the target. This ensures it explodes a few yards before the flying object, creating a wall of tungsten fragments. These fragments come from the shell's casing and the explosive charge of 500 tungsten rods. As a result, a salvo of a few shells, each probably costing a few thousand dollars, is sufficient to take down a target.
The cannon fires 550 rounds per minute and can target objects flying at altitudes up to 2.2 miles. It is fed from two ammunition magazines placed on the sides of the turret, each holding 100 rounds. However, a PIT Radwar representative mentioned that a feeder can fit 120-round ammunition belts.
The final version might have a more extensive ammunition magazine if the army requires it, as structurally, it would not be a problem. The turret itself weighs 7,275 lbs, achieved through the extensive use of carbon fiber elements using prepreg technology.
This process involves using ready-made elements soaked in resin and stored at subzero temperatures until final assembly. After assembly, the components are combined and placed in a machine, subjected to high temperature and pressure.
Interestingly, the turret itself was made of carbon fiber using prepreg technology. This involves ready-made elements soaked in resin, then stored at subzero temperatures until final assembly. They are then combined and placed into a machine, subjected to high temperature and pressure.
The advantage of using composites instead of metal is a lower radar and thermal signature, making the system easier to conceal. Targeting the cannon is possible thanks to an optoelectronic head with a camera, day and thermal vision, and a laser rangefinder or radar.
