Prospective M20 rocket for the Polonaise complex (Belarus / China)
A little more than two years ago, the industry and the armed forces of the Republic of Belarus for the first time showed the public a promising rocket fire system “Polonez”. It was asserted that this complex, built by Belarusian enterprises, is distinguished by high characteristics and will be adopted in the very near future. In the future, "Polonaise" was demonstrated several times at exhibitions and parades, and in addition, some technical details were announced and plans for its future future were clarified.
Just recently, Minsk hosted the international exhibition of weapons and military equipment MILEX-2017, traditionally one of the main sites for the demonstration of the latest Belarusian developments. Along with other samples, cars from the Polonez complex were shown again at the exhibition. However, this time, along with other components of the multiple rocket launcher system, the public was shown a promising rocket capable of significantly increasing the combat potential of the Polonez. This product has received the official designation M20.
Rocket M20, shown in Minsk. Photo Kp.by
Recall that the Polonez project was developed by the Belarusian industry in cooperation with some Chinese enterprises. Thus, the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant supplied the required chassis, other Belarusian enterprises manufactured other required units, and the ammunition was created by China. Through the use of foreign developments and localization of the production of such weapons The Republic of Belarus managed in the shortest time to create the required model of military equipment with sufficiently high performance.
Later, the improvement of the existing MRL, aimed at improving the basic characteristics, was started. The main objective of these works, as reported, was to increase the firing range. This crucial parameter should be brought to 300 km. According to the latest reports, Belarusian specialists not only coped with the implementation of the new technical task, but also to a large extent exceeded the existing requirements.
According to the Belarusian mass media, the new project of high-performance missile weapons was developed by the Precision Electromechanics Plant (Minsk). At the same time there is information about the most active cooperation of the enterprise with colleagues representing the defense industry of China.
The M20 product is a solid-fuel single-stage missile with detachable warhead, equipped with its own control and guidance systems. A relatively large firing range, the mass of the warhead and the range of tasks can be attributed to this category of operational-tactical. Thus, when using the M20 rocket, the Polonaise multiple rocket launcher acquires new functions and ceases to comply with the initial requirements for the MLRS. Similar approaches have previously been used to create some other missile systems. Thus, the US-developed MLRS M270 MLRS can use ATACMS tactical missiles.
In terms of appearance, the M20 rocket hardly differs from other products of its class. It has a metal body, the head of which is made in the form of a conical fairing and extending towards the tail section. The rest of the body has a cylindrical shape. Onboard the installation of two protruding longitudinal covers is envisaged. On the tail are four arrow-shaped steering. The layout of the internal volumes of the hull is not specified, but, apparently, the tail compartment accommodates a solid-fuel engine and steering cars. In turn, the control systems and the warhead are placed under the head fairing.
The missile has a length of slightly less than 8 m and a launch mass of about 4 t. A high-explosive warhead with a mass of 560 kg is used. The firing range of the M20 missile is determined in 280 km. An on-board control and homing system is used, the type of which has not been revealed by Belarusian enterprises. The rocket is delivered and transported inside an airtight transport and launch container. The dimensions and fastenings of the container comply with the requirements of the existing self-propelled launcher.
The rocket of the same name, previously demonstrated by the Chinese organization CALT. Photo Eastpendulum.com
With the 280 km range, the promising rocket gives the Polonez complex new combat capabilities that can make it a serious military-political tool. It is easy to see which areas of Eastern Europe can enter the zone of responsibility of the MLRS, armed with operational-tactical missiles of a new type. In the event of the beginning of a full-scale conflict, a large firing range will also be useful in the destruction of remote targets of the enemy.
According to official data, the range of the M20 missile does not even reach 300 km, but curious information has already appeared that supplements the available information. On May 20, the Belarusian editorial office of Komsomolskaya Pravda published an article “MILEX-2017 Arms Exhibition: UAVs-kamikaze, a new missile for the Polonaise and an anti-tank robot”, which tells about the main novelties of the Minsk exhibition. The author of this publication, Gennady Mozheiko, together with military analyst Alexander Alesin, reviewed new Belarusian developments.
Speaking about the new rocket for the Polonez complex, A. Alesin raised the issue of flight range and announced very interesting information. According to him, the range in 280 km is only the official version. “In private conversations,” the M20 developers-developers have hinted that in reality, the firing range reaches 500 km. As an indirect confirmation of this information, the expert mentioned the dimensions of the rocket and the diameter of the engine nozzle.
If information about such a long range of flight corresponds to reality, then, according to A. Alesin, the missile system with a new weapon turns out to be a real leader among the new products of the Belarusian industry. In addition, in essence, the new rocket turns out to be a “European strategic weapon.” According to analyst estimates, from the territory of the Republic of Belarus the M20 product can fly to Moscow, Kiev, Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn and Warsaw.
The Belarusian military expert also touched upon the topic of joint work on a promising project. The fact of cooperation between Belarusian and Chinese specialists is no longer a secret. In the case of the new M20 project, A. Alesin estimated the distribution of work as follows: 75% of components of the promising missile are manufactured by enterprises of the Republic of Belarus and only a quarter of the components were received from China. How far this estimate corresponds to reality is not yet known.
In the course of previous work in the framework of the Polonez project, Belarusian enterprises managed to localize the production of a number of products and units used as part of various components of a multiple launch rocket system. It is quite possible that by now they have coped with the task of mastering the production of certain elements of the M20 rocket. However, for objective reasons, there is no exact information on this subject.
The tail of the M20 rocket produced in China. Photo Eastpendulum.com
Moreover, it is reliably known about the "origin" of the M20 missile. Like the A301’s 200mm rocket, which is Polonaise’s main ammunition, the new M20 products were developed by China. It should also be noted that these weapons have long been demonstrated at various exhibitions and promoted on the international arms market. As follows from the latter News, the Belarusian military showed their interest in the Chinese missile.
The M20 rocket presented in Minsk looks and looks more than a model of the same name that has been demonstrated by Chinese enterprises over the past few years. In the latter case, we are talking about the operational-tactical solid-fuel rocket M20, created by the organization of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), also known as the “First Academy”. This rocket is exclusively an export development, and since 2011 has been moving internationally.
The Chinese and Belarusian M20 rockets, for obvious reasons, have the same hull design. A conical head fairing is used, with the help of an expanding section mated with a large cylindrical tail section. On the outer surface of the Chinese rocket there are channels for mounting some parts and X-shaped aerodynamic control surfaces.
According to CALT, the M20 rocket is equipped with a solid-fuel engine, which allows it to fly to a distance of 280 km. With such characteristics of the range of the rocket in accordance with existing international standards and can be sold to third countries. Used high-explosive warhead weight 480 kg.
The Chinese rocket is completed with a combined homing system using two principles for determining its own coordinates. In its composition there is an inertial navigation system, supplemented by means of correction by signals from the GPS complex satellites. To control the rocket during the flight aerodynamic control surfaces are used. In addition, at the cut of the engine nozzle are four deflectors that perform the functions of gas rudders. According to reports, the M20 rocket retains the possibility of maneuvering from the moment of launch and right up to hitting the target, due to which it flies along the so-called. quasi-ballistic trajectory. The circular deviation is determined in 30 m.
During the first few years, A200, M20 and other CALT missiles were shown and advertised as separate developments. Later, in 2014, the organization-developer “brought” them into a single multipurpose GATSS (General Army Tactical Strike System) rocket system. This model can use different types of missiles and operate in the mode of a multiple launch rocket system, an operational-tactical complex, and even a carrier of anti-ship missiles. At about the same time as the presentation of the GATSS complex, work began on the creation of the Chinese-Belarusian system “Polonez”.
Thus, there is every reason to believe that in the case of the recently presented rocket for the Polonez, it is again a question of working together to localize the production of an existing product. Having certain achievements and a good production base, the Belarusian industry still cannot claim to be the world leader in the rocket industry. As a result, for the creation of new missiles with enhanced characteristics, it requires some assistance from third countries with the necessary technology.
The layout of the multipurpose GATTS missile system - a possible progenitor of the Polonez system. Photo Armyrecognition.com
Earlier tests of the Polonez complex, equipped with A200 rockets, in general, confirmed the possibility of assembling such products not only in Chinese enterprises. Now we can expect that in the very near future, M20 rockets of the Belarusian assembly will be tested at the test site. Sufficient grounds for doubts about such a development are absent.
Of particular interest in the context of the M20 project are the statements of A. Alesin about the actual excess of the stated flight range characteristics. According to official reports, the Sino-Belarusian missile is capable of hitting targets at ranges up to 280 km, while the actual value of this parameter is said to be as high as 500 km. First of all, it should be remembered that such data can only be rumors that have no real basis. At the same time, such conversations are quite capable of being the ground for interesting reflections.
Existing international agreements prohibit the export of finished missiles with a firing range of more than 300 km or the transfer of technologies for their manufacture. However, the task of increasing the range of the M20 rocket can be solved by other methods. Enterprises of the Republic of Belarus can establish their own production of weapons with limited characteristics, and then independently or with the help of foreign experts to modernize them with a noticeable increase in the main parameters. However, there is no evidence of the very possibility of such a development. While information on the distance in 500 km should be considered nothing more than a rumor.
An increase in the range of the missile system at 200 km is certainly of great interest to the Belarusian army. However, even with the 280 km range, the M20 rocket as part of the Polonez complex turns out to be a very effective means of strengthening the troops and an instrument of a political nature. The relations of the official Minsk with some nearby states can hardly be called warm, which is why the armed forces need modern weapons and equipment. Thus, an operational-tactical missile can become an instrument responsible for the strategic security of a country.
Cooperation of the Republic of Belarus with China can raise some questions. Traditionally, the main partner of the Belarusian army in re-equipment is the Russian defense industry, but now it has been decided to work with other suppliers. From the point of view of the basic capabilities and characteristics of the MLRS "Polonez" with the M20 rocket can be considered as a functional analogue of the Russian operational-tactical complexes of the Iskander family. However, as far as is known, Minsk did not officially express a desire to purchase such equipment.
The last time the topic of the possibility of supplying the Iskander of the Belarusian army was raised a few days ago. 21 May, being at the MILEX-2017 exhibition, the head of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugaev said that by now the Belarusian authorities have not requested the possibility of acquiring missile systems.
Several years ago, the Belarusian authorities decided to develop their army’s missiles with foreign assistance, however, for some reason, they considered it necessary to develop new projects without the participation of traditional partners. On the contrary, cooperation with China was chosen. The result of the joint work of specialists from the two countries has already become the emergence of multiple launch rocket systems with enhanced characteristics. At present, the Polonez system is being upgraded, as a result of which it will receive the functions of an operational-tactical missile system. Whether the specialists of the two countries will succeed in accomplishing the tasks set will be known in the foreseeable future. Regardless of the outcome of the current project, it will be of great importance for the Belarusian army. MLRS "Polonez" has already been adopted, and now any of its modernization will increase the potential of the troops.
On the materials of the sites:
https://kp.by/
http://interfax.ru/
http://belvpo.com/
http://armyrecognition.com/
http://bmpd.livejournal.com/
Just recently, Minsk hosted the international exhibition of weapons and military equipment MILEX-2017, traditionally one of the main sites for the demonstration of the latest Belarusian developments. Along with other samples, cars from the Polonez complex were shown again at the exhibition. However, this time, along with other components of the multiple rocket launcher system, the public was shown a promising rocket capable of significantly increasing the combat potential of the Polonez. This product has received the official designation M20.
Rocket M20, shown in Minsk. Photo Kp.by
Recall that the Polonez project was developed by the Belarusian industry in cooperation with some Chinese enterprises. Thus, the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant supplied the required chassis, other Belarusian enterprises manufactured other required units, and the ammunition was created by China. Through the use of foreign developments and localization of the production of such weapons The Republic of Belarus managed in the shortest time to create the required model of military equipment with sufficiently high performance.
Later, the improvement of the existing MRL, aimed at improving the basic characteristics, was started. The main objective of these works, as reported, was to increase the firing range. This crucial parameter should be brought to 300 km. According to the latest reports, Belarusian specialists not only coped with the implementation of the new technical task, but also to a large extent exceeded the existing requirements.
According to the Belarusian mass media, the new project of high-performance missile weapons was developed by the Precision Electromechanics Plant (Minsk). At the same time there is information about the most active cooperation of the enterprise with colleagues representing the defense industry of China.
The M20 product is a solid-fuel single-stage missile with detachable warhead, equipped with its own control and guidance systems. A relatively large firing range, the mass of the warhead and the range of tasks can be attributed to this category of operational-tactical. Thus, when using the M20 rocket, the Polonaise multiple rocket launcher acquires new functions and ceases to comply with the initial requirements for the MLRS. Similar approaches have previously been used to create some other missile systems. Thus, the US-developed MLRS M270 MLRS can use ATACMS tactical missiles.
In terms of appearance, the M20 rocket hardly differs from other products of its class. It has a metal body, the head of which is made in the form of a conical fairing and extending towards the tail section. The rest of the body has a cylindrical shape. Onboard the installation of two protruding longitudinal covers is envisaged. On the tail are four arrow-shaped steering. The layout of the internal volumes of the hull is not specified, but, apparently, the tail compartment accommodates a solid-fuel engine and steering cars. In turn, the control systems and the warhead are placed under the head fairing.
The missile has a length of slightly less than 8 m and a launch mass of about 4 t. A high-explosive warhead with a mass of 560 kg is used. The firing range of the M20 missile is determined in 280 km. An on-board control and homing system is used, the type of which has not been revealed by Belarusian enterprises. The rocket is delivered and transported inside an airtight transport and launch container. The dimensions and fastenings of the container comply with the requirements of the existing self-propelled launcher.
The rocket of the same name, previously demonstrated by the Chinese organization CALT. Photo Eastpendulum.com
With the 280 km range, the promising rocket gives the Polonez complex new combat capabilities that can make it a serious military-political tool. It is easy to see which areas of Eastern Europe can enter the zone of responsibility of the MLRS, armed with operational-tactical missiles of a new type. In the event of the beginning of a full-scale conflict, a large firing range will also be useful in the destruction of remote targets of the enemy.
According to official data, the range of the M20 missile does not even reach 300 km, but curious information has already appeared that supplements the available information. On May 20, the Belarusian editorial office of Komsomolskaya Pravda published an article “MILEX-2017 Arms Exhibition: UAVs-kamikaze, a new missile for the Polonaise and an anti-tank robot”, which tells about the main novelties of the Minsk exhibition. The author of this publication, Gennady Mozheiko, together with military analyst Alexander Alesin, reviewed new Belarusian developments.
Speaking about the new rocket for the Polonez complex, A. Alesin raised the issue of flight range and announced very interesting information. According to him, the range in 280 km is only the official version. “In private conversations,” the M20 developers-developers have hinted that in reality, the firing range reaches 500 km. As an indirect confirmation of this information, the expert mentioned the dimensions of the rocket and the diameter of the engine nozzle.
If information about such a long range of flight corresponds to reality, then, according to A. Alesin, the missile system with a new weapon turns out to be a real leader among the new products of the Belarusian industry. In addition, in essence, the new rocket turns out to be a “European strategic weapon.” According to analyst estimates, from the territory of the Republic of Belarus the M20 product can fly to Moscow, Kiev, Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn and Warsaw.
The Belarusian military expert also touched upon the topic of joint work on a promising project. The fact of cooperation between Belarusian and Chinese specialists is no longer a secret. In the case of the new M20 project, A. Alesin estimated the distribution of work as follows: 75% of components of the promising missile are manufactured by enterprises of the Republic of Belarus and only a quarter of the components were received from China. How far this estimate corresponds to reality is not yet known.
In the course of previous work in the framework of the Polonez project, Belarusian enterprises managed to localize the production of a number of products and units used as part of various components of a multiple launch rocket system. It is quite possible that by now they have coped with the task of mastering the production of certain elements of the M20 rocket. However, for objective reasons, there is no exact information on this subject.
The tail of the M20 rocket produced in China. Photo Eastpendulum.com
Moreover, it is reliably known about the "origin" of the M20 missile. Like the A301’s 200mm rocket, which is Polonaise’s main ammunition, the new M20 products were developed by China. It should also be noted that these weapons have long been demonstrated at various exhibitions and promoted on the international arms market. As follows from the latter News, the Belarusian military showed their interest in the Chinese missile.
The M20 rocket presented in Minsk looks and looks more than a model of the same name that has been demonstrated by Chinese enterprises over the past few years. In the latter case, we are talking about the operational-tactical solid-fuel rocket M20, created by the organization of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), also known as the “First Academy”. This rocket is exclusively an export development, and since 2011 has been moving internationally.
The Chinese and Belarusian M20 rockets, for obvious reasons, have the same hull design. A conical head fairing is used, with the help of an expanding section mated with a large cylindrical tail section. On the outer surface of the Chinese rocket there are channels for mounting some parts and X-shaped aerodynamic control surfaces.
According to CALT, the M20 rocket is equipped with a solid-fuel engine, which allows it to fly to a distance of 280 km. With such characteristics of the range of the rocket in accordance with existing international standards and can be sold to third countries. Used high-explosive warhead weight 480 kg.
The Chinese rocket is completed with a combined homing system using two principles for determining its own coordinates. In its composition there is an inertial navigation system, supplemented by means of correction by signals from the GPS complex satellites. To control the rocket during the flight aerodynamic control surfaces are used. In addition, at the cut of the engine nozzle are four deflectors that perform the functions of gas rudders. According to reports, the M20 rocket retains the possibility of maneuvering from the moment of launch and right up to hitting the target, due to which it flies along the so-called. quasi-ballistic trajectory. The circular deviation is determined in 30 m.
During the first few years, A200, M20 and other CALT missiles were shown and advertised as separate developments. Later, in 2014, the organization-developer “brought” them into a single multipurpose GATSS (General Army Tactical Strike System) rocket system. This model can use different types of missiles and operate in the mode of a multiple launch rocket system, an operational-tactical complex, and even a carrier of anti-ship missiles. At about the same time as the presentation of the GATSS complex, work began on the creation of the Chinese-Belarusian system “Polonez”.
Thus, there is every reason to believe that in the case of the recently presented rocket for the Polonez, it is again a question of working together to localize the production of an existing product. Having certain achievements and a good production base, the Belarusian industry still cannot claim to be the world leader in the rocket industry. As a result, for the creation of new missiles with enhanced characteristics, it requires some assistance from third countries with the necessary technology.
The layout of the multipurpose GATTS missile system - a possible progenitor of the Polonez system. Photo Armyrecognition.com
Earlier tests of the Polonez complex, equipped with A200 rockets, in general, confirmed the possibility of assembling such products not only in Chinese enterprises. Now we can expect that in the very near future, M20 rockets of the Belarusian assembly will be tested at the test site. Sufficient grounds for doubts about such a development are absent.
Of particular interest in the context of the M20 project are the statements of A. Alesin about the actual excess of the stated flight range characteristics. According to official reports, the Sino-Belarusian missile is capable of hitting targets at ranges up to 280 km, while the actual value of this parameter is said to be as high as 500 km. First of all, it should be remembered that such data can only be rumors that have no real basis. At the same time, such conversations are quite capable of being the ground for interesting reflections.
Existing international agreements prohibit the export of finished missiles with a firing range of more than 300 km or the transfer of technologies for their manufacture. However, the task of increasing the range of the M20 rocket can be solved by other methods. Enterprises of the Republic of Belarus can establish their own production of weapons with limited characteristics, and then independently or with the help of foreign experts to modernize them with a noticeable increase in the main parameters. However, there is no evidence of the very possibility of such a development. While information on the distance in 500 km should be considered nothing more than a rumor.
An increase in the range of the missile system at 200 km is certainly of great interest to the Belarusian army. However, even with the 280 km range, the M20 rocket as part of the Polonez complex turns out to be a very effective means of strengthening the troops and an instrument of a political nature. The relations of the official Minsk with some nearby states can hardly be called warm, which is why the armed forces need modern weapons and equipment. Thus, an operational-tactical missile can become an instrument responsible for the strategic security of a country.
Cooperation of the Republic of Belarus with China can raise some questions. Traditionally, the main partner of the Belarusian army in re-equipment is the Russian defense industry, but now it has been decided to work with other suppliers. From the point of view of the basic capabilities and characteristics of the MLRS "Polonez" with the M20 rocket can be considered as a functional analogue of the Russian operational-tactical complexes of the Iskander family. However, as far as is known, Minsk did not officially express a desire to purchase such equipment.
The last time the topic of the possibility of supplying the Iskander of the Belarusian army was raised a few days ago. 21 May, being at the MILEX-2017 exhibition, the head of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugaev said that by now the Belarusian authorities have not requested the possibility of acquiring missile systems.
Several years ago, the Belarusian authorities decided to develop their army’s missiles with foreign assistance, however, for some reason, they considered it necessary to develop new projects without the participation of traditional partners. On the contrary, cooperation with China was chosen. The result of the joint work of specialists from the two countries has already become the emergence of multiple launch rocket systems with enhanced characteristics. At present, the Polonez system is being upgraded, as a result of which it will receive the functions of an operational-tactical missile system. Whether the specialists of the two countries will succeed in accomplishing the tasks set will be known in the foreseeable future. Regardless of the outcome of the current project, it will be of great importance for the Belarusian army. MLRS "Polonez" has already been adopted, and now any of its modernization will increase the potential of the troops.
On the materials of the sites:
https://kp.by/
http://interfax.ru/
http://belvpo.com/
http://armyrecognition.com/
http://bmpd.livejournal.com/
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