The complex to counter UAV "Polonez" (Ukraine)

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The widespread use of unmanned aerial vehicles for various purposes poses a known danger to the troops. Due to the presence of such threats, armies may need specialized means of combat. Ukraine joined the development of such products in the recent past. One of her companies developed and presented its own version of a specialized detection and suppression complex drones called "Polonaise".

A new project of an EW system was developed by the holding company Ukrspetstekhnika. This organization has long been engaged in the creation of electronic systems of various kinds. In the catalog of its products there are several types of detection and countering tools. The accumulated experience in the development of electronics, it was decided to use in the new project of special equipment. In this case, the project should have been based on new ideas for the Ukrainian industry.



The complex to counter UAV "Polonez" (Ukraine)
The first image of the complex "Polonaise", 2017 g. Picture of HC "Ukrspetstekhnika" / defense-ua.com


The first information about the promising project appeared at the end of September last year. At the same time, the name of the new complex, Polonez, was announced. The management of "Ukrspetstekhnika" said that due to the current threat of the UAV, it was decided to develop an initiative project of a special complex to combat it.

The main idea of ​​the Polonez project was to combine several existing and developed components, followed by installation on a mobile platform. Due to the available equipment, the complex had to monitor the situation, search for targets, and then independently suppress them or transmit target designation to third-party fire weapons.

Soon became known alleged composition of the future "Polonaise". One of the main assets of the complex was to make a millimeter-wave radar "Lis-3M". It was also proposed to use an opto-electronic module for observation. For independent “work” with a view to the complex, the director of the “Enclave” type noise should have included. All these tools were offered to be placed on an affordable car chassis. A complex of this type could quickly go to a given area and unfold into position, providing tracking of the situation and fighting the enemy UAV.

Together with the basic information about the future project, the company-developer has published an image of the finished machine with special equipment. It roughly showed the main features of the architecture of the complex. However, as it turned out later, the real sample was significantly different from the one drawn.


Station jamming "Enclave" in a portable version. Photo HC "Ukrspetstekhnika" / ust.com.ua


A few days ago, another military-technical exhibition “Zbroya and bezpeka-2018” opened in Kiev, during which the company Ukrspetstekhnika showed a prototype of the EE “Polonez” complex. For greater clarity, the prototype was shown in the expanded state, simulating the real work on the position. This allowed the guests of the exhibition to carefully examine all the main components of the complex and draw the necessary conclusions.

As a base for the experienced "Polonaise", an all-terrain vehicle of a commercial model was used. To install the equipment chosen car pickup with double cab. Inside the closed volume, equipment control panels were installed on it, while the loading platform was provided for all the necessary antenna devices. At the same time, significant dimensions of electronic equipment led to the need to create and install fairly large units.

An additional box was placed on a regular pickup truck body, on which they fixed a large frame with a beveled rear part. All antenna devices in the stowed position are folded and are inside the frame, over which rigid covers are laid, as well as soft and semi-rigid awnings. When deployed, they are all removed and the antennas can begin to work.

In front of the additional body, almost immediately behind the cockpit, a telescopic mast with detection means is installed. According to the available data, the mast provides equipment lifting to a height of up to 5,5 m. A common frame with a pair of devices is placed on the mast. On the one hand, there is an opto-electronic module on it, on the other - a radar antenna. The latter is set slightly above the cameras, so they do not overlap the view. At the same time, the counter radar interferes with the observation with the help of optics.


Exhibition sample "Polonaise", rear view. The complex is transferred to the working position. Photo Opk.com.ua


The main means of monitoring and detection in the Polonez complex is the Lis-3M radar, the antenna of which can be raised to a considerable height. Rotating at speeds up to 20 degrees / s, the antenna provides an overview of the entire surrounding space. Due to the rise to a considerable height provides a serious increase in the range of observation and detection.

According to known data, the radar "Lys-3M" detects an aerial target such as an airplane or a helicopter at a distance of up to 12 km. The maximum detection and tracking distance of the drone is 8 km. The station provides tracking purposes. Knotted tracks are automatically displayed on the operator’s console. Also, an electronic form is added to each target with all its main indicators. Routes are formed with reference to a map of the area.

It is alleged that the radar "Lys-3M" has high performance. So, work in the millimeter range has reduced the transmitter power and, accordingly, reduced the requirements for the carrier of the complex. In addition, several methods are implemented to protect the station from interference, which also eliminates the negative impact on other radio-electronic systems.

The main means of tracking a target found by a radar is an optical-electronic module. It is designed as a compact turntable with a pair of cameras for different purposes. The optics unit is lifted by the mast to the required height, which facilitates the process of observation and tracking. According to known data, the opto-electronic module provides observations at line-of-sight distances. However, the real distance may be reduced due to objective factors.

To suppress the detected UAV complex "Polonez" can use regular EW tools. In the back of the car, next to the mast, placed antenna devices jammer "Enclave". On the common frame there are several antennas of different types. In the new project, the standard enclave antennas in the directional version have been transferred. According to the developer, a jammer with such antennas is able to suppress enemy radio channels at a distance of up to 40 km.


View from a different angle. Photo Opk.com.ua


Management of the complex is carried out using the operator's console, built on the basis of a laptop. All major components are connected to it; Special software provides reception and processing of data, as well as management of detection and suppression. The operator with a laptop while working normally is inside the cab of the vehicle.

It is argued that the complex EW "Polonez" is able to solve all the main tasks in the context of the fight against unmanned aerial vehicles. During operation, the operator using the radar should monitor the air situation. If there is a potentially dangerous object in the protected area, an opto-electronic module is connected to the work. Further work with the goal is carried out with its help. Optics provide observation, recognition and tracking.

Having identified the object as a threat, the operator can turn on the jammer and suppress the control and telemetry channels used by the UAV. It is also possible to transfer target data to third-party fire weapons. For example, last year, representatives of Ukrspetstekhniki argued that a rocket launcher system ZRN-01 Stokrotka of joint Ukrainian-Polish development could work along with the Polonez.

It is reported that the specialized complex for the detection and suppression of UAV "Polonez" was developed by "Ukrspetstekhnika" on its own initiative. All work, from design to construction of a prototype, was financed by the company independently and from its own funds. The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine or potential customers from other countries did not render the project any assistance.


Radio electronic and optoelectronic facilities of the complex. Above - a block of cameras and a radar antenna, below - an antenna device of the jammer. Photo Opk.com.ua


Last year, the company-developer was ready to present only the image of the future complex of electronic warfare. This year, an experimental sample with incomplete equipment was tested. To date, experts have prepared a full-fledged prototype, fully compliant with the requirements and suitable for participation in the trials. After all the necessary checks, the complex can be offered to potential customers.

***

To date, a number of promising EW complexes have been created in different countries, designed to combat the current threat in the form of unmanned aerial vehicles. For this reason, the latest Ukrainian system "Polonez" can not be considered unique and outstanding. Nevertheless, this project is of some interest, at least from a technical point of view.

Last year, the management of "Ukrspetstekhniki" claimed that the system of "Polonaise" will include detection and suppression systems, as well as means of fire destruction. This allowed us to give the new complex unique features that distinguish it from all existing analogues. In this form, the Polonez could solve the whole range of tasks: from observation to the physical destruction of an air target. However, as shown by the last newsThese plans were not fully implemented. The complex can be interfaced with anti-aircraft or other systems, but they are not included in its basic equipment.

In the presented configuration "Polonaise" has a very interesting architecture. Radar and optical means are used to detect and track targets in this complex. In addition, on board there are their own channel suppression systems. Such a composition of the equipment cannot be called typical for modern EW complexes or common in existing complexes. Nevertheless, he seems to be able to solve the tasks.


Antenna radar "Lys-3M". Photo Opk.com.ua


It should be noted that so far not a lot is known about the Polonaise complex. The developer has still not published much of the most interesting information about the project. In addition, some of the characteristics, for obvious reasons, are not subject to open publication at all. The lack of necessary data, unfortunately, does not allow to fully assess the capabilities and potential of the proposed system not only in terms of overall capabilities and operational characteristics.

At the same time, you can try to predict the commercial prospects of the project. Apparently, in this context, there are no reasons for optimism. The “origin” of the project and the specific situation in the country do not allow the development company to rely on large and expensive contracts. However, small-scale production in the interests of those or other customers is quite possible and may begin in the foreseeable future.

The EW Polonez complex was developed on its own initiative - without an order from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine or foreign military departments. This circumstance can seriously hit the commercial potential of the product. The absence of an order for development may indicate a lack of interest in such products. In addition, the Ukrainian army can not be called rich. Its financial capabilities do not allow the timely and massive purchase of the necessary equipment, including electronic warfare. Thus, the possibility of supplying "Polonaise" of the Ukrainian army is in question. However, some other developments of Ukrspetstekhnika are already in service, and this may be a reason for optimism.

It can be assumed that Polonaise has a certain export potential, but it is difficult to estimate it accurately. Many countries need electronic warfare systems of different classes, including to combat unmanned aviation probable adversary. This sector of the international market is gradually growing, and many equipment manufacturers can find their place on it. Will Polonaise manage to become the subject of an export contract - time will tell.

The situation is not the most pleasant for the project. The proposed model of military equipment with all its pluses and minuses has a certain potential and is quite capable of interest of customers. But the economic and other problems of Ukraine sharply reduce its prospects. In addition, the export potential of the new development is unclear. As a result, due to a number of characteristic problems of the defense industry and the country as a whole, a new curious project may be left without a future. However, such results of Ukrainian projects have not surprised anyone for a long time.

On the materials of the sites:
http://ust.com.ua/
http://opk.com.ua/
https://defence-ua.com/
https://diana-mihailova.livejournal.com/
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  1. 0
    15 October 2018 10: 20
    Well, this prodigy needs to be urgently put on the outskirts of the ammunition depot, which have not yet been inspected laughing
  2. 0
    15 October 2018 14: 53
    Only one thing I can’t understand, why do pine branches, with their needles looking down, mask the lower part of this complex? To the plumbers of their neighboring housing office did not see who they stole pipes from the stands?
    1. 0
      22 December 2018 12: 36
      ... I can’t understand why pine branches, with their needles looking down, mask the lower part of this complex ...

      It masks and blurs the contrasting shadow from the instruments.
  3. 0
    24 October 2018 16: 17
    From the point of view of news - far from news, there are a lot of similar systems with similar functionality today. From the point of view of the fact that there is another system called "Polonaise" - it will do.
  4. 0
    4 December 2018 13: 27
    There will be a complex - there will be no complex, this is a philosophical question. A more real question: why "Polonaise" and, say, "Hopak"? Can't they forget in Kiev that they were Polish slaves?

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