A new version of the self-propelled mortar M120G Rak (Poland)
The Polish company Huta Stalowa Wolya SA (HSW), part of the state-owned holding Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), continues the development of the M120 Rak self-propelled mortar. Recently, another version of such a combat vehicle was created and tested, made on a modernized LPG chassis. The prototype was shown at the MSPO-2021 exhibition, and in the near future it will go to one of the army organizations for study and development.
On different chassis
The Rak project has been developed by HSW since 2006 by order of the Polish Ministry of Defense. Its purpose was to create a combat module in the form of a manned turret with a 120-mm mortar and other equipment compatible with various carriers. The main design work was completed in 2009 and the first prototype was presented shortly thereafter. In the future, other prototypes of a different configuration were built, incl. on other chassis.
The first prototype of a self-propelled mortar, designated as SMG or M120G (G - gąsienica, track), was made on the chassis of the 2S1 "Gvozdika" self-propelled guns of Soviet design and Polish construction. In fact, it was only about replacing the turret with a howitzer with a mortar module and some minor modifications to the chassis. Such a self-propelled mortar was tested, but was not recommended for adoption. However, later it was finalized and improved to gain experience.
In 2011, they presented an experimental product SMK or M120K (K - koło, wheel). The base for it was a four-axle Rosomak armored personnel carrier - a licensed version of the Finnish Patria AMV. The combat module has been improved, but has not undergone fundamental changes. Together with the combat vehicle, they developed an AWD platoon command post at the same base.
Two years later, another version of the self-propelled mortar was shown, this time on the chassis of the German BMP Marder. This project did not receive further development, and HSW went back to improving the Carnation chassis.
In 2016, HSW and Rosomak SA received their first order for the serial production of self-propelled wheeled mortars. He envisioned the delivery of 64 M120K Rak machines and 32 AWD products. Deliveries started in 2017. new contracts appeared for the production of additional batches of equipment. Its production continues to this day and in the future should cover all the needs of the army. In total, Poland plans to deploy approx. 2019 batteries on "Cancers", for which she needs 20 production vehicles.
New chassis
Based on the results of the first M120G project, the customer and HSW continued to develop the tracked mortar, but decided to use a different chassis. Already in 2012, a prototype was built on the modified Carnation hull. Its design was changed using the solutions and components of the LPG project (Lekkie Podwozie Gąsienicowe) of Polish design.
Subsequently, the combat module was finally transferred to the LPG chassis. At the same time, the improvement of the machine continued. Not so long ago, another version of the chassis and a combat vehicle based on it was created. In parallel, two more models for mortar workers are being developed on the same base. This is a mobile command post of the serial AWD type and an artillery reconnaissance vehicle. The timing of the appearance of such a technique has not yet been named.
In April 2021, the prototype of the latest version was handed over to the Artillery and Weapons Training Center. Bema (Torun) to study and conduct a new stage of inspections. Based on the results of these measures, the issue of adopting the mortar into service will be finally decided. There are positive forecasts in this regard.
The process of mastering "Cancer" at the training center was briefly interrupted. On September 7, the military-technical exhibition MSPO-2021 opened in Kielce, and an experienced self-propelled mortar became one of its main exhibits. During the exhibition, the official presentation of the machine took place.
Technical features
Another modification of the LPG chassis has become the new carrier of the universal combat module. This machine is offered as a basis for various equipment, incl. self-propelled mortars. During its creation, the experience of construction and operation of old samples, such as 2S1, MT-LB, etc. was used. At the same time, the modern modification of the chassis has minimal continuity with Soviet technology.
The LPG chassis in the version for the M120G is built on the basis of an armored hull with level 1 protection according to STANAG 4569. The front-engine layout is preserved; the aft compartment is completely given over to the fighting compartment. It contains turret units of the combat module and additional stowage of ammunition.
LPG is equipped with a 350 hp MTU diesel engine. and automatic transmission. As part of the latest work, the chassis was rebuilt. The chassis has lost the seventh pair of road wheels with an increase in the gaps between the remaining ones. The torsion bar suspension was replaced with an imported hydropneumatic suspension, corresponding to the increased loads.
A standard M120 combat module is mounted on the LPG roof. This is a welded turret made of bulletproof armor, containing weapons, loading and control equipment, as well as crew seats. Apparently, the combat module for the new project was not finalized.
The basic one weapons The M120G remains a MAHSW 120mm breech-loading smoothbore mortar mounted on a swinging part with recoil devices. Shooting is provided with direct fire and on hinged trajectories. In the aft recess of the turret there is an automatic loader with revolver stacks for 20 rounds. The rest of the ammunition is placed in the stowage of the carrier chassis. Depending on the available volumes, you can place at least 23-25 minutes.
The M120G is equipped with a digital automated fire control system developed by several Polish companies. It provides input and reception of data, has satellite navigation facilities and a ballistic computer. The LMS also controls the targeting and firing actuators. Preparation for shooting requires approx. 30 sec. after stopping at position.
The MAHSW mortar can use 120mm mines of various types. When firing with conventional ammunition, a range of up to 7 km is achieved. New generation shots with a range of 10-12 km are being developed. For direct fire, special shaped-charge projectiles can be used. Rate of fire - up to 7-8 rds / min.
Project Perspectives
The Polish army is already receiving serial self-propelled mortars M120K Rak on the Rosomak wheeled chassis. Several batteries have been formed and are in service as part of larger motorized infantry formations. The pace of production of such equipment is still limited, but with them it is planned to carry out the desired rearmament and create the required number of platoons and batteries in several years.
The new tracked self-propelled mortar M120G on the LPG chassis has successfully passed the factory tests and is now being mastered by the gunners of the leading training center. This indicates that in the very near future such a machine will be adopted and put into production. However, the timing of such a decision is not yet known.
Apparently, the tracked vehicle M120G can be produced in parallel with the wheeled M120G, and they will be simultaneously operated in different motorized rifle units. A mixed fleet of such equipment will allow the Polish army to get all the advantages provided by a unified combat module and two types of chassis. Mortar batteries will show the necessary mobility and mobility, and will also be able to work effectively on different landscapes.
The updated "Cancer" is made on the LPG chassis, which is also proposed to be used in the development of the fleet of armored vehicles. This vehicle is used in the projects of the command post vehicle, artillery command post, etc. As a result, it becomes possible to unify a wider range of ground forces equipment with the help of a modern chassis, obtaining well-known advantages.
However, the real prospects of the new model are determined not only by technical and operational features. The further fate of the tracked M120G depends on the plans and capabilities of the military department. The army has not yet clarified its opinion on the new HSW project - although the transfer of an experienced armored vehicle to the Training Center serves as a transparent hint.
Abilities and capabilities
Thus, Poland again demonstrates its desire to create its own military equipment with high performance, and also confirms its ability to solve such problems. Another result of such processes was the recent presentation of the M120G Rak combat vehicle at the MSPO-2021 exhibition.
Whether it will be possible to bring the tracked "Cancer" to series and operation in the army is not yet entirely clear. However, manufacturers may well expect to receive a lucrative order. Plans to build 180 self-propelled mortars are far from complete, and the new M120G will still have time to find its place in them. If, of course, the command considers such equipment necessary and finds the necessary funding.
- Ryabov Kirill
- Huta Stalowa Wolya S.A.
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