Portable anti-aircraft missile system PPZR Piorun (Poland)
Piorun MANPADS in working configuration and a rocket separately from TPK
In 2019, a promising self-developed PPZR Piorun portable anti-aircraft missile system entered service with the Polish army. It was a variant of the further development of existing serial MANPADS, which differs from them in a new element base and increased characteristics. However, obtaining such results was associated with serious difficulties, which led to a serious delay in work.
Consistent development
In the seventies of the last century, the Polish People's Republic received a license for the production of the Soviet MANPADS "Strela-2M". The production of such products was successfully established, and the key components were supplied from the USSR. In the late eighties, preparations began for the production of a newer Igla complex, but the well-known events did not allow it to be completed.
In this regard, it was decided to develop and manufacture its own MANPADS. A number of Polish scientific and technical organizations were involved in the project called Przeciwlotniczy zestaw rakietowy Grom, but it was not possible to do without Russian components. As a result, the Polish "Thunder" turned out to be a partially localized version of the Soviet "Needle". Later, Poland tried to master the production of imported units, as a result of which the PPZR Grom-2 MANPADS appeared.
In 2010, Meska SA started developing an upgraded version of the Grom-2 complex. The purpose of this project was to improve the main combat characteristics and qualities without cardinal reworking of the structure. Initially, the modernization project bore the designation Grom-M, and then it was renamed PPZR Piorun. Under this name, he came to the test and entered service.
Technical features
From a technical point of view, Piorun is the next development option for the Soviet line of portable air defense systems. The old and proven architecture was used with a rocket in a disposable transport and launch container, on which the so-called. reusable trigger and sight. The rocket itself is still a single-stage solid-propellant and is equipped with an infrared seeker.
Production contract signing ceremony, December 2016
Weight and overall characteristics remained approximately at the level of their predecessors. The total length of MANPADS in a combat-ready position exceeds 1,6 m, and its weight is 16,5 kg. Carrying and using the complex is provided by one shooter-operator.
The rocket for "Perun" is made in a cylindrical body of large elongation with a transparent hemispherical head fairing, equipped with a characteristic "needle". The missile is 1,6 m long, 72 mm in diameter, and weighs 10,5 kg. The layout of the product remains the same: the head compartment accommodates the control devices, the engine is located in the tail, and a warhead is installed between them.
A new cooled GOS of Polish design is used on the basis of a modern element base. An increase in sensitivity is provided and, accordingly, an increase in the target detection range or work on targets with a reduced thermal signature. The missile control system is digital and has a high speed, which made it possible to increase the reliability of target tracking and overall combat effectiveness. Operating modes have been introduced for starting in pursuit or towards the target.
The missile receives a new fragmentation warhead weighing 1,82 kg with an enhanced charge. There are contact and laser non-contact fuses. Reportedly, such a set of fuses allows you to hit not only aircraft, but also smaller ones. Drones.
The trigger has undergone significant modifications. Its electronics have been redesigned with modern components and new features have been added. By analogy with the "Needle", a switch was made to set the firing mode, on a catch-up or head-on course. Added "authorization system" allowing only the operator with the key to start.
Demonstration layout arr. 2016 Nov.
The trigger was equipped with a universal rail for mounting various sighting devices. In particular, the installation of infrared sights is allowed, which allows you to search for targets in the dark.
From the point of view of combat use, the PPZR Piorun product does not fundamentally differ from the Soviet and Russian MANPADS, to which its design goes back. This ensures effective firing at targets at ranges from 400 m to 6,5 km and at altitudes from 10 m to 4 km. The rocket flies at a speed of 660 m / s. Maximum target speed when firing towards - 400 m / s; after - 320 m / s.
Manufacturing problems
The design of Perun was completed in 2015-16. Already in December 2016, without waiting for testing and development, the Polish Ministry of Defense issued a large order to Meska for the serial production of a new weapons... Under the terms of the contract, in 2017-20. the contractor was to supply 420 scoped launchers and 1300 missiles to the TPK.
The first tests of the new MANPADS took place in the fall of 2017 and immediately ran into problems. Polish-made solid-propellant engines were not of high quality and reliability, which is why an experimental rocket exploded during one of the launches. The next two test stages in the spring and summer of 2018 ended with the same results.
Self-propelled complexes SPZR Poprad during exercises
Serial production of the new PPZR Piorun and rearmament of the army were in jeopardy. However, Meska and related companies found the causes of the accidents and managed to get rid of them. In 2019, the complex successfully passed all the required tests and was recommended for the series and for adoption. By the beginning of 2020, the manufacturing company managed to transfer the first batch of launchers and TPK with missiles to the army.
Not just off the shoulder
The Perun product was created as a portable anti-aircraft weapon for shoulder-firing. However, already at the development stage, proposals appeared to install missiles on self-propelled and towed platforms - in order to modernize existing anti-aircraft systems or create completely new ones.
In 2018, the SPZR Poprad self-propelled air defense system was adopted by the Polish army. It is built on the basis of the AMZ Żubr-P two-axle armored car and is equipped with a launcher with a single control unit and mounts for four TPKs from MANPADS; four more are stored inside the case. Initially, the Poprad was intended to use the Grom missiles, and in 2020 the integration of the new Pioruns was completed.
Until 2021-22 industry should transfer 79 self-propelled air defense systems to the army, and some of them will be able to use two types of missiles. In terms of combat capabilities, the SPZR Poprad replaces several anti-aircraft gunners with MANPADS on an armored personnel carrier, and also has a number of other characteristic advantages.
ZRPK PSR-A Pilica
At the end of 2020, the Polish army received the first towed PSR-A Pilica missile-gun mount. In fact, this is a deeply modernized ZU-23-2 with new fire control devices and a launcher for two MANPADS missiles. The installation is initially compatible with the Thunder and Perun missiles. Current orders provide for the production of only a few missile and cannon installations, and the future prospects of the project are unknown.
Characteristics and experience
Despite all the problems and delays, by now the Piorun MANPADS has been successfully brought to the series and supplied to the troops. Such weapons are used independently and as part of other anti-aircraft systems. According to the results of tests and the first years of operation, the army speaks well of this development and notes its importance for industry and troops.
It should be noted that such assessments have a right to exist. Indeed, within the framework of the Perun project, the Polish industry managed to create a modern MANPADS with sufficiently high characteristics, necessary for the army. In addition, such a complex is completely produced at its own enterprises, and its production does not depend on imports from unfriendly countries. Finally, during the creation of this project, Meska and other enterprises gained experience that can be used in the development of new MANPADS and other guided weapons.
However, from a technical point of view, the Piorun project is not breakthrough or outstanding. It is only about the next deep modernization of the complex, created abroad several decades ago. Due to the new components and assemblies, it was possible to obtain technical and combat advantages over the old Strela-2 or Thunder, but it will no longer be possible to compete with modern foreign models. To do this, it is necessary to develop and implement fundamentally new solutions in all main areas, while there are still no opportunities and competencies for this.
Thus, after several decades of work, accompanied by constant difficulties and problems, Poland was still able to create its own portable anti-aircraft missile system and eliminate dependence on imports. The process of transition to the new SSZR Piroun is not yet completed, but the army is already drawing conclusions - this MANPADS is considered successful, despite all the objective limitations and disadvantages.
- Ryabov Kirill
- Ministry of Defense of Poland, Defense24.com
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