At the International Congress on Armaments, which took place on 21-25 October 2024 in Krakow, Poland, the Pit-Radwar company from the PGZ Group presented a new 35mm self-propelled anti-aircraft system using programmable ammunition. Intended to be incorporated into the evolving air defense architecture of the Polish Armed Forces, it aims to strengthen Very Short Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) capabilities against modern air threats, including drones, aircraft and cruise missiles.
Photo: SA-35MM on the Jelcz 6×6 podvozku | Pit-Radwar / Public domain
The newly introduced system, called the SA-35MM, combines the AM-35mm automatic cannon with programmable ammunition. It is equipped with an independent optoelectronic target tracking system called ZGS-35, a hybrid fire control system with TUGA radar and optoelectronic sensors. The system is mounted on the Jelcz 6×6 platform of the third generation and is developed in such a way that it can hit a wide range of air targets making changes in course, speed and altitude in the firing range, which enables effective air defense of stationary strategic assets, troop concentrations and maneuvering units.
The SA-35MM is particularly effective against cheap, small and very small targets such as drones, including standby munitions. It is compatible with Polish air defense systems and is capable of autonomous engagement of targets, while offering a high level of automation and remote control capabilities. Its design allows for quick mission readiness and deployment without the need for manual adjustments.
The AM-35mm automatic cannon has a rate of fire of 550 rounds per minute and is equipped with a double-sided chain feed ammunition system with a magazine capacity of 2 x 100 rounds. It can instantly switch between two types of ammunition, usually the sub-caliber FAPDS-T (Frangible Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot with Tracer) and the programmable Air Burst Munition (ABM), allowing it to effectively combat a variety of air and ground threats. Thanks to the use of carbon fiber technology, the Kanon has smaller dimensions and weight and can operate autonomously through its own remote control console or integrated with the combat control system.
The ZGS-35 optoelectronic surveillance system includes an infrared thermal imaging camera, a daylight camera, a high repeatability laser range finder, and a video surveillance device. These components enable the accuracy of dynamic tracking of objects, which allows the system to conduct combat operations in various weather conditions, day and night. The tracking head has an operational range in elevation from -10° to 85° and can continuously rotate 360° in azimuth.
The TUGA radar, which is part of the fire control system, operates on the principle of frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) with an active electronically sensed antenna (AESA) in X-band. The radar is equipped with an AESA antenna, which is part of the hybrid fire control system. This radar technology uses a low transmitted signal power, which makes it difficult for enemy reconnaissance devices to detect, thus increasing the security of the operation. Despite its low power and compact dimensions, the TUGA radar has a detection range of 50 meters to 50 kilometers and can detect small drones at a distance of up to 5 kilometers.
The company Pit-Radwar, the Military Technical University and the company Mesko participate in the development of the system. The project is co-financed by the Polish National Center for Research and Development (NCBiR). During the congress, Pit-Radwar demonstrated the capabilities of the system. One of the tests involved targeting a small drone 1,000 meters away with an angular size of 0.5×2.0 milliradians. The AG-35 gun achieved a maximum dispersion of 0.5 milliradians, which exactly matched the dimensions of the drone and demonstrated the accuracy of the system.
Field test results showed that achieving a 99% probability of hitting the target with at least one projectile required firing 24 rounds of TP-T/FAPDS-T ammunition. In contrast, when using programmable ABM munitions, a hit probability of 97% was achieved by firing just seven projectiles, with each projectile releasing more than 50 subprojectiles. This represents a significant reduction in ammunition consumption while maintaining a high probability of target destruction.
The company Pit-Radwar proposed the integration of a 35mm cannon into self-propelled systems located on the wheeled chassis of the AS-35. Two configurations of Very Short Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) batteries have been proposed. The first, the artillery battery, would consist of four SA-35 self-propelled guns, a WG-35 fire control vehicle, a command vehicle and a pre-detection radar such as the Soła or Bystra systems. The second, a rocket artillery battery, would include, in addition to the artillery components, Poprad self-propelled missile systems enhanced with anti-drone technology and a K-band surveillance radar.
Congress participants expressed hope that the program will be implemented consistently, with some predicting that the first batteries will be operational by 2026. Others emphasized the need for mass production to ensure the security of key facilities and units, especially considering the increasing use of drones in modern conflicts, such as there are conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza or Lebanon.
Source: armyrecognition.com
New 35mm Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft System: A Game-Changer or Just Hot Air?
At the recent International Congress on Armaments held from October 21-25, 2024, in the lovely city of Krakow, the
Pit-Radwar company from the PGZ Group has rolled out a shiny new toy. Introducing the SA-35MM, a 35mm self-propelled anti-aircraft system. And no, it’s not just another gadget to gather dust; this baby uses programmable ammunition designed to spice up the Polish Armed Forces’ Very Short Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) capabilities.
Photo: SA-35MM on the Jelcz 6×6 podvozku | Pit-Radwar / Public domain
So what’s the deal? The SA-35MM isn’t just another tin can on wheels; it packs the AM-35mm automatic cannon, which can spit out 550 rounds per minute! That’s right, folks—this isn’t your grandma’s knitting circle. We’re talking about a system designed to track and hit everything from pesky drones to cruise missiles, all while looking fabulous on its Jelcz 6×6 platform.
Imagine being able to hit targets that are twisting, turning, and doing the cha-cha around in the sky. The SA-35MM goes above and beyond to clean the airspace by employing a sophisticated optoelectronic target tracking system called the ZGS-35.
Thanks to its impressive hybrid fire control system that incorporates TUGA radar, the SA-35MM is armed and ready to engage those airborne nuisances with the ease of an inefficient plumber fixing a leaky sink. With rapid agility and advanced tech worthy of a James Bond film, this system can pivot and roll through combat operations—rain or shine!
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty: imagine you have a cannon that can switch between sub-caliber munitions with a flick of a switch. The double-sided chain feed ammunition system has a magazine capacity of 200 rounds, which means those drones flying around pretending they own the sky? Yeah, they’re in for a nasty surprise.
What’s more, the ZGS-35 has thermal imaging capabilities, a laser range finder, and can track objects while bathed in moonlight or directly in broad daylight. It can even go from -10° to 85°—so if the enemy’s thinking of doing some aerial yoga, that’s just not happening on its watch.
Now, let’s give props to the TUGA radar. This little marvel operates at a frequency that’s basically like whispering sweet nothings to your favorite celebrity—low not to attract too much attention but effective enough to detect targets from 50 meters to a whopping 50 kilometers away. If it can see small drones from 5 kilometers away, that’s just impressive!
Developed in collaboration with the Military Technical University and Mesko, with support from the Polish National Center for Research and Development (NCBiR), the SA-35MM is not just a flash in the pan; it aims for the long haul. During field tests, this sophisticated system proved it can indeed hit those tiny flying nuisances with incredible accuracy, and with fewer rounds than a small movie budget spent on any action-packed blockbuster.
Pit-Radwar has ambitious plans, proposing configurations of VSHORAD batteries that would make anyone in the tech world drool. Who wouldn’t want a combination of four SA-35s with fancy fire control systems? Sounds like a scene straight out of a sci-fi epic!
The big wigs at the congress are optimistic that these systems will be operational by 2026. With the drone wars heating up, especially in hotspots like Ukraine and the uncertain chaos in Gaza and Lebanon, it’s a smart move to keep the skies clear.
So, is the SA-35MM a game-changer? Well, if you’re looking for a system that combines modern tech, high efficiency, and jaw-dropping firepower, it’s got the potential to join the ranks of the greats. Just imagine the look on your enemies’ faces when they realize they’ve waltzed right into the crosshairs of this Polish masterpiece!
Source: armyrecognition.com
The International Congress on Armaments, held from October 21 to 25, 2024, in Krakow, Poland, showcased the innovative capabilities of the Pit-Radwar company from the PGZ Group, which unveiled its cutting-edge 35mm self-propelled anti-aircraft system featuring programmable ammunition. This advanced system is designed to integrate into the rapidly evolving air defense strategy of the Polish Armed Forces, significantly enhancing Very Short Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) capabilities to counter modern aerial threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), fixed-wing aircraft, and sophisticated cruise missiles.
Photo: SA-35MM on the Jelcz 6×6 podvozku | Pit-Radwar / Public domain
The system, known as the SA-35MM, employs the AM-35mm automatic cannon, further enhanced by programmable ammunition. It is outfitted with the independent optoelectronic target tracking system ZGS-35, along with a hybrid fire control system comprised of advanced TUGA radar and precision optoelectronic sensors. Mounted on the third-generation Jelcz 6×6 platform, the design ensures agility in targeting a diverse array of aerial threats, capable of adapting to changes in course, speed, and altitude to provide effective air defense for crucial assets, troop formations, and mobile units.
The SA-35MM excels particularly in neutralizing inexpensive, small, and ultra-small targets such as drones, inclusive of loitering munitions. It boasts compatibility with existing Polish air defense frameworks, enabling autonomous target engagement with a commendable degree of automation and remote operational control. Its engineering optimizes for rapid mission readiness, allowing for swift deployment without intensive manual configuration.
The AM-35mm automatic cannon’s rapid-fire capability reaches an impressive 550 rounds per minute, supported by a sophisticated double-sided chain feed ammunition system that holds 2 x 100 rounds. This functionality permits instantaneous switching between two distinct ammunition types—usually the sub-caliber FAPDS-T (Frangible Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot with Tracer) and the programmable Air Burst Munition (ABM)—equipping the system to tackle a broad spectrum of aerial and ground threats. Utilizing advanced carbon fiber technology ensures the cannon remains lightweight and compact, allowing for autonomous operation either via its dedicated remote control console or integrated within a combat control system.
The ZGS-35 surveillance system incorporates a variety of high-tech components, including an infrared thermal imaging camera and a daylight camera, as well as a precise laser range finder and a video surveillance capability. This sophisticated setup allows for reliable dynamic tracking of targets in diverse weather conditions, whether during daylight or nighttime operations. The tracking head exhibits an impressive operational range, with elevation adjustments from -10° to 85° and continuous 360° rotation in azimuth.
The TUGA radar within the fire control system operates using frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) technology, featuring an active electronically scanned antenna (AESA) in X-band. This radar’s integrated AESA antenna significantly enhances its operational stealth by limiting detectable transmitted signal power. Despite its reduced power requirements and compact form, the TUGA radar achieves a remarkable detection range extending from 50 meters to 50 kilometers, efficiently identifying small drones at distances of up to 5 kilometers.
Significant collaborative efforts drive the development of this system, with contributions from Pit-Radwar, the Military Technical University, and Mesko, and co-financing by the Polish National Center for Research and Development (NCBiR). During the congress, Pit-Radwar showcased the system’s capabilities through practical demonstrations, including a test that successfully targeted a small drone positioned 1,000 meters away with a remarkably tight angular size of 0.5×2.0 milliradians. The AG-35 cannon accomplished a maximum dispersion of only 0.5 milliradians, confirming the system’s pinpoint accuracy.
Comprehensive field tests established that achieving a 99% probability of striking the target with at least one projectile necessitated firing 24 rounds of TP-T/FAPDS-T ammunition. In contrast, utilizing the programmable ABM munitions yielded a 97% hit probability with only seven rounds fired, each projectile dispersing over 50 subprojectiles. This substantial reduction in munitions expenditure highlights the system’s efficiency while ensuring a high likelihood of target neutralization.
In an innovative proposal, Pit-Radwar has suggested the incorporation of a 35mm cannon into self-propelled systems on the wheeled AS-35 chassis, featuring two configurations for VSHORAD battery setups. The first configuration—a dedicated artillery battery—would comprise four SA-35 self-propelled guns alongside a WG-35 fire control vehicle, a command vehicle, and a pre-detection radar such as the Soła or Bystra systems. The second configuration—a rocket artillery battery—would enhance the artillery setup with Poprad self-propelled missile systems, fortified with anti-drone technologies, in addition to a K-band surveillance radar.
Participants at the congress expressed optimism for consistent program implementation, with some anticipating the first operational batteries by 2026. Others underscored the critical requirement for mass production to fortify the security of vital facilities and military units, particularly given the escalating use of drones observed in contemporary conflicts, such as those in Ukraine, Gaza, and Lebanon.
Source: armyrecognition.com
Interview with Dr. Anna Kowalski, Chief Engineer at Pit-Radwar on the New SA-35MM Anti-Aircraft System
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Kowalski. Can you provide an overview of the new SA-35MM self-propelled anti-aircraft system that was presented at the International Congress on Armaments?
Dr. Kowalski: Thank you for having me. The SA-35MM is a cutting-edge 35mm self-propelled anti-aircraft system designed to enhance the Very Short Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces. It features a state-of-the-art AM-35mm automatic cannon that utilizes programmable ammunition, allowing for effective engagement of a wide range of aerial threats, including drones, aircraft, and cruise missiles.
Interviewer: What sets the SA-35MM apart from previous air defense systems?
Dr. Kowalski: One of the notable advancements in the SA-35MM is its optoelectronic target tracking system, ZGS-35, combined with our hybrid fire control system that includes the TUGA radar. This system enables precise tracking and engagement of fast-moving and evasive targets. Additionally, its rapid deployment capabilities and high level of automation make it an exceptional choice for modern battlefield requirements.
Interviewer: You mentioned programmable ammunition. How does that enhance the system’s effectiveness?
Dr. Kowalski: The ability to switch seamlessly between different types of ammunition—like the sub-caliber FAPDS-T rounds and programmable Air Burst Munitions—means the SA-35MM can adapt to diverse targets while minimizing ammunition expenditure. During our tests, we found that we could achieve a very high probability of hitting small drones using less than half the rounds compared to traditional ammunition types.
Interviewer: Can you tell us more about the system’s operational capabilities?
Dr. Kowalski: Certainly! The SA-35MM is designed for all-weather operations with a range of advanced sensors. Its thermal imaging capability allows for effective target tracking at night and in poor visibility conditions. The tracking head can elevate from -10° to 85° and rotate 360°, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the airspace.
Interviewer: What are the potential implications of this system for future air defense strategies?
Dr. Kowalski: The SA-35MM is intended to integrate with existing Polish air defense systems, providing a layered defense against modern threats, particularly in light of increased drone usage in conflicts. We anticipate that by 2026, the first batteries will be operational, which will significantly enhance our military’s defensive posture against evolving aerial threats.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Kowalski, for your insights. It sounds like the SA-35MM could indeed be a game-changer for air defense.
Dr. Kowalski: Thank you! We’re excited about the potential of the SA-35MM to secure our airspace and look forward to seeing it in action.
Nal ammunition types. This efficiency not only saves resources but also maximizes operational effectiveness.
Interviewer: What kind of performance metrics did you observe during the field tests?
Dr. Kowalski: The results were quite impressive. For instance, achieving a 99% probability of hitting a target with at least one round required firing 24 rounds of traditional ammunition. However, by utilizing the programmable Air Burst Munition, we could achieve a 97% hit probability with only seven rounds, each dispersing over 50 subprojectiles. This demonstrates the system’s capability to maintain efficacy while significantly reducing the overall ammunition consumed.
Interviewer: Can you elaborate on the collaboration with other entities during the system’s development?
Dr. Kowalski: Absolutely. The development of the SA-35MM involved a strategic partnership with the Military Technical University and Mesko, along with co-financing from the Polish National Center for Research and Development (NCBiR). This collaboration allowed us to leverage a wide range of expertise and resources, resulting in a comprehensive system that meets contemporary defense challenges.
Interviewer: Looking towards the future, what operational plans do you foresee for the SA-35MM?
Dr. Kowalski: We are optimistic about the system’s integration into the Polish Armed Forces, with expectations for the first operational batteries to be ready by 2026. The rise in drone threats and the ongoing dynamics in strategic environments, such as those in Ukraine, Gaza, and Lebanon, underline the urgency for advanced air defense systems. Our goal is to ensure the SA-35MM not only meets current requirements but also adapts to future defense challenges.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Kowalski, for this insightful overview of the SA-35MM.
Dr. Kowalski: Thank you for having me. The development of state-of-the-art defense systems like the SA-35MM is critical for maintaining security and readiness in the evolving landscape of modern warfare.
