At February 5th in WITU (Military Institute of Armament Technology) ended classified trials of a defence system against RPG-7 HEAT grenades. The system was destined to defend Rosomak AFVs during ISAF mission in Afghanistan. During these tests, finally the QinetiQ Nets have been chosen. These nets will be mounted on frame system with installing points designed in WZM SA.
Photo: Grzegorz Hołdanowicz
The single panel of the system taking part in tests, has been demonstrated during the conference summing up the training period of 2010 in Armed Forces.
During the commentary to demonstration, has been said that competitive LASSO system of Swiss RUAG (Light Armour System Against Shaped Ordnance) demonstrated during Armament Fair in Kielce in 2010 (on the Szuster company stand) has also passed tests positively but parameters and price of RPGNet System- offered by Pimco – had clear advantage. The LASSO system is used in Afghanistan by Danish Forces.
The light system of anti-RPG defence for Rosomak contains 10 panels covering side and rear plates of the vehicle. The QinetiQ Nets will be supplied to WZM SA in rolls. Frames (Alu tubes) will be made in Siemianowice Śląskie together with Alu supports of 250 mm length, 18 for each set. The net itself is mounted on frames with Velcro tape. During demonstration in Warsaw one could see the fabric elements connected with panel – in desert colour. Complete set is of about 350 kg (770 lbs) weight, and will be supplied directly to Afghanistan, to be assembled on AVFs. It is expected that assembly process will be used for AVFs crews as an element of tactical preparation for action. Related to this, the learning process and tool sets have been prepared.
The transport of AVFs with nets installed is not planned, because such AVFs is bigger than dimension limits in transport allow.
According to unofficial information the RPGNet has been ordered by US Army as additional element for Oshkosh M-ATV that are sent to Afghanistan in large numbers. Additionally up to the end of 2010 or beginning of 2011 it will replace the rod nets (LROD of BAe Systems) on Stryker APCs belonging to US Army. The info concerning the buy of RPGNet for French forces has not been confirmed. The interesting fact is that 5th Feb. test have been ordered by WZM. On the pages of Public Information Bulletin of MON (MoD) there has been placed information that just at Feb. 5th the DZSZ MON (Ministry of Defence Supply Department) signed the agreement with WITU requesting tests of additional armour and light defence system for Rosomak AFV, as conforming to WZTT (Staff Requirements), based on testing program being part of MON decision 101/MON issued by Minister of National Defence dated 3th April 2009, and Testing Methodic. The agreement is worth of 622,5 thousand of PLN.
These agreement – DZSZ/2/X-49/UZ/NEG/Z/2010/211 with deadline of tests planned to March 5th 2010, has been signed Feb. 8th 2010 (sic!)
For 2600 soldiers of VII shift of Polish Contingent in Afghanistan, there are planned 153 Rosomak AFVs. In April of 2010 their number should reach 102 AFVs, remaining will reach Afghanistan before the end of the year 2010.
