The SPZR Poprad ( pol. Samobieżny Przeciwlotniczy Zestaw Rakietowy) is a very short range air defense (VSHORAD) self-propelled anti-aircraft missile system, produced by PIT-Radwar S.A.

Description

The basic functions of the SPZR Poprad are realized by an integrated tracking and targeting head with highly dynamic and accurate drives. A set of

electro-optics Electro–optics is a branch of electrical engineering, electronic engineering, materials science, and material physics involving components, electronic devices such as lasers, laser diodes, LEDs, waveguides, etc. which operate by the propaga ...

sensors (

thermal imaging camera A thermal imaging camera (colloquially known as a TIC) is a type of the thermographic camera used in firefighting. By rendering infrared radiation as visible light, such cameras allow firefighters to see areas of heat through smoke, darkness, o ...

, daylight camera and

laser rangefinder A laser rangefinder, also known as a laser telemeter, is a rangefinder that uses a laser beam to determine the distance to an object. The most common form of laser rangefinder operates on the time of flight principle by sending a laser pulse in ...

) works with the automatic target tracking system. The indication of targets is carried out via data transmitted via a digital channel from the automated air defense control system or is carried out autonomously. The kit includes a fire control computer, a navigation system and a

IFF In logic and related fields such as mathematics and philosophy, "if and only if" (shortened as "iff") is a biconditional logical connective between statements, where either both statements are true or both are false. The connective is bicon ...

system. SPZR Poprad has been equipped with an inertial and

satellite navigation system A satellite or artificial satellite is an object intentionally placed into orbit in outer space. Except for passive satellites, most satellites have an electricity generation system for equipment on board, such as solar panels or radioisotop ...

, thanks to which, after taking a fire position, the operator can immediately transfer the position of the set and the readiness status to the command system. The set is mounted as standard on the AMZ Żubr-P chassis produced by

AMZ-Kutno AMZ Kutno is an automotive company based in Kutno, Poland, that has been operating since 1999. It specializes in the design and manufacture of special bodies for commercial vehicles, such as minibuses, ambulances, security vans and special vehicle ...

. The design of the Poprad set minimizes the time needed to move from the transport position, in which the warhead is lowered and covered with roof covers, to the combat position. The Poprad set can operate as part of the classic air defense system or independently. If the set operates in the anti-aircraft defense control system (it has communication with it), it receives the indicated targets and the command to open fire from there. Information about the radiolocation situation is transmitted to the Poprad system thanks to the

VHF Very high frequency (VHF) is the ITU designation for the range of radio frequency electromagnetic waves (radio waves) from 30 to 300 megahertz (MHz), with corresponding wavelengths of ten meters to one meter. Frequencies immediately below VHF ...

radio station or via wire communication. SPZR Poprad uses ZDPSR "Soła"

radar Radar is a detection system that uses radio waves to determine the distance (''ranging''), angle, and radial velocity of objects relative to the site. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, w ...

stations, which indicate targets for the Poprad set batteries.

System application

The Poprad self-propelled anti-aircraft missile system is designed to detect, recognize and destroy air targets at close ranges and low altitudes using short-range homing missiles. The set can be used to protect columns of troops, parking places, command posts and groupings, as well as airports, ports, industrial plants, communication junctions, etc. against air strikes.

Users

According to the contract for the supply of Poprad anti-aircraft systems signed in December 2015, by 2021 the

Polish Army The Land Forces () are the land forces of the Polish Armed Forces. They currently contain some 62,000 active personnel and form many components of the European Union and NATO deployments around the world. Poland's recorded military history stret ...

is to receive a total of 79 of these sets, including 77 newly manufactured and 2 adapted from the implementation batch). Their deliveries started in 2018. Apart from Poland, Poprad launchers were bought by

Indonesian Army The Indonesian Army ( id, Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Darat (TNI-AD), ) is the land branch of the Indonesian National Armed Forces. It has an estimated strength of 300,000 active personnel. The history of the Indonesian Army has its ...

, as a part of export VSHORAD system Kobra, consisting of four Poprad launchers, two command vehicles, mobile MMSR radar and twelve towed AA guns with Grom launchers ZUR-23-2KG-I. All components are mounted upon lengthened 6×6

Land Rover Defender The Land Rover Defender (initially introduced as the Land Rover 110 / One Ten, and in 1984 joined by the Land Rover 90 / Ninety, plus the new, extra-length Land Rover 127 in 1985) is a series of British off-road cars and pickup trucks. They c ...

chassis (Polish modification Huzar). The system was delivered in 2007 and was designated locally as Aster (not to confuse with Aster missiles). In 2006 Indonesia ordered the second such system, delivered in 2010.

References

{{Commons category, POPRAD surface-to-air missile system Military vehicles introduced in the 2010s Self-propelled anti-aircraft weapons Armoured fighting vehicles of Poland Science and technology in Poland