Land Forces
HIMARS Placed On The Chassis Of The Kryl Howitzer
Lądownik Schiaparelli, fot. Airbus Defence and Space SAS 2014 A. Gilbert, ESA
During the MSPO 2015 exhibition, a concept of the Homar [Lobster] multiple rocket launch system, utilizing some elements of the HIMARS system and the Jelcz 663.32 chassis was presented. The Jelcz chassis applied in this case is exactly the same as the one used in case of the Kryl self-propelled howitzer.
The concept of the HIMARS system on the Jelcz chassis used by the Kryl howitzer was demonstrated by the Lockheed Martin company. A scale-model of the Jelcz 663.32 vehicle with the HIMARS launcher placed on the chassis was presented during the MSPO exhibition in Kielce.
HIMARS offered by Lockheed Martin is one of the multiple rocket launch systems which are being considered within the scope of the Homar programme, pursued by the Polish Army. The system is capable of using all of the projectiles utilized in case of the MLRS launcher – both the MLRS/GMLRS rockets, as well as the tactical ballistic ATACMS missiles, with a range of up to 300 kilometres. There is a possibility of applying a container based launcher for six GMLRS rockets, or for a single ATACMS missile.
The invitation letter, inviting the Huta Stalowa Wola company to take part in the negotiations related to the Homar programme has been sent in March this year. The programme is going to be realized by a consortium involving (besides HSW), the WZU plant in Grudziądz, along with Mesko SA and WB Electronics companies, all of which are going to cooperate with the foreign partner. While the electronic devices (including the fire control system) for Homar are developed, experience gathered within the prior programmes, including the Regina initiative, are going to be used. The said Regina initiative allowed the Polish industry to develop the Krab self-propelled howitzer.
Huta Stalowa Wola owns the Jelcz Sp. z o.o. plant. This company manufactures the chassis for the Kryl system. Jelcz 663.32 vehicle is powered by the MTU 6R 106 engine – same as the one used in the Jelcz 442.32 vehicles which are replacing the Star 266 heavy duty vehicles in the Polish Army.