- Yes
- No
BWP-1M Puma-1 with UT-30
History
On November 10, 2005, the formal decision approving the completion of the R&D project “Modernization of the BWP-1, codename Puma-1” was issued. Unfortunately, it turned into a 3-year break, and the program was finally launched on October 13, 2008. Although not as a modernization program, but as another development project that was supposed to end on June 30, 2010.
At this stage, only two systems remained under consideration: the Samson RCWS-30 developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and the UT-30 produced by Elbit Systems.
Both turrets during trials in May 2009
On November 2008, two bids were submitted to Poland’s Ministry of National Defence (MON) Department of Armament Policy (DPZ) for the execution of the program. The project involved building and testing two BWP-1M prototypes, selecting a battlefield management system, and introducing new remote-controlled turret systems.
The first bid was prepared by Huta Stalowa Wola in cooperation with Metalexport-S. The second was submitted by Wojskowe Zakłady Motoryzacyjne (WZM) in Poznań, which had conducted earlier R&D work on the BWP-1 modernization in consortium with Bumar. DPZ MON ultimately selected the second proposal, valued at approximately 40 million PLN.
The project deadline was set for March 2011, several months later than originally planned. The contract itself was signed in March 2009, but work progressed rapidly. By May 18, 2009, preparations for testing were already well underway.
Shortly before the start of the main trials, conducted under the supervision of DPZ MON and representatives of WZM and Bumar, Elbit Systems carried out the first publicly confirmed firing of a Spike-LR from a launcher integrated with the UT-30 turret. The test took place on the evening of May 12, 2009, at the Drawsko training ground. The missile successfully struck a target approximately 4,000 meters away a wreck of T-55 tank.
on training grounds in Drawsko-Pomorskie
According to information released by the Ministry of National Defence, the results of the turret trials conducted in May were highly unsatisfactory. One turret met only 39% of the specified tactical and technical requirements, while the other achieved just 41%. Additionally, during climatic testing, both systems became inoperable at temperatures of -20°C.
It was also noted that the weight of both turrets significantly exceeded the 1,500 kg limit defined in the requirements, by as much as 700 kg. This limit was crucial for maintaining the amphibious capability of the BWP-1. The excess weight was partly due to additional armor not required under the Polish tender specifications.
As a result of these shortcomings, the Ministry of National Defence decided to formally settle and terminate the Puma program. The BWP-1 modernization initiative under the Puma codename was subsequently removed from the list of 14 key Operational Programs outlining the Polish Armed Forces modernization priorities for 2010-2018.
Characteristics
Armament
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Turret: UT-30
- Horizontal guidance speed: 60 deg/s
- Vertical guidance speed: 40 deg/s
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30 mm Bushmaster Mk.44
- Elevation: -16°/+60°
- Two-plane stabilizer
- Fire rate: 200 rds/m
- Ammo capacity: 200 rds ready racked
-
Ammo: Standard 30 mm
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7,62 mm FN MAG
- Ammo capacity: 690 rounds
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2 x Spike LR launcher
- Ammo capacity: 2 ready to use
Mobility
- Crew (3): Driver, Commander, Gunner
- Engine: UTD-20
- power: 221 kW / ≈300 PS @ 2300 rpm
- Transmission:
- Gears: 5 forward, 1 reverse
- Max speed: 65 km/h
- Turret combat weight: ? kg
Optics, electronics
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Gunner optic:
- Daylight camera
- Thermal camera
- 2nd generation
- Laser rangefinder
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Commander optic:
- Daylight camera
- Thermal camera
- 2nd generation
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Hunter-Killer capability
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Videotracker
Dimensions
Overall length: 6735 mm
Overall width : 2940 mm
Height with turret: ? mm
Summarized characteristics
- Crew (3)
- Driver, gunner, commander
- 30mm Bushmaster Mk.44
- Ammo:
- Elevation: -16°/+60°
- Two-plane stabilizer
- Fire rate: (200 rds/m)
- 2 x Spike LR launcher
- Gunner sight
- 2nd Gen thermals
- Commander sight
- 2nd Gen thermals
- Laser Rangefinder
- Video tracker
- Turret combat weight: ? t
- Engine: UTD-20 221 kW / ≈300 PS @ 2600 rpm
- Max speed: 65 km/h
- Length 6,73 m Width: 2,94 m Height: ? m
Sources
Broshures/Books/Magazines/Manufacturer
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Raport Wojsko Technika Obronność 2008/11
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Raport Wojsko Technika Obronność 2009/06
