ZSU-23-4MP Biała: Undetectable Terror

Yontzee · July 20, 2023, 2:58am

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ZSU-23-4MP Biała: Undetectable Terror

ZSU-23-4MP Biała conducting exercises. Note the GROM launcher and Optical Sight in the upward position.

Description :
- The original ZSU-23-4 Shilka was designed in the late-1950’s and early 60’s by KBP Instrument Design Bureau to replace the older ZSU-57-2 SPAAG. This was due to the rising need to incorporate RADAR systems for long range detection and early warning. The Shilka was a completely unique design, featuring a new chassis that utilized several components from the PT-76 light tank, the APZ-23 gun mount featuring 4x 2A7 23mm guns, and the RPK-2 Toboł retractable RADAR. The Shilka also utilized a 280hp diesel engine and APU to allow the vehicle to operate its electronics without the need to run the engine. The Shilka is a widely used vehicle platform even today, with multiple variants being developed such as the ZSU-23-4MZ Biryusa or ZSU-23-4M2 to meet specific mission requirements. The ZSU-23-4 Shilka and some of its variants were also accepted by Warsaw states prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union with many post-Soviet and Warsaw states still utilizing the vehicle. Some country’s developed there own variant of the Shilka such as Poland with the powerful ZSU-23-4MP Biała variant.
- The ZSU-23-4MP Biała (or white) is a Polish modification of the Soviet ZSU-23-4 Shilka that was designed in 2000 by the R&D Center in Tarnów, The system was designed to be cost effective, more affordable than the PZA Loara anti-aircraft system, and allow continued use of the Shilka platform. One of the upgrades was the replacement of the RPK-2 Toboł RADAR with a System Kierowania Ogniem capable of thermal imagery with integrated laser rangefinder. This allows the the gunner to target incoming aircraft and helicopters without detection due to the lack of RADAR emissions. This electro-optical sight is overall integrated into the vehicles new Fire Control System which significantly improves targeting capabilities of the Biała. Another upgrade is the inclusion of APDS ammunition that provides high penetration when targeting land vehicles for self-defense as well as FAPDS which can target and effectively ‘shred’ incoming aircraft. To engage targets outside of its maximum range for its guns, the Biała is equipped with 4x GROM-1 surface-to-air missiles in two dual missile launchers which can target aircraft out to 5.5km at around 580m/s which, on top of the new ammunition, effectively doubles the vehicles firepower capabilities. The vehicle is also equipped with the PG-125 illuminator, night vision scopes for the driver and commander, utilizing the TWNO-2 as well as TKN-1T. The ZSU-23-4MP Biała is equipped with the R-123 radio and R-124 telephone, legacy systems from the Soviet era as well as the TNA-2 navigation system, firefighting equipment, and not to mention the 280hp W-6R Diesel Engine and DG4M-1 Gas Turbine to power all of the equipment. Onboard electronic equipment allows the Biała to send targeting information to the Łowcza-3 which is the command and control vehicle for air-defense missions. The Biała is an overall significant improvement over the base Shilka and continues to serve within the Polish military. It was accepted into service in 2005 with around 70 active units.
Armament:
- Primary: 4x 2A7M Cannons in AZP-23 Mount (w/ 2,000rds)
  - Rounds:
    - API-T/BZT MESKO
    - APDS-T MESKO
    - FAPDS-T MESKO
  - Depression/Elevation: -4/+85 degrees
- Secondary: 2x PPZR GROM-1 Surface-to-Air Launchers (w/ 4 missiles total, 2 missiles per launcher)
  - Missile Characteristics:
    - Caliber: 72mm
    - Flight Speed: 580m/s
    - Rocket Weight: 10.25kg
    - Guidance: Infrared
    - Detonation Mechanism: Contact
    - Operation Range: 5.5km
    - Altitude: 10-3,500m
Maneuverability:
- Engine: 280hp W-6R Diesel Engine (DG4M-1 gas turbine to drive generators for electronics)
- Transmission: Manual, 5 Forward, 1 Reverse
- Chassis: GM-575 Torsion Bar
- Max Speed: 50km/h
Dimensions:
- Length: 6.54m
- Width: 3.13m
- Height: ~2.5m (w/ Optical System)
- Weight: 20.5 tons
Crew (3x):
- Driver
- Gunner
- Commander
Accessories:
- NVD
  - Driver: TWNO-2 Day/Night Periscope
  - Commander: TKN-1T Night Sight
- 2nd-generation Thermal Imager
  - Gunner: System Kierowania Ogniem (SKO)/Optoelectronic System
- Laser Rangefinder
Notes:
- The lack of RADAR along with the Thermal Optoelectronic system will allow the Biała to engage air targets at day or night and prevent aircraft from detecting the SPAAG.
- Provides unique/extremely potent feature for the German/Polish tree.
- Can use APDS/FAPDS rounds, increasing lethality and anti-armor capabilities.
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