MSPO 2022: Concept showcases Wirus 4 SOF

Concept displayed the 4×4 Wirus SOF vehicle at MSPO 2022. (Janes/Christopher Petrov)

Polish manufacturer Concept showcased the lightweight 4×4 Wirus SOF vehicle at the International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO 2022 held in Kielce from 6 to 9 September. The Wirus SOF is based on the Polish army's Wirus 4 Żmija light, long-range reconnaissance vehicle. It was developed, after receiving feedback from the Polish Ministry of National Defence (MND), as a multirole platform capable of supporting missions such as long-range reconnaissance, special forces operations, and command-and-control.

The 3.5 tonne vehicle is based on the commercially available Mitsubishi L200 chassis, with the 180 hp Mitsubishi 2.4 litre turbo-diesel engine, producing a speed of more than 100 km/h. Concept is responsible for constructing the body using light composite materials. The vehicle in its basic form is unarmoured, but customers can request anti-mine protection of its underbody from roadside mines up to NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4569 level 1.

The Wirus SOF can sit up to eight, including the driver. It can be fitted with a WB Group ZSU-03 remotely operated weapon station (ROWS) with a 12.7 mm machine gun (MG). Up to two pintle-type mounts for locally produced PKM MGs can be fitted to the passenger side of the vehicle for operation by the front and rear passengers. The ROWS can also be equipped with a UKM 2000C 7.62 mm MG and the side mounts with UKM 2000S 7.62 mm MGs from Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów (ZMT).