12 September 2022

MSPO 2022: OSU-35K weapon system breaks cover

by Jakub Link-Lenczowski

The Polish Navy's MCMVs are to be fitted with the OSU-35K by the end of 2022. (Jakub Link-Lenczowski)

PIT-Radwar presented the OSU-35K naval weapon system for the first time at MSPO 2022 in Kielce.

The OSU-35K is armed with the 35 mm calibre AM-35K automatic cannon – a licenced version of Oerlikon's KDA cannon – and features a dedicated opto-electronic tracking sensor. The system is capable of engaging both naval and aerial targets with various types of ammunition.

The prototype OSU-35K is under factory trials and is scheduled to be mounted onboard the Polish navy's mine countermeasures vessel (MCMV) ORP Albatros (602) later this year.

During the factory tests, the OSU-35K engaged aerial targets at a maximum distance of 5,500 m and an altitude of up to 3,500 m, with a rate of fire of 550 rounds per minute. The weapon is dual-fed from two magazines, with a capacity of 100 rounds each. Frangible armour-piercing discarding sabot (FAPDS) and programmable air-burst munition rounds can be used, with the gunner able to switch between types. Janes understands that the system has demonstrated an accuracy of one-metre dispersion at a distance of 1,000 m.

In addition to the cannon, the OSU-35K includes a ZGS-35K tracking sensor, a BSKO-35K fire-control system, and an RSKO-35K auxiliary fire-control station supported by a Mode 5 IFF interrogator (Mark XIIA). The OSU-35K was developed as the weapon station for the Kormoran II MCMVs.

The weapon system has a composite structure and weighs 3,300 kg (without ammunition). It can be operated via a dedicated control station or connected to the ship's combat management system (CMS). Janes has learnt that tests with the Kormoran II CMS have taken place.

PIT-Radwar presented the OSU-35K naval weapon system for the first time at MSPO 2022 in Kielce.

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