WB Group has finalized another stage of modernizing air defence assets operated by a NATO ally. ARM-28 upgrade for the ZU-23-2 AAA system enhances its combat capabilities. Thanks to the upgrade implemented by the Arex facility (Arex Facility for Automation and Measurement Instruments, part of the WB Group), the AAA system in question has become more lethal in use against UAVs, helicopters, and other air threats. High-intensity conflict in Europe has made the NATO allies aware of how big of a threat is posed by small-size air assets. That category of threats includes cruise missiles, suicide aircraft, and gliding bombs. AAA systems may be used to effectively counter those types of threats. The threat also inspired a high demand for making the currently operated equipment far more capable. Weapons systems usually have lifecycles of several decades. Over that time they may undergo upgrades or modifications. Enhanced performance allows for further use of legacy systems, and ensures their lethality.
The ZAUP Arex company is the WB Group’s Center of Excellence for electromechanical systems that are a part of various weapons. The offer of the Gdynia-based enterprise includes the ARM-28 upgrade for the 23 mm ZU-23-2 AAA system, bringing the solution up to a standard relevant in the 21st Century. The upgrade package is a modular one – this allows for easy and rapid integration of new functional blocks with the legacy system. The modular nature of ARM-28 also makes it easy to rapidly repair the system. ARM-28 upgraded systems gain new usability and functionalities. Digitally controlled electric drives of ARM-28 make it possible to accurately, and digitally control the movement of the system, with high speed of line of sight change. The operator’s panel also allows for the definition of no-engagement zones. The system may be guided toward the threat manually, semi-automatically, or automatically, using an external fire control system.
The ARM-28 package also includes a modern optoelectronic sight allowing the user to employ the OFZT/BZT legacy rounds, as well as the modern APDS-T projectiles. The modernization also reduced the number of personnel required to handle the system. Electromechanical Equipment ARM-28 cooperates with modern optoelectronic sights that allow shooting with both traditional ammunition (HEI-T, APIT) and modern sub-caliber ammunition APDS-T. Electromechanical Equipment can be integrated with surface homing surface-to-air missile (SAM) mounted on a cannon. Modernization allows for programming of forbidden zones in azimuth and elevation, autocannon operation modes – manual, semi-automatic and automatic, as well as for the crew number reduction from 5 to 4 operators. Thanks to controlled digitally electric drives (with emergency manual drive) it is possible to achieve both precise guidance and high-speed gun movement.
Modernisation Scope
- electric drives for azimuth and elevation
- operator’s control panel and joystick
- sensors to measure rotation and elevation position
- sight 2C27 replaced with the electronic sight
- electric Drive Control Unit
- autonomous power supply
