During MSPO 2014, Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) presented to an international audience for the first time a KRYL wheeled self-propelled howitzer with 155 mm gun. The chassis was firstly shown in public in mid-July (during the opening of a new military truck production line) but now HSW presented the entire vehicle – chassis with a gun.
It was revealed that the first prototype of KRYL’s chassis is undergoing trials and examination at the Military Institute of Armoured and Automotive Technology (WITPiS) in Sulejowek. Total weight is approximately 23 tonnes. Its length is 10,30 mm, width 2,550mm and height 3,440mm. KRYL’s speed is 80km/h (on paved roads) and 20km/h (off road) while its range is 500 kilometres. The cabin is mine-resistant and provides ballistic protection (level 1 according to STANAG 4669) and can accommodate the entire crew. The engine has been moved forward, which allows for a lower vehicle – this means that KRYL will be transportable on a C-130 HERCULES aircraft (already in the Polish service). KRYL will be able to engage targets up to 40 kilometres. Poland wants to equip seven artillery squadrons with KRYL howitzers by 2025. During MSPO 2014, it was confirmed that the first KRYLs will be delivered in 2017. One year before delivery KRYL will complete tests and trials.
KRYL is equipped with Polish fire control and C2I systems and ATMOS 2000 gun (155mm/52), which is delivered by Elbit Systems (in the beginning HSW also negotiated cooperation with Nexter). HSW’s chassis for KRYL will also be used as a base for WR-300 HOMAR, which will be similar to the US HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) – a wheeled version of tracked MRLS. They will be built by HSW. The whole project is in its initial phase. The new wheeled WR-300 launcher would be a supplement of the existing HSW WR-40 LANGUSTA MRL, which has a 4 km range. KRYL’s range is between 5km (minimum) and 40 kilometres. It can fire six shells per minute.
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A gun presented at MSPO 2014 was manufactured in Israel but production of series vehicles will be conducted in Poland (from 2016 when a HSW’s barrel production plant reaches its full production capabilities).
Poland currently uses 122mm and 152mm self-propelled howitzers.
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| At MSPO 2014, it was revealed that the KRYL wheeled self-propelled howitzer will enter service in 2017. (Photos: Robert Czulda) |
It was revealed that the first prototype of KRYL’s chassis is undergoing trials and examination at the Military Institute of Armoured and Automotive Technology (WITPiS) in Sulejowek. Total weight is approximately 23 tonnes. Its length is 10,30 mm, width 2,550mm and height 3,440mm. KRYL’s speed is 80km/h (on paved roads) and 20km/h (off road) while its range is 500 kilometres. The cabin is mine-resistant and provides ballistic protection (level 1 according to STANAG 4669) and can accommodate the entire crew. The engine has been moved forward, which allows for a lower vehicle – this means that KRYL will be transportable on a C-130 HERCULES aircraft (already in the Polish service). KRYL will be able to engage targets up to 40 kilometres. Poland wants to equip seven artillery squadrons with KRYL howitzers by 2025. During MSPO 2014, it was confirmed that the first KRYLs will be delivered in 2017. One year before delivery KRYL will complete tests and trials.
KRYL is equipped with Polish fire control and C2I systems and ATMOS 2000 gun (155mm/52), which is delivered by Elbit Systems (in the beginning HSW also negotiated cooperation with Nexter). HSW’s chassis for KRYL will also be used as a base for WR-300 HOMAR, which will be similar to the US HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) – a wheeled version of tracked MRLS. They will be built by HSW. The whole project is in its initial phase. The new wheeled WR-300 launcher would be a supplement of the existing HSW WR-40 LANGUSTA MRL, which has a 4 km range. KRYL’s range is between 5km (minimum) and 40 kilometres. It can fire six shells per minute.
A gun presented at MSPO 2014 was manufactured in Israel but production of series vehicles will be conducted in Poland (from 2016 when a HSW’s barrel production plant reaches its full production capabilities).
Poland currently uses 122mm and 152mm self-propelled howitzers.
Robert Czulda