Continuing the topic of the Hiro (Hero) family of barrage ammunition, which was opened in the first part , we will consider a number of issues directly related to the use of this category of weapons.
Tactics of using barrage ammunition
According to the manufacturer, the procedure for deploying Hiro systems is relatively simple. Depending on the design, the ammunition is launched either from a portable container or using a multifunctional PU mounted on a combat platform. The flight of the barrage ammunition (BB) to the target area occurs autonomously along the trajectory and altitude set by the shooter (operator).
Scheme of combat use of BB "Hiro"Once in the target area, the ammunition goes into a circular flight.
At the same time, Hiro sensors can be used to detect and identify targets from a safe distance. On his control unit (protected tablet) in real time, the shooter observes the image generated by a video camera or thermal imager and orients them in space as needed.
If a potential target is identified, the operator uses the touch screen to indicate the direction and angle of approach, the method of detonation (remote or strike) and by pressing the button initiates the attack. When this is done, an interrupt symbol will appear on the screen. Then the shooter can continue to observe the attack live. If necessary – if, for example, civilians are approaching the target who should not be harmed – the operator can interrupt the attack even a few meters before the target by pressing the cancel symbol.
Control unitThanks to the X-shaped design of the wings, the Hiro BB has extreme maneuverability, allowing it to perform steep turns at very short distances in flight.
As a result, after pressing the cancel symbol, the system returns to its barrage echelon and, thus, is transferred to a state suitable for resuming visits to the target or executing other orders.
Alternatively, the ammunition after launch autonomously gets to the target area, where it is taken over by another serviceman. As a result, even small units, such as special forces groups, can get significant firepower without having to deliver weapons to their area of operations on their own.
In addition, in order to combat several targets, several systems can be taken sequentially by one operator, barraging at different heights. Depending on the situation, simultaneous management of the BB can also be carried out. For comparison, such a possibility of attacking multiple targets is offered either by larger aircraft (fighters) or by MALE-class attack UAVs. At the same time, the techniques of their detection and protection against them are much better developed than the tactics of countering inconspicuous barrage ammunition.
Modularity
The design of the Hiro family has a modular structure that allows you to easily replace or integrate certain components at the request of the client. So, in the middle of 2021, the US Marine Corps, as part of the Organic Precision Fire Mounted (OPF-M) competition, chose the Hero-120 version, in which it is planned to integrate the FGM-148F Javelin ATGM warhead.
Start from a portable containerIndividual communication with the drone can also be carried out using already implemented radio systems and at the desired frequency ranges, for which uVision equips BB "Hiro" with appropriate communication modules.
The latter seems relevant to developers, since modern and promising equipment of military personnel of Western armies (for example, the "Infantryman of the Future" system of the Bundeswehr) usually includes radio equipment and an appropriate intelligent device (computer). Such equipment is carried by almost every soldier or every advanced aviation gunner, or every group of combined tactical fire support. As a result, properly trained personnel will be able to take control of the barrage ammunition already in the air and attack designated targets without having to carry heavy equipment.
Combat training
uVision engineers see their core competence in control software and avionics, which provide particularly simple maintenance and control of the BB. According to L.Arisa, the duration of training ordinary soldiers to confidently control the "Hiro" under stress does not exceed two weeks. Maintaining skills is also easy, economical and mobile. All the necessary equipment for training fits in one suitcase and includes a laptop, a control unit and a launcher.
Since the interaction of soldiers with BB in combat is practically limited only to the control of the system, namely: sensor control and deciding whether and which target to attack – training and training is also advisable to focus on these aspects. As a result, in most cases, the actual BB launches and their flights are not required. BB flight and tactical scenarios are easily simulated on the instructor's laptop, where both elements of the tactical situation and the influence of environmental factors are displayed.
Launcher on a car chassisEffectiveness
During the January press briefing, in order to illustrate the capabilities of the Hiro family, several videos of real Hero-30, Hero-120 and Hero-400EC flights were demonstrated. The models showed the accuracy of hitting the target less than one meter.
Among others, a video was shown in which a BB, launched from a floating platform, hit a target located on a speedboat. At the same time, the boat itself was moving at high speed in an area with suppressed GPS signals. The exploration of the boat at sea was conducted using a thermal imager. Then, using the optical channel of the Hiro sensor system, the operator identified the target (suitcase), and then controlled the attack. Despite the high speed of the boat, the Hiro hit the suitcase with high accuracy.
According to the comments of the manufacturer's representatives, the combat effectiveness shown is achieved due to the high maneuverability of the BB and the high final speed of its approach to the target (more than 300 km / h). This allows the weapon system to approach and hit moving targets (including cars) from behind.
In addition, a test scenario was shown in which the Hero-30 attacked only one of two targets located nearby at a distance of 7 m and imitating people. According to the speaker, the test was successful. Experts believe that even getting into individual windows of the building is not a problem for the Hiro BB family.
Thus, the presented family of barrage ammunition is considered by German and Israeli experts as an effective and powerful means of destruction, capable of opening up new opportunities for modern armed forces in all battle scenarios. uVision actively and successfully promotes its products to Western markets. From mid-2022, it is planned to start production of Hiro systems for the needs of the US Armed Forces and integrate the Hero-120 model with the LAV-25 mortar system at the request of the USMC.
Within the framework of cooperation with Rheinmetall, the Israelis intend to gain a foothold in the European markets. It is believed that partners will be able to successfully complement each other. uVision offers proven and ready-to-sell BB technologies. In turn, Rheinmetall has extensive market knowledge. Additionally, the German side will take on the issues of qualification and compliance with European and NATO standards. The possibility of integrating the Hiro family with manned and unmanned platforms manufactured by Rheinmetall is being considered. Specifically, it was about the BMP "Lynx" (Lynx) and the ground-based robotic complex "Mission Master" (Mission Master).
It should be added to the above that in November 2021, the press secretary of the Federal Office for Armaments, Information Technology and the Use of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw), speaking to the German media, said that the agency was instructed to conduct a study in the field of barrage ammunition. The works, which will last several years, include an overview of the global market. Experts from German industry and the Bundeswehr will contribute to the event. The results are expected in the second half of November 2023. The result should be a plan for the introduction of this category of weapons in the German Armed Forces. Other details and the focus of the study are classified.
Based on the materials of the resource soldat-und-technik.de
