A tactical multi-purpose vehicle of the next generation Heron 6x6 was ordered last year with the WR-40 Langust rocket launchers in mind. Now HSW presents Heron to meet the command requirements of the full battalion. “We have worked mainly for artillery so far. We would like to enter the military level – says Bartłomiej Bednarczyk, the HSW constructor.
Heron is simply a full armoured 6x6 vehicle designed as a mobile command post, including for rocket artillery sub-units. Its intent is to cooperate with the launchers WR-40 Langust, lobster-A and lobster-K. In the presented version at this year's MSPO supply continuous communication and control at battalion level.
Heron with Jasmine
– Our main nonsubjective was to present a mobile command post. The heart of the strategy is BMS Jasmin system, i.e. integrated ICT package with tactical terminals, intercom and command support software. This strategy is resistant to interference and cyber attacks – says Bartłomiej Bednarczyk, designer Stalowa Wola Huta, which explains at the HSW stand the possibilities of Heron's prototype 6x6.
The vehicle can be equipped with a C-OBRA self-guard strategy (integrated with ROSY launchers), a fire protection strategy and a filter ventilation system. It features independent suspension, adjustable clearance, and besides has a torsional first and 3rd axle, which increases its maneuverability.
Cooled by liquid, not air
Unlike Heron, which was presented a year ago, the fresh prototype has a Caterpillar C9.3B engine with a power of 580 hp cooled with liquid alternatively of an air-cooled Tatra engine. – This change was 1 of the main requirements that the military had set us – the designer revealed. Heron 6x6 was besides equipped with a remote-controlled weapon module (ZSMU) with stabilization, daytime, thermal and laser rangefinder. With this solution, the soldiers in the vehicle can drive the fire safely and accurately.
– So far Huta Stalowa Wola mainly worked for artillery. Heron in the presented version is simply a military-wide command wagon and can be utilized as a mobile command post at battalion level," explains Bednarczyk. But we don't forget. about artillery. The same carrier in a very akin setting: 5 operators at the rear, the driver and the vehicle commander, we are selling for artillerymen as a command and relay vehicle under the Langust programme – the designer informs.
The advantage over competition is...
Bartłomiej Bednarczyk reminds that HSW participates in various projects: Gladius, Ottokar-Brosza, Langusta, lobster, WWR. “This vehicle is first created as a command and relay vehicle, but we have besides analysed Heron as a medical evacuation vehicle or an artillery reconnaissance car”, he admits. – As part of the Langust task we sale 3 DMOs (divisional fire modules – ed.). In each DMO there are 2 command and relay wagons: for the boss and deputy. These vehicles should scope Polish soldiers in 2028 – said Bednarczyk.
Presented on MSPO 2025 Heron 6x6 is simply a prototype. The plan process is underway in HSW, but the production and assembly of the first mobile command stations is expected to start as early as 2027. – We buy a chassis with a full drive strategy to Heron from the company Tatra. But: bodywork, housing, mask, effectors, payoadas, all this is on our side. Most importantly, property rights, the right to modification and production stay with us. So we are not limited by the fact that the abroad side will 1 day say that it extinguishs production or forbids any change. This is simply a large advantage over our competition," emphasised HSW representative.
