Distance to the shield – almost 1,200 metres. Crew task – set cannon targeting instruments, burden the missile, leave the vehicle. Then, utilizing a cord outside with a mechanical trigger, to fire. On the Biedrusk camp, soldiers were investigating the weapons of K2 tanks from the Center for the Training of Land Forces. The test confirmed they were ready for duty.
Korean K2 tanks, besides called the Black Panthers, is 1 of the newest acquisitions of the Polish army. The machines gradually scope the units of the 16th Mechanized Division. In October, 4 wagons were besides sent to the Center for the Training of Land Forces in Poznań. Reason? shortly there will be courses for the line crews. Before that, however, the tanks themselves had to be prepared for service.
– This process consisted of respective stages. The machines had to be entered into the records. Our technicians under the supervision of South Korean specialists supplemented them with liquids and then checked the operation of all mechanisms – says Colonel Maciej Łukarski, commander of the battalion of combat vehicles at CSWL. The final phase was to shoot down the weapon, which was to check the accuracy of the cannon, which was carried out at the camp in Biedrusek.
The task of soldiers who formed crews of tanks was, among another things, to synchronise day and night sights with cannon, or alleged vision. The tankers then tracked the target, or shield located little than 1,200 metres away, loaded the bullet into the barrel and ... left the vehicle. – The shot itself was initiated utilizing the external cable with the trigger. specified a procedure is guided by safety considerations," said Colonel Łukarski. In the next stage, soldiers from inside the tank fired on shields already 1,800 metres away. The test was successful. “The K2 weaponry is full operational,” the officer emphasizes and adds that the machines at the scope confirmed their large capabilities. I had a shot myself. I can only confirm that K2 is an excellent tank. The accuracy and ease of fire are truly awesome here. I only regret that at the time erstwhile I was inactive a platoon commander in a linear unit, our army did not have specified equipment – noted Colonel Łukarski.
Technical shooting was the last test for K2 Poznań. The tanks, as the officer assures, are ready for duty. – In January the first of 10 week courses will start. It will take part in the participation of subjects from the direction of the armored Academy of Land Forces in Wrocław. By the way, we plan to start training further instructors – said Colonel Łukarski. In the Poznań centre there are specialists who have already gained the cut in South Korea. However, the unit intends to grow its staff. All the more reason for another Black Panther to come to CSWL next year. There's expected to be a dozen. In total, the Polish army bought 180 K2 tanks.
Meanwhile, the Poznań centre has been training tank crews and maintenance technicians for any time. Abrams tanks. The classes were initially conducted by instructors from the United States. However, they are now gradually giving up their seats to CSWL instructors. At the same time, the training infrastructure is being expanded in Biedrusek. There will be garages with logistical facilities and a building where simulators will be located. There are already 2 tank ranges moving and a renewed driving course.
The Center for Training of the Land Army is developing and becoming a key centre for the Polish army, whose task is to prepare soldiers to operate modern armored vehicles.
