They proved their effectiveness on the front and became 1 of the export hits of the Polish armory. Portable anti-aircraft rocket set (PPZR) Lightning developed by specialists from Mesko SA, Telesystem Mesko and WAT is recognized as 1 of the best weapon systems in its class. It is utilized to combat both drones and aircraft or helicopters.
Lightning anti-aircraft missile weighing 10.5 kg (the mass of the warhead is 1,82 kg) has a diameter of 72 mm and a dimension of 1596 mm. It may harm targets which are about 6.5 km distant at an altitude of 10 to 4000 m. The rocket is able to scope a velocity of up to 660 m/s. Importantly, the aircraft (airplanes, helicopters and drones) it combats must not decision more than 400 m/s erstwhile they are on a rendezvous course, i.e., colloquially speaking, they fly towards the operator of Lightning, or 320 m/s erstwhile the rocket is to follow the target.
Lightning is targeted by the detection of thermal radiation by a head equipped with a double infrared detector system. It uses advanced solutions to identify what is the mark of the attack and what is only an infrared lure (e.g. a flare). The head developed by Polish engineers is besides equipped with a double fuse: proximity and impact.
The Way to Lightning
The R & D on Lightning began at the turn of 2008 and 2009. At the time, Mesko SA and the Military method Academy formed a squad of specialists, whose task was to make the assumptions of a comprehensive modernization program Thunder rockets. Their upgrades were expected by the army. The military argued that developing systems to disrupt anti-aircraft missiles could importantly reduce the combat effectiveness of native missiles. In addition, the armed forces wanted a tool more effective than the Thunders to combat unmanned aircraft.
As part of 5 years of investigation and development, engineers have developed a fresh rocket launch mechanics and improved its drive. They besides proposed a fresh warhead with increased sensitivity and scope of mark detection, and opposition to interference and night-time performance, as well as greater effectiveness of attack by mounting a proximity detonator (except for the current impact trigger).
The military ordered PPZR Lightning in 2016. The contract worth PLN 932 million provided for the transportation of 1,300 rockets and 420 launch kits between 2017 and 2020. Unfortunately, transportation delayed due to the request to refine the rocket drive. The first Lightnings hit the line in 2019.
Lightning turned out to be 1 of the export hits of the home armory. In addition to the SZ of Poland, the United States (2022), Estonia (2022), Norway (2022), Ukraine (2022), Poland provided them with support after the Russian invasion), Latvia (2023), Slovakia (2023) and Georgia (2024).
PTZR Lightning
Weight of the set – 16.5 kg
Mass of projectile – 10.5 kg
Battlehead mass – 1,82 kg
Maximum rocket velocity – 660 m/s
Fire scope – 400 to 6500 m
Fire tallness – 10 to 4000 m
Service – 1 soldier
Manufacturer: Mesko SA
