54 soldiers from the 1st Artillery Brigade over a period trained in Oleck to operate the lobster-K rocket launchers. They trained under the supervision of specialists from the Korean company, the launcher manufacturer. The training was besides attended by instructors from the WB Group who taught crews of lobsters to operate the Topaz fire management system.
1 Mazury Artillery Brigade received the first lobster-K launcher in August, which means a colonized version of the South Korean system Chunmoo rocket artillery. Korean launchers were placed on the Jelcza 8x8 platform and equipped, among others, with a Polish automated fire control kit Topaz. Today, a unit from Węgorzewa has 24 lobsters-K, and its soldiers are systematically learning how to operate them.
Lobster opens fire!
For the last month, 54 soldiers were trained in Oleck. They learned to operate rocket launchers and usage Topaz system. Representatives of the maker of the Polish fire control strategy and specialists from South Korea took part in the exercises.
– The training was divided into 3 stages. During the first 5 days there were fire classes utilizing the Topaz kit. The representatives of the WB Group, the supplier of the system, were liable for them. Finally, the soldiers had to pass an examination to test their skills – explains Major Magdalena Kościńska, press spokesperson of the 16th Mechanized Division, which is subject to the Mazurian brigade.
When the artillerymen successfully completed this stage, they could decision on to the next one. Now they've had training with rocket launchers. Everything under the guidance of the instructors from the company Hanwha Aerospace, Chunmoo Manufacturer. – For the next 15 days there were applicable classes with lobster-K service. Experts from Korea explained the safety procedures and principles of the components. They besides conducted training utilizing the fire control system, from charging and unloading of rocket containers, says Major Kościńska. – Each soldier passed a applicable exam with tasks related to the launcher operation. They were all certified to operate a multi-guided lobster-K rocket launcher and execute tasks with its use.
Let us remind you that the launcher crew consists of 3 soldiers: commander, operator and driver. Each of the trainees received a certificate appropriate to the tasks corresponding to his position in the crew.
Finally, the soldiers learned how to operate communication systems. The training was again attended by experts from the Polish company WB Group.
Firepower
The lobster-K systems are equipped with 2 rocket trays that can accommodate 2 types of rockets. Each tray contains, depending on the ammunition, six 239 mm guided rockets with a scope of up to 80 km or 1 600 mm guided tactical rocket that can harm targets at a distance of up to 290 km.
Under agreements signed with Koreans, the Polish Army will receive 290 lobster-K launchers. In addition to the 1st Artillery Brigade, they are besides equipped with the 18th Artillery Regiment of fresh Dęby, which is part of the 18th Mechanized Division.
