In early April of this year, it became known about the agreement between Ukraine and Poland for the supply of three battery sets of 120mm Rak mortars to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
At the same time, it is known that during 2016-2021, the production rate was 16 vehicles per year, meaning two battery sets. A battery set of Rak mortars consists of eight mortars, four command vehicles, three transport vehicles, two reconnaissance vehicles, and one repair vehicle. So, a complete set comprises 18 vehicles. Therefore, three battery sets would amount to 54 vehicles, with 24 of them being self-propelled mortars.
And here, our defenders have demonstrated how they are already operating in the field against Russian occupying forces with the 120mm self-propelled mortars Rak produced by the Polish company Huta Stalowa Wola.
For now, it remains unknown how many of these mortars the Armed Forces of Ukraine have received in total. Judging from the published photos, the brigade is equipped with the wheeled version of the Polish mortar system Rak.
Let’s delve more into this mortar complex.
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Rak by HSW is a 120mm wheeled self-propelled mortar system based on the chassis of the 8×8 Rosomak armored personnel carrier. Rak is designed and manufactured by the Polish defense company HSW (Huta Stalowa Wola), which is part of the state-owned Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) holding.
The 120 mm self-propelled mortar system Rak is operated by a three-person crew. It can be ready to fire on the move in less than 30 seconds and leave the firing position in less than 15 seconds after completing the mission. Interestingly, the 120 mm self-propelled mortar system has a firing rate of 6 to 8 rounds per minute. This allows the crew to effectively handle the assigned tasks.
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The “Rak” project was developed by HSW starting from 2006, commissioned by the Ministry of Defense of Poland. Its aim was to create a combat module in the form of a turret with a 120mm mortar and other equipment compatible with various carriers. The main design work was completed in 2009, and shortly after, the first prototype was presented. Subsequently, other prototypes were built, including those on different chassis.
The first prototype of the vehicle was presented at the defense exhibition MSPO 2015, and the production of Rak mortars began in September 2015. In April 2016, a contract was announced for the delivery of 64 Rak M120K vehicles to the Polish Armed Forces. The order included 64 Rak M120K mortars and 32 all-wheel-drive command and staff vehicles on the same 8×8 Rosomak chassis. By the end of April 2016, the signing of a five-year framework agreement with Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) was completed, with the first delivery scheduled for the same year. The contract stipulated that the Polish Land Forces would receive two sets of mortars each year, totaling eight sets by 2020. Each set was equipped with four Rak 120mm mortars and an AWD command post, as well as two additional AWD vehicles for the commander and deputy commander of the platoon.
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As I mentioned earlier, the self-propelled mortar system Rak is based on the chassis of the 8×8 Rosomak armored vehicle. In the rear part of the fully welded steel hull, there is a large turret. The turret and hull are made of fully welded steel armor, providing protection for the crew against small arms fire of 7.62mm caliber, artillery shell fragments of 155mm caliber, hand grenades, unexploded artillery shell submunitions, and other small anti-personnel explosive devices. The armored vehicle itself has a protection level of 1 STANAG 4569. The system is operated by a three-person crew: driver, commander, and gunner.
The mortar vehicle is 7.7 m in length and 2.8 m in width. The driver is located in the front part of the hull, while the commander and gunner occupy positions in the turret. Access to the interior is provided through a roof hatch and rear doors in the hull.
The vehicle is equipped with standard equipment and systems, such as day and night observation devices for the commander, an omnidirectional reconnaissance system, a ballistic computer, a TALIN inertial navigation system, a global positioning system (GPS), an integrated digital communication radio, a laser warning system, a hunter-killer system, and a battlefield management system.
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The self-propelled 122 mm mortar system Rak is powered by a turbocharged Scania DI1249A03P diesel engine, coupled with a ZF 7HP 902S Ecomat automatic transmission featuring 7 forward gears and 1 reverse gear. The engine delivers a power output of 490 hp. The 8×8 chassis is similar to the Rosomak armored personnel carrier, equipped with hydro-pneumatic suspension. The vehicle can achieve a maximum speed of 80 km/h on highways and has a maximum range of 500 km.
These vehicles can handle gradients of up to 60% and a side slope of 35%. They can ford a depth of 1.5 meters without preparation and overcome a trench with a width of 2.1 meters and a vertical obstacle of up to 0.5 meters.
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The self-propelled mortar Rak 8×8 is equipped with a large turret installed in the rear of the hull, armed with a 120mm mortar with a breech-loading system, including an automatic loading system. To enhance shooting accuracy, the 120mm mortar is aimed at the target using the computerized fire control system from WB Electronics. The 120mm mortar, with a barrel length of 3000mm, has an elevation angle from -3º to +80º, and the turret can rotate 360°. Rotation and elevation mechanisms are controlled electronically, but manual control is possible in case of emergencies or system malfunctions. In direct fire mode, the 120mm mortar has a minimum firing range of 500m and a maximum range from 8000 to 15000m (with extended-range ammunition).
The vehicle carries a total of 46 120mm mortar rounds and corresponding charges, and the automatic loading system enables a firing rate of 6 to 8 rounds per minute. In total, 20 rounds are stored in the automatic loading system for immediate use, while an additional 26 rounds are stored in the combat compartment of the complex. Loading of new rounds is done through two small doors at the rear of the turret. The direct fire optoelectronic sight includes a thermal imaging camera and a laser rangefinder, and the automated aiming system, along with the computerized fire control system from WB Electronics, ensures precise targeting of objectives.
Additional armament includes a 7.62mm machine gun mounted in the commander’s hatch at the top of the turret. Four 81mm smoke grenade launchers are installed on each side of the main armament in front of the turret.
In addition to the modern and quality Topaz fire control system, which enables interaction with other units, the mortar also boasts high technical characteristics. The 120mm M120K Rak mortar can launch projectiles up to 12 km (a standard 120mm mortar shell has a maximum flight range of up to 8 km). This capability is achieved not only with standard shells for Rak but also with an extended-range shell developed by Dezamet SA. Additionally, there is a precision-guided APR 120 shell from Mesko, featuring semi-laser guidance.
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The standard equipment of the Rak self-propelled mortar system includes a ballistic computer, the TALIN 5000 inertial navigation system (GPS signal, odometer), a digital radio station integrated with the FONET communication management system (RRC 9311 AP), a battlefield management system with tactical information displayed on a digital map for the commander, automatic interaction with external C4I fire control systems, a ballistic computer, laser warning system OBRA, and the computerized fire control system by WB Electronics.
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Regarding potential applications, mortar fire is crucial on the front lines, both for repelling enemy infantry assaults and supporting one’s own advances. It enables the destruction or disruption of fortified enemy positions beyond direct line of sight.
Based on feedback from our defenders, the Polish self-propelled mortar system Rak has integrated well into existing mechanized and airborne brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The only potential concern could be the wheeled chassis, as during intense battles, the wheels may be damaged by enemy shrapnel, leading to temporary loss of maneuverability. Additionally, the off-road capability of wheeled vehicles is not as good as tracked ones. However, on the flip side, the rapid firing rate and maneuverability of the M120K Rak are attractive features.
In the current conditions of fierce battles with occupiers, every precision projectile, every combat vehicle, every air defense system, every guided missile, every self-propelled mortar system, every drone is extremely crucial. Therefore, we sincerely want to express our gratitude to our Western friends and partners for their assistance and support. There is nowhere for the aggressors to escape from accountability. Glory to Ukraine! Death to the enemies! Glory to the Armed Forces of Ukraine!
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