Future Soldier Prague - Bumar’s Future Soldier Programme ULAN 21

Polish Bumar are presenting their upgrades of the future soldier system ULAN 21, aka TYTAN. Although there are no final requirements for such a system set by the Polish MoD yet, Bumar is still in the development phase and altogether 13 companies are taking part. They are looking at four systems:

• Surveillance & reconnaissance (aimsides and goggles); 
• Uniform & protection (garment, helmet and ballistic vests), 
• Armament (MSBS 5.56mm, 40mm LV/MV and a new sniper rifle), and 
• C4I.

These individual subsystems are integrated into one advanced technical and ergonomic system. Bumar is planning to introduce such a system in three or more steps, and a contract could be signed by the beginning of next year. The first phase is ready for series production, with a first step into C4I. The 2nd step would follow 2016 and FOC in 2018/19.

The observation & reconnaissance system consist of, thermal aiming sight, collimator aiming sight, night vision monocular, helmet mounted display, fire control system, laser warning system, laser range finder, target pointer and illuminator, and a observation and measuring binocular. Situational awareness, effectiveness and survivability in the battlefield can be boosted.

Weapons for the system are completely new, as well: A new semiautomatic 9x19mm PARA pistol (very light with carbon material, but still under development), a handheld 40mm launcher for LM/range 400m or MV/Range 800 metres. Bumar is showcasing the pre-series model of the RGP-40 multi-shot grenade launcher in Prague. Another new weapon under development is the marksman SKW-338 BORT semi-auto rifle for up to 1,200m, with a lot of titanium parts, taking another two years until series production. Already in series production is the MSBS 5.56 mm Modular Small Arms System, completed by a light machine gun and anti tank grenade launcher.

The protection and carrying system is responsible for cloaking, protection against environmental conditions, ballistic protection and protection against WMDs. Therefore the systems contains a new helmet, integrated bulletproof vest, new combat uniform, gas mask, and eye protection.

The most challenging part is the C4I system, which consists of a personal communicator, wideband IP radio, health monitoring module, contamination monitoring module, headset, GPS and internal navigation, power management system, and a human-machine interface.