PL-01

PL-01 is a Polish "Direct Support Vehicle" design created by OBRUM in partnership with BAE Systems. The concept vehicle project was first unveiled at the International Defence Industry Exhibition in Kielce on 2 September 2013. A full prototype is estimated to be completed in 2016, and in the case where the project is finalised and approved following evaluation, mass production is scheduled to begin in 2018.

Design
The layout of the PL-01 is similar to that of modern standard main battle tanks, with the driver located at the front of the vehicle and an unmanned turret mounted in the rear. Within the hull are the commander and gunner, and the rear part of the fuselage can carry four soldiers. The vehicle chassis is based on that of the Combat Vehicle 90.

The vehicle armour has a modular ceramic-aramid shell, which is designed to provide protection compatible with NATO standard STANAG 4569 Annex A at level 5+ within the front portion of the hull and turret. Additional armour panels are mounted on the turret and hull, and are designed to provide full protection against projectiles. The hull of the vehicle provides protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and landmines in accordance with appendix B parts 4a and 4b of the STANAG 4569 standard. The entire vehicle will be covered with radio wave absorbent material.

PL-01 is to be equipped with a 940 hp+ diesel engine coupled to a torque converter, automatic gearbox and driving assistance mechanism. The suspension is based on seven wheels, with the drive shafts having active damping of torsion bars mounted on the first and last two pairs. The vehicle can reach speeds of up to 70 kph on paved roads and 50 kph in rough terrain with a maximum range of 500 km. It can overcome an inclination of 30 degrees, ditches and trenches to a width of 2.6 m, and cross water obstacles with a depth of up to 1.5 m without preparation, and up to 5 m deep with preparation.

Weapons
The primary weapon of the PL-01 is a 105 or 120 mm caliber gun fitted within the unmanned turret, in accordance with NATO standards. The cannon will be able to shoot both conventional projectiles and guided anti-tank rockets. The autoloader ensures a shot fire rate of 6 per minute. The vehicle carries 45 rounds, of which 16 are located in slots within the turret and ready to fire, and the remainder stored within the chassis compartment. The tank is also armed with a 7.62 mm caliber UKM-2000C machine gun with an ammunition supply of 1,000 rounds.

Additional equipment is to be installed in a remote-controlled module. Presently the designs include a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm caliber machine gun with a supply of 750 rounds and 400 rounds of 40 mm grenades. Also equipped is an active defense system which intercepts incoming missiles and smoke grenade launchers built into the turret.

All equipment will be electronically stabilized, and observation and sighting systems will come with laser rangefinders, day-night cameras and third generation thermal imaging, with visual data displayed on a screen.

Equipment
The PL-01 will be fitted with a fire extinguishing system in the turret and hull, internal radio communication system, active anti-projectile protection system, battlefield management system, cooling exhaust system, thermal masking system, and air conditioning filters. The crew are provided with special seats to minimize the physical effects of nearby explosions. In addition, the vehicle may be equipped with a satellite navigation system and friend-foe identification system.

Variants
The vehicle can be configured as a command vehicle, armoured vehicle repair, or mine clearance vehicle.