Reliability, tiny weight, modular construction, the ability to mount on ships, smaller vessels, and even marine unmanned craft – these are only any of the advantages of ZMU-05N. The latest version of the remotely controlled weapon module was presented by the WB Group during DSEI Japan, the most prestigious defence fair in the Asia-Pacific region.
ZMU (a distant weapon module) is light unmanned turrets developed by Arex, which is part of the WB Group. The turrets are adapted to mount various types of caliber weapons from 5.56 mm to 40 mm. Participants of the nipponese DSEI fair could see the ZMU-05 model for land vehicles (Defender award winner at Kielce arms fair in 2024). But the Polish maker besides presented ZMU-05N for the first time – a turret constructed for vessels.
The module was already produced in a limited series and passed the first interior test of the manufacturer. According to Remigius Wilk, manager of WB Group communication, only a mock-up was shown in Japan, the launch of the turret will take place in autumn at the global Defence manufacture Salon in Kielce.
The maker emphasizes that ZMU-05N stands out against competitive solutions with respective features. It has a tiny weight – 167 kg without weapons and ammunition. To mount it on a platform with which it is to interact, it is adequate to have minimal interference in its design. Thanks to the modular construction of the turret, it can be rapidly repaired and upgraded, and the anticipation of exchanging components between different versions of towers in the ZMU household affects easier access to parts and a competitive price.
Presented in May at the Japan fair ZMU-05N was equipped with an M2 Browning 12-millimeter rifle. The weight of specified a set is 205 kg. The marine version of the module is protected against negative environmental impacts and can operate at temperatures from minus 30°C to plus 50°C. The turret is characterized by advanced precision of conducting fire and accuracy, which can be achieved, among others, by the fact that the firearm and optical sight are stabilized independently of each other.
ZMU-05N is supported by a control panel and a manipulator. The user has at his disposal an advanced optoelectronic system, a laser rangefinder (range 50-4000 m), a 1920 x 1080 pixel daytime camera with a colour CMOS 1/3 image converter and a thermal (infrared, uncooled bolometric FPA) 640 x 480 pixels.
The ZMU-05N operator will be able to usage an AI-based mark analysis system. WB Group has already in its offer EyeQ Air and EyeQ Land systems that supply precise tracking, recognition and guidance to targets in an automated way. For now, only for land and air versions. – The thought of introducing systems based on AI algorithms to armed forces is constant evolution. It is no different in the case of EyeQ – Remigius Wilk answers, asked if a maritime version of this strategy will be created in the future.
Another issue is the possible cooperation of ZMU-05N with Unmanned reconnaissance, e.g. FlyEyewhich could search for and indicate targets to the turret operator. – All solutions of the WB Group are created within an integrated strategy in which full information exchange is possible. It is the only example of specified an ecosystem, which has been developed consistently for almost 30 years, which is an unmanned element,” stresses the manager of Communications.
– The WB Group as 1 entity produces communication solutions, unmanned, exploratory and commandive, specified as combat systems and fire control, i.e. all the key elements combined. In addition, the systems are designed so that they can be joined by solutions already existing or only designed – says Remigius Wilk.
Among the most celebrated WB group unmanned workers, utilized by the Armed Forces of Poland, are FlyEye, FT5, Warmate. Recently, however, the company has increasingly marked its presence in the land and water vehicle sector. Remigius Wilk announces that shortly the WB Group's unmanned submarines will debut with remote-controlled weapons modules as well as another specialized equipment.
The nipponese Prime Minister ZMU-05N is part of the WB Group's global network – in March WB signed an agreement for cooperation with Japan's ShinMaya Industries Corporation.
