RYSZARD JAXA-MALACHOWSKI / MIELEC
Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze (PZL) has unveiled a new version of the M28 Bryza/Skytruck, equipped with a "retractable" undercarriage in-place of the original design's fixed gear, and improved maritime patrol sensors. PZL intends to complete the type's first flight this month.
The prototype Bryza 2R was built to 1R standard for the Polish navy before returning for conversion to the Mielec-based manufacturer.
PZL redesigned the M28 to eliminate interference on the radar picture, caused by the non-retractable gear. The nose-wheel is retracted into a new wheel well, but is only partially enclosed. The main gear is raised to lie alongside the wing bracing strut.
Sensor changes include adding FLIR Systems' Star SAFIRE II electro-optical system ahead of the nose wheel bay, and replacing the under fuselage-mounted indigenous PITARS-400 radar with the ARS-800. The radar will be integrated with the aircraft's IFF interrogator to improve the Bryza's detection and target recognition capability.
A magnetometer and hydrolocator are installed in an extended tail cone. Other new equipment includes a passive threat warning system and NATO-standard decoy dispensers. The cabin has been revised for easier co-operation between radar and other sensor operators.
PZL and the Polish navy plan to initially test each system individually. The new undercarriage will be trialled first, followed by the electro-optical system. The last subsystem to be tested will be the magnetometer, and full operational tests are planned for the middle of next year over the Baltic.
Source: Flight International
