The Heron is a fully armored 6×6 vehicle designed as a mobile command post, intended in particular for rocket artillery units. Developed to work alongside the WR-40 Langusta, Homar-A, and Homar-K launchers, it provides continuous communications and command capability at the battalion level.
Photo: Jakub Link-Lenczowski, MILMAG
One of the key components of the vehicle’s equipment is the Jaśmin BMS system – an integrated ICT suite featuring tactical terminals, an intercom, and command-support software. The vehicle can be fitted with the C-OBRA self-protection system (integrated with ROSY launchers), a fire-suppression system, and an NBC filtration and ventilation unit.
It features independent suspension, an adjustable ground clearance, and steerable first and third axles, which significantly improves maneuverability. The Heron combines on-the-move operational capability with high ballistic resistance. Developed by Huta Stalowa Wola in cooperation with Polish and international partners, it represents a modern command platform for the contemporary battlefield.
The vehicle was showcased at last year’s MSPO, but its public premiere took place on the second day of the 13th International Scientific Conference EKSPLOBALIS_2024 – Defense Technologies: Innovative Solutions for Modern Military Equipment, held on 27–29 May this year at the Windsor Hotel in Jachranka and organized by the Military Institute of Armored and Automotive Technology (WITPiS).
Earlier, however, it took part in the experimental Field Experimentation Exercise 2024 (FEX), held on 20–24 May 2024 at the Land Forces Training Center in Nowa Dęba, named after Col. Jan Szypowski “Leśnik,” as well as at the Lipa training range.
Later, it participated in the Armed Forces Day parade in Warsaw on 15 August 2024, serving as a Command Vehicle for the Homar-K multiple rocket launchers. It was also showcased during this year’s parade held under the slogan “Thank you for Your Service.”
The Heron 6×6 was developed in cooperation with the Czech company Tatra Export (part of Tatra Trucks, owned by the Czechoslovak Group and Promet Group), following a similar model to the already fielded Waran 4×4 multirole tactical vehicle in the Polish Armed Forces (currently used in the Ottokar-Brzoza tank destroyer program and as a carrier for Gladius loitering munition systems).
The Heron 6×6 is based on the TADEAS 6×6 (Tatra Defence Armoured Solution) vehicle, built on the Tatra Force T815-7 family chassis with steerable first and third axles. The TADEAS chassis was also used by the Czechs, together with France’s KNDS France (then Nexter Systems), to develop the Titus 6×6 mine-resistant vehicle, 62 of which were ordered by the Czech government, with deliveries completed on 2 July 2024.
The baseline TADEAS 6×6 carries a 2-person crew and 11 dismounts. It can reach a top road speed of up to 120 km/h and has a driving range of up to 700 km. It provides Level 4 ballistic protection under STANAG 4569A, and Level 4A/4B mine protection, equivalent to 150 kg of TNT. The vehicle has a payload capacity of 10 tons.
The Czech side offers several powertrain options: air-cooled 8-cylinder Tatra diesel engines in variants ranging from 300 to 365 kW, or liquid-cooled 6-cylinder Caterpillar engines producing 395 to 447 kW. All are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Crew situational awareness is further improved by an integrated camera system.