Launcher vehicles
One of the key components of the Gladius system is the unmanned aerial vehicle launcher. It is mounted on Waran 4×4 vehicles manufactured by Huta Stalowa Wola. The launcher is standardized, allowing for the launch and mission handling of both FT-5 reconnaissance UAVs and BSP-U loitering munitions, including the BSP-UT training variant. The launcher also supports the launch of Warmate 5, 20, and 50 loitering munitions, as well as other systems from the WB Group.
The Waran 4×4 vehicle equipped with a universal launcher, which can serve as a launch platform for BSP-U strike UAVs or FT-5 reconnaissance UAVs / Photo: WB Group
In addition to launching unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the launcher vehicle also serves another role: it acts as a transceiver station (SNO). The appropriate radio equipment is mounted on a collapsible mast and enables data exchange, such as video feed and telemetry data from the UAVs, as well as transmitting control signals to the aerial vehicles.
The launcher vehicle can operate both stationary and while on the move. When stationary, it utilizes the extended SNO mast, while during movement, it uses the folded SNO mast. In the latter case, communication between battery unit elements is conducted via radio systems. When stationary, the launcher vehicle also has the capability for silent data and audio exchange through wired connections.
UAV Command Vehicles
Another component of the Gladius system is the unmanned aerial vehicle command vehicles. Their primary tasks include commanding a platoon or section, directing BSP-U strike missions, or managing FT-5 reconnaissance missions. The UAV command vehicles are standardized, ensuring that each can conduct missions for FT-5 reconnaissance systems, BSP-U strike systems, as well as BSP-UT training systems.
UAV Command Vehicle on a Waran 4×4 chassis / Photo: WB Group
The transceiver station (SNO) mounted on the mast enables the exchange of video feeds and telemetry data with the UAV, as well as the transmission of control signals to the UAV. Similar to the launcher vehicle, the command vehicle can operate either stationary with the SNO mast extended or on the move with the mast retracted. Communication between the elements of the battery formation is conducted via radio links. When stationary, there is also the option for silent data and audio exchange through wired connections.
In the event of damage or destruction of the platoon or section-level command vehicle, its mission can be carried out to a limited extent by the launcher vehicle.
Battery Module Command Vehicle
The tasks of the Gladius battery module command vehicle include planning, commanding, and managing the battery through the use of the TOPAZ system. These tasks encompass: planning missions for the battery based on orders received from higher command levels, displaying the tactical situation, visualizing friendly force positions (Blue Force Tracking – BFT), commanding the elements of the battery formation, managing target data, planning fire missions, and communicating with higher command levels.
Command vehicle on a Jelcz 6×6 chassis / Image: WB Group
The Gladius battery module command vehicle is capable of processing classified information in two zones with different security levels. It also provides the capability to cooperate with higher command levels through a specialized workstation and communication systems, as well as command and control of subordinate battery assets using radio or wired communications. The vehicle is equipped with a passive SNO radio link, enabling it to receive video feeds from a selected unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) within radio communication range (line of sight).
The container housing the TOPAZ battlefield management systems and communication equipment is mounted on a Jelcz 6×6 chassis.
Mobile Analysis Station
Support Vehicles
The vehicle set is further complemented by two additional vehicles. The first is an ammunition vehicle, responsible for transporting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and warheads. It is also used to assist in placing the FT-5 UAV on the launcher and servicing the UAV after landing. The vehicle is standardized with the ammunition vehicle from the WWR project. One of the features of the Jelcz 8×8 truck is a crane, which facilitates unloading and loading operations. The ammunition vehicle is equipped with the FONET communication platform and the TOPAZ battlefield management system.
Technical Support Vehicle based on the artillery weapon repair vehicle for the Rak company fire module (KMO) / Photo: HSW
The final vehicle is the technical support vehicle. Its role is to provide the capability to repair unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other vehicles during combat operations. The technical support vehicle is based on the solutions developed for the artillery weapon repair vehicle designed for the Rak company fire module (KMO). The vehicle is also equipped with the FONET communication platform and the TOPAZ battlefield management system.
Strike UAV
The primary combat asset of the Gladius system is the BSP-U strike UAV and the BSP-UT training UAV. Both versions share the same dimensions and performance. The UAV has a wingspan of 2.5 meters, a length of 2.5 meters, and a takeoff weight of 31.5 kg. Its cruising speed ranges from 100 to 120 km/h, with a flight endurance exceeding 2 hours. However, the UAV can accelerate to a speed of 220 km/h (typically during an attack), while its minimum flight speed is 76 km/h. The BSP-U/BSP-UT usually operate at an altitude of 300 to 3,500 meters above ground level, but their maximum ceiling is 5,000 meters above sea level.
The UAV requires a launcher for takeoff, which in the Gladius system is mounted on a Waran 4×4 vehicle provided by HSW. The launcher and system require a crew of four for operation. In the case of the training version, landing is performed automatically in unprepared terrain, and the UAV in this version is reusable. Both versions are powered by an electric engine.
BSP-U (BSP-UT) loitering munitions in the front, with FT-5 reconnaissance UAVs in the back row/ Photo: WB Group
In both versions, communication with the UAV features multiple levels of security. Moreover, despite being loitering munitions, the BSP-U/BSP-UT can serve as a radio signal relay. In the combat version, the UAV can be equipped with either an anti-tank or a high-explosive fragmentation warhead. Furthermore, in the signal relay mode, the strike or training UAV can be used to transmit control signals to other strike platforms, as well as telemetry and video feeds. However, a UAV serving as a communication intermediary can only receive control signals from the command station and act as a source of telemetry data.
FT-5 Reconnaissance UAV
The FT-5 reconnaissance UAVs have a wingspan of 6.4 meters, a length of 3.1 meters, and a takeoff weight of 85 kg. These UAVs typically operate at speeds between 100 and 120 km/h but can reach a maximum speed of 155 km/h. The minimum flight speed is 76 km/h.
FT-5 Reconnaissance UAV / Photo: WB Group
Like UAVs that serve as loitering munitions, the FT-5 performs missions typically at altitudes ranging from 300 to 3,500 meters above ground level, with a maximum ceiling of 5,000 meters above sea level. Takeoffs are conducted using a launcher mounted on a Waran 4×4 vehicle, requiring a four-person crew for operation. Landings are performed autonomously in unprepared terrain.
The FT-5 is available in two propulsion versions: a hybrid version, where an internal combustion engine drives a generator powering two electric motors, and an electric version. The hybrid version provides a flight endurance of over 6 hours, while the electric version enables flights lasting up to 2.5 hours.
The imagery delivered by the FT-5’s electro-optical payload is analyzed using the EyeQ algorithm. This enables object detection to occur onboard the UAV itself. Reconnaissance data is encrypted and transmitted in real time to the UAV section command vehicle, allowing for immediate analysis of the battlefield situation. A range of operationally oriented algorithms supports building situational awareness on the tactical level and facilitates decision-making—for example, implementing rules of engagement (ROE). EyeQ also aids in assessing collateral damage and losses, as well as estimating the likelihood of effects from deployed weapons impacting friendly forces and assets near the target.
The electro-optical payload serving as the primary sensor of the FT-5 UAV / Photo: WB Group
FT-5 SAR
The most significant advancements in the technical capabilities of the Gladius battery module components have occurred in the reconnaissance component. Until recently, FT-5 UAVs used for this purpose were equipped solely with an electro-optical payload. However, in December last year, WB Group executives unveiled two new configurations of this UAV. The first is the FT-5 SAR, equipped with a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). As emphasized by Piotr Wojciechowski, President of WB Group, the SAR radar was specifically developed for the FT-5 UAV, resulting in compact dimensions that allow it to be mounted on such a small aerial platform. The radar antenna is installed on the right side of the UAV’s fuselage. The FT-5 SAR is available in the hybrid-powered version.
The FT-5 SAR offers entirely new reconnaissance capabilities. It provides ground surface imaging around the clock, regardless of day or night, and, importantly, in conditions of limited optical visibility caused by factors such as fog or cloud cover. It enables observation through fabric materials, facilitating the detection of objects concealed under traditional camouflage nets or other masking methods. The SAR radar also makes it possible to determine whether an observed object is a decoy. A unique feature of synthetic aperture radar imagery is the distinct geometry of shadows in radar images, which differs from shadows produced by visible light.
The FT-5 UAV equipped with a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). Notable is the radar antenna cover on the right side of the fuselage / Photo: WB Group
FT-5 ELINT
Organizational Structure of the Gladius System
The operational structure assumes that the Gladius battery module will include three reconnaissance UAV platoons. Each platoon will consist of one command vehicle and one vehicle with a launcher designed for the takeoff of FT-5 UAVs. Due to their weight of 85 kg, support from an ammunition vehicle is required, meaning the platoon will also include an ammunition vehicle used for retrieving the UAV after landing. The launcher vehicle is equipped with a crane to facilitate the mounting of heavier UAVs onto the launch ramp.
The FT-5 UAV is the primary reconnaissance asset used by the Gladius battery module / Photo: WB Group
In addition to UAV platoons, the unmanned systems module will consist of two BSP-U strike platoons. Each platoon will include one command vehicle, four launcher vehicles, and two ammunition vehicles.
The mentioned platoons will be commanded from the battery module command vehicle. The module will also include one technical support vehicle and a mobile analysis station.
All the elements of the Gladius reconnaissance and strike system are connected by the TOPAZ battlefield management system. This system enables the planning of tasks for the battery based on orders received from higher command levels, visualization of the tactical situation, tracking the positions of friendly combat units, commanding battery formation elements, managing target data, planning fire missions, managing frequency allocations for UAVs, planning and managing logistics, and facilitating text communication.