SA-35
Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (35 mm)
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SA-35 is a 35 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun developed by PIT-RADWAR and mounted on a Jelcz 663.45 T60 (6×6) truck chassis, presented as an effector for engaging, among others, unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters and aircraft[1][2][3]; it was first publicly shown at the MSPO 2024 as a demonstrator[1].
| SA-35 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (35 mm) |
| Place of origin | Poland |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | PIT-RADWAR |
| Produced | demonstrator (public presentation 2024) |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 675 kg (1,488 lb) (KDA autocannon) |
Design and integration
In manufacturer materials, SA-35 was described as a solution combining an artillery effector (the firepower of the AM-35), a programmable ammunition system, and sensors and a fire-control system based on an electro-optical channel (ZGS-35) and a radiolocation channel (TUGA radar), mounted on a mobile 6×6 "3rd generation" Jelcz platform[1][3].
Armament and ammunition
The main armament of SA-35 is the autocannon KDA-35 in 35×228 mm caliber[4]. In publicly available materials concerning PIT-RADWAR 35 mm solutions, the following were indicated, among others:
- KDA gun parameters: theoretical rate of fire 550 rounds/min, muzzle velocity up to 1385 m/s, engagement range against air targets up to 4000 m and against ground targets up to 2500 m[4];
- ammunition feed: dual-sided, two belt feeds (magazines of 100 rounds each)[5];
- ammunition types (in descriptions of the 35 mm family): including FAPDS-T subcaliber and programmable ABM (Air Burst Munition)[5];
- barrel length: 3150 mm[4];
- gun weight: 675 kg[4].
In the XXXII MSPO brochure, it was indicated that the gun is fully stabilized, which is intended to enable firing while driving[2].
Fire control system and sensors
The TUGA radar was described as an AESA 4D radar in the X band, intended, among other things, for detecting and tracking small air targets (including unmanned aerial vehicles) and supporting fire[6][1][3].
In publicly available manufacturer materials and descriptions of the OSU-35K/AM-35 family (on which the SA-35 effector is based), the following fire-control elements were indicated:
- TUGA radar – a 4D radar with an AESA antenna, using FMCW technique; intended to detect and track, among others, unmanned aerial vehicles, aircraft and helicopters[1];
- ZGS-35K electro-optical head – a thermal imaging camera (3–5 μm), daylight camera and a laser rangefinder[5];
- FCS blocks – the BSKO-35K fire-control system block and the RSKO-35K backup fire-control station (described in the OSU-35K family as system elements)[5];
- stabilization – in the OSU-35K family description, stabilization of the sensors’ line of sight and the gun’s aiming line was indicated, enabling firing while moving (in maritime conditions)[5].
In reports about the SA-35 demonstrator, the possibility of remote control (remote station/terminal) was also described[3].
Carrier (Jelcz 663.45 6×6)
In reports from MSPO, the demonstrator carrier was described as an armored Jelcz 663.45 T60 6×6 truck[2][7]. In an analysis concerning the "3rd generation Jelcz", among others, an MTU OM460 LA (Euro III) engine with 335 kW (approx. 449 hp) and 2000 Nm, a ZF automatic transmission (6 forward gears), an armored 3-person cab, and a vehicle mass of about 18.5 t and a gross vehicle weight (GVW) up to 33 t (depending on configuration) were given[8].
In the demonstrator description, a turret mass with the gun of about 3500 kg and the mass of the complete platform (turret + fire-control system elements on a container platform) of about 6000 kg were given[3].
In publicly available descriptions of the 663.45 model, among others, the following were indicated:
- engine: MTU OM460 LA (Euro III), 335 kW at 1800 rpm and 2000 Nm at 1300 rpm[9];
- mass and GVW: curb weight "a little over 18 t", gross vehicle weight up to 33 t; with a trailer up to 57 t[9];
- cab: armored (indicated level 1 according to STANAG 4569), three-person; in the 3rd-generation layout the engine was placed behind the cab (the "powerpack" concept)[9];
- transmission: ZF automatic (6 forward gears)[8].
Summary of key (publicly disclosed) parameters
| Area | Parameter | Value (publicly disclosed) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armament | Caliber / cartridge | 35×228 mm | [4] |
| Armament | Theoretical rate of fire | 550 rounds/min | [4] |
| Armament | Barrel length | 3150 mm | [4] |
| Armament | Muzzle velocity | up to 1385 m/s | [4] |
| Armament | Engagement range (KDA autocannon) | air targets up to 4000 m; ground targets up to 2500 m | [4] |
| Ammunition | Ammunition feed | 2 belt feeds; magazines of 100 rounds | [5] |
| FCS / sensors | Radar | TUGA: 4D AESA radar (FMCW) | [1] |
| FCS / sensors | Electro-optics | ZGS-35K: daylight camera + thermal (3–5 μm) + laser rangefinder | [5] |
| Carrier | Engine | MTU OM460 LA: 335 kW; 2000 Nm | [9] |
| Carrier | Mass / GVW | curb weight >18 t; GVW up to 33 t (with trailer up to 57 t) | [9] |
| Demonstrator | Installed mass (indicative) | turret ~3.5 t; complete platform ~6 t | [3] |
History
In trade publications, SA-35 was placed within the line of Polish work on 35 mm artillery systems (the land thread "Noteć" and the parallel naval thread OSU-35/OSU-35K), with solutions derived from the OSU-35K/AM-35 family indicated as the effector[10][11][5].
SA-35 was described as a development of the naval OSU-35K gun, adapted to a mobile role on a wheeled carrier[2]. In the background, earlier work on Polish 35 mm artillery systems for the "Noteć" programme was indicated, including the SAN-35 research model (2007–2008) as a stage of conceptual work on using the KDA gun and solutions from the Loara development line[10].
In a 2018 Defence24 analysis it was stated that the PIT-RADWAR-developed 35 mm anti-aircraft gun underwent a series of tests in 2017, and one of the next steps was to integrate and verify the use of programmable ammunition; in this context, dual-sided ammunition feeding from two magazines and the role of the "Noteć" programme were also described[12].
The system was publicly shown, among others, at MSPO 2024 in Kielce[1][7]. During MSPO 2025, an SA-35 configuration integrated with the TUGA radar was presented[13].
In a MILMAG report, it was stated that after MSPO 2024 the SA-35 demonstrator was sent to live-fire trials at the Central Air Force Training Range in Ustka, where tests using live ammunition were conducted (including a series of several hundred rounds); it was also indicated that separate, instrumented trials would be needed to confirm firing while moving, and that external target cueing (including using the Bystra radar) and communications/command solutions adapted to the needs of the trials were used[14][15].
In February 2026, PIT-RADWAR stated that SA-35 guns are to be used in the fire modules of the Armaments Agency-ordered SAN system[16].