The Polish GNOM is an example that design is not just about furniture or crockery. It is a broad spectrum of objects that combine functionality, technology or economy. This is precisely the case with the GNOM land-based circulating munition, which was developed near Warsaw at the Macro-System company. Practical, agile and infernally dangerous, the vehicle will find its way not only to the Polish armed forces, but also to the armed forces of other countries. If you would like to see the GNOM vehicle (and more) live, we invite you to visit the NO/PROOF exhibition, which runs until Sunday as part of the Łódź Design Festival at 3 Tymienieckiego Street.
The Polish GNOM – the origins of the vehicle
The Polish GNOM is a land-based circulating munition that originated at the Macro-System company. This company was founded in 1984 and at the beginning had little to do with militaries. In the 1990s, the company changed its business profile somewhat, moving towards technologies related to security, monitoring and communications. In the same decade, the company began designing and manufacturing unmanned aerial vehicles and was already moving towards collaboration with the military sector. The origins of GNOMA, or rather its prototypes, can be traced back to 2012 when it started thinking about the production of wheeled land carriers. The following year, the company decided to produce this type of vehicle. This is how the first models started to emerge, which evolved and pushed the company to create more variants.
The facility, as part of tests and initial prototypes, was created in several versions including a version with an AT-4 calibre 84 mm recoilless anti-tank grenade launcher with an effective range of 300 m, and – in later models – with the FN MAG-58 calibre 7.62 mm rifle and an optoelectronic observation and targeting system. The Universal Land Carrier (UNL) was thus developed.
The UNL underwent its first tests on training grounds in 2019, during which it proved its effectiveness. Surprisingly, the vehicle travelled more than 100 kilometres in rough conditions and on different types of ground. It was armed with, characterised by an adjustable rate of fire and a three-speed drive motor, the M-134 calibre 7.62 mm six-barrel machine gun, also known as GAU-2B/A. The UNL variant with this particular armament was named GOBLIN.
GNOM – Polish wheeled ammunition
Following the success of the GOBLIN, Macro-System reported a readiness to develop a new wheeled platform with smaller dimensions and a different purpose. The company proposed the creation of a remote-controlled circular munition (also known as a driving munition). In a word: the idea was to create something along the lines of existing so-called flying munitions or kamikaze drones, except that in a land-based version.
The GNOM can carry a payload of up to 7 kilograms at a distance of 500 metres, making it possible to disable enemy vehicles from a safe position, thus protecting the lives of soldiers. What’s more, the vehicle is quiet and very fast. It can move at a speed of 80 kilometres per hour, making it even more dangerous and difficult to detect. GNOM also has interchangeable warheads, allowing it to be instantly adapted to the current needs of the battlefield. Each warhead has a different application which is explained in the video below. The GNOM is also equipped with a camera, allowing it to perform simple reconnaissance missions in addition to combat operations. It is worth noting here that usually the weakest point of most armoured vehicles is under the chassis, making detonation of the payload under the vehicle the most effective.
In addition, the GNOM is lightweight and easy to transport. Equipped with special straps, it can be carried by soldiers like a rucksack. Once it is removed from the back, the vehicle is almost immediately ready for action.
The final model of the vehicle was presented to the public for the first time last year, during the XXXI edition of the MSPO exhibition in Kielce. This remotely controlled wheeled vehicle is a deadly tool that could redefine the modern battlefield and allow the military to conduct operations without risking the lives of soldiers. Thanks to its small size, light weight, and simple and functional design, the GNOM can be used in various types of ground troops, such as motorised, mechanised, airborne, special forces, reconnaissance or Territorial Defence units. You can currently see it live in Łódź during the Łódź Design Festival 2024.
source: Łódź Design Festival 2024 / NIE/POKÓJ / https://lodzdesign.com/wydarzenia/nie_pokoj/
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