In modern day warfare
it is not the biggest that will conquer but systems which are
more autonomous. This philosophy results in systems that are
more accurate, consistent and faster to react. The current features
of the G5 and G6 155 mm systems, that are still leaders in the
world, have been retained but with advanced sub-systems fitted
to improve and upgrade it resulting in:
• IMPROVED FIRING RANGE
• QUICKER REACTION TIME
• HIGHER FIRE PRECISION
• MULTIPLE ROUNDS SIMULTANEOUS IMPACT
• IMPROVED MOBILITY
• EASIER DEPLOYMENT
INTRODUCTION
To be on the forefront of artillery technology and products,
Denel took the decision to design a 155 mm mounted artillery
system to enhance its current product base and meet the demands
of modern armies.
The T5-52 system utilises the G5-52 top-carriage, mounted
on a 8 x 8 TATRA truck with a purpose designed
under-carriage structure and outriggers.
The T5-52 155 mm has been developed to satisfy the requirement
for modern day warfare, which is:
• The need for fewer but more mobile forces to cover
the same operational area;
• To improve the fire precision, by requiring less ammunition
to achieve the same end result;
• To improve the rate of fire;
• To improve the human-machine interface;
• To be deployed under extreme conditions and,
• To be very reliable.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The weapon system is a
155 mm, 52 calibre Truck-mounted Gun-Howitzer. The inherent
indirect fire flexibility ensures that it can be employed in
the traditional gun, howitzer and mortar roles.
The weapon system has excellent tactical and road strategic
mobility and has a range of 600 km without refuelling at speeds
of up to 85 km/h.
The ordnance has been optimised for the 52 calibre 155 mm ballistic
system. The projectiles are the extended range type and provide
an increased range and target effectiveness when compared with
existing systems. Using base bleed projectiles, the weapon has
a range of 42,5 km at sea level. NATO and other ammunition can
be fired, after consultation with the supplier.
The system is powered by a 265 kW turbocharged diesel engine
coupled to a 10-speed manual gearbox, and a
2-speed transfer gearbox. A central tyre inflation system is
fitted, which allows for the inflation and deflation of the
wheels, while both static and on the move.
A hydraulic system, driven by PTO’s on the gearbox, supply
hydraulic power for the deployment of the outriggers and the
top-carriage hydraulics.
The system carries 27 on board projectiles and 26 on-board charges.
A crew of four is needed to bring the gun into or out of action
within 60 seconds.
In the event that the power unit of the hydraulic system fails,
another T5-52 can be used as a back-up system, enabling the
crew to bring the T5-52 into action.
The T5-52 has an operating crew of four crew members, and two
crew members to prepare and supply the ammunition.
The elevating mass consists of the ordnance, the cradle with
an integrated buffer system, and the ammunition handling and
ramming system.
The ordnance consists of the monoblock barrel fitted with a
double baffle muzzle brake, a swing and slide breech mechanism
and an electrically activated firing mechanism.
The Command and Control System, consisting of the Automatic
Laying and Navigation System, Telecommunication System, Muzzle
Velocity Radar System and Gun Management Computer are used to
lay the gun for indirect fire.
A panoramic optical-mechanical sight is mounted directly to
the trunnion, incorporating a compensation system for trunnion
cant, which forms a backup for indirect fire. A telescopic sight
for direct fire is mounted to the compensation system and gives
a direct fire range of up to 3000 m.
10,1 m
2,9 m
3,48 m
0,41 m
28 000 kg
1,4 m
32º
39º
WEAPON PERFORMANCE
The gun offers nominal sea
level ranges of:
• 31,9 km plus with standard projectiles
• 42,5 km plus with assisted projectiles
• 55 km with rocket assisted projectile (V-LAP)
Rate of fire in 80º rearwards arc
• MRSI up to six rounds
• A burst rate of three rounds in 15 seconds
• Seven rounds without replenishment
• Rapid firing rate of six rounds per minute for
three minutes
• Sustained firing rate of two rounds per minute
can be achieved until safety limitations prevent further
firing
• When firing outside the 80º arc the rate of
fire will be reduced due to to the loading process limitations
ACCURACY AND CONSISTENCY
Consistency
The probable error specification at 75% of maximum range
is 0,48% of range and 1,0 mil in line for boat tail and
for base bleed. This is achieved with a single lot of
propellant and Denel manufactured HE M1A4 ERFB ammunition.
Accuracy
The accuracy is 0,6% CEP of range (in lower trajectory) Note: Accuracy is a user defined system parameter.
Accuracy is not dependent on the T5-52 characteristics
alone.
Parameters playing a role are:
• Variation in projectile mass
• Variation in muzzle velocity
• Accuracy of laying the gun both in azimuth and
elevation
• Accuracy with which the gun position and target
position is determined
• Accuracy of MET data
• Barrel wear, barrel history etc
Flexibility
DIRECT
FIRE
TRAVERSE AND AREA COVERAGE
The T5 can fire in a 360º
traverse arc, but must return to the 80º arc to simplify
the loading process.
MOBILITY
The permanent all-wheel
drive vehicle with longitudinal and cross-differential locks,
ensures excellent mobility over all types of terrain.
The unique chassis design with independent suspension and semi-swing
axles, provides not only for crew ride comfort, but also for
negotiating the harshest of terrains with ease.
Maximum Speed
Fuel Range (on-road)
Fuel Range (off-road)
Longitudinal Gradient
85 km/h
600 km
300 km
40%
Side Slope
Step climbing
Trench crossing
Turning circle
52
calibre auto-frettaged monobloc
Rifling twist 1:20
155 mm
52 calibre
23 litres
Semi-automatic swing and slide-type breech
Breech washing system
Primer loader with 20 round primer magazine
Buffer with maximum fixed recoil length of 1 meter
Gas-type recuperator
(Recuperator also used to retract the gun using the hydraulics
supplied to the traverse and elevation system.)
Double baffle muzzle brake
AMMUNITION HANDLING SYSTEM
Rammer
Magazine
(Optional)
Crane
(Optional)
Controls
Semi-automatic
positive chain rammer
Rammer movements hydraulically operated and electronically
controlled
Projectile magazine with three ready projectiles
Hydraulically operated and controlled
Telescopic crane hydraulically operated and controlled
may be fitted with a projectile clamp which with adjustment
can handle any NATO projectiles
Rammer control panel to operate and control the rammer
and magazine
Crane control panel to operate and control the crane
Projectiles
are fed automatically onto the rammer tray from the magazine.
Charge loading is semi-automatic. Projectiles and charges
can be rammed at all elevations.
COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEM
The Command and
Control System consists of:
• Launcher Management Computer
• Ordnance Controller
• Gun Fire Panel
• Commanders Hand-Held Fire Controller
• Telecommunication System • Antennas • Simon-Mil-S data communication
radio • Radio for voice communication • Crew communication radios
• Laying and Navigation system • Ring Laser Gyro inertial
sensor • Weapon Management System • Automatic Laying System
with joystick control • Driver Display Unit for
driver • Distance Transmitter
Unit • Telescopic sight for
direct firing up to 3000 meters • Panoramic sight for indirect
firing
• Sensor display unit display: • MV • Recuperator pressures • Recoil length
• Muzzle Velocity Radar System
• Night sight camera (optional)
• Harnesses
TRAVERSE AND ELEVATION SYSTEM
• Hydraulic system fitted with proportional control
valves
• Hydraulic elevation cylinders with integrated pneumatic
equilibrators
• Traverse gearbox with hydraulic drive motor
• Hydraulic pump for manual elevation and traverse
of the gun
• Hydraulic Rotory Base Junction
Hydraulic pressure is supplied from the auxiliary hydraulic
system on the motorised carriage.
TOP-CARRIAGE
• High strength steel
saddle.
• Tubular type cradle.
• Bins for all gun control panels, valves, pipes and harnesses.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
System
voltage
Batteries
Charging system
Electrical
28
volts
Four 12 volt batteries fitted, 2 x for the motorised carriage
and 2 x for the top structure
100 ampere 28 volt alternator
system Electrical harnesses and control boxes fitted
Lights, tail-lights, indicator and brake lights fitted.
VEHICLE
ENGINE 12-cylinder air-cooled turbocharged diesel engine
with a power output of 265 kW at 2200 rounds per minute
GEARBOX Synchromesh type, manual, with 10-speed foward
and 2-speed reverse
TRANSFER GEARBOX Two-speed
AXLES AND SUSPENSION
Front:
Two steer wheels with swinging half axles independently suspended
with leaf springs and telescopic shock absorbers.
Rear:
Swinging half axles independently suspended with leaf springs.
STEERING Mechanical, hydraulically assisted.
BRAKES Dual circuit foot brake, exhaust brake and spring
type emergency and park brake.
WHEELS 15.00R21 radial tyres with split rims.
CAB • Seating for six crew members with individual
kit
• Armour protection 5,56 mm (optional)
• BC protection kit (optional)
AMMUNITION SYSTEM
Projectiles
Charges
Fuzes
Primer
: ERFB, full range,
ballistically matched
: BI-modular, combustable case
: Impact, proximity, electronic timing
: M82
