Non-Subscriber Extract
Denel continues to modify G6-52 design
Christopher F Foss
25 July 2007
Denel Land Systems of South Africa has continued to customise the design of its new-generation G6-52 155 mm (6 x 6) self-propelled (SP) artillery system with a view to securing its first orders.
One potential export order would be for the SP element of the Australian Land 17 artillery requirement, where Denel is teamed with General Dynamics Land Systems - Australia, which would provide through-life support. The Australian Army requirement is for between 18 and 24 systems to replace the current 155 mm M198 towed weapons. Denel would be in a position to meet this requirement, but in order to make the contract cost-effective, it would probably have to be combined with another small export order.
Meanwhile, testing of the G6-52 continues apace. So far, Denel has fired more than 7,500 155 mm projectiles of all types with various charge systems. The maximum firing range of the G6-52 depends on the ambient temperature and the projectile/charge combination.
The system was originally marketed with a 23- to 25-litre chamber, but all marketing is now being concentrated on the 23-litre chamber, which meets the Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding used by NATO.
Firing a high-explosive extended-range full-bore (ERFB) projectile, a maximum range of 33 km can be obtained, while firing an ERFB Base Bleed projectile sees the range increase to 42 km. Firing the latest velocity-enhanced long-range artillery projectile, the stated range is 58 km.
As well as a complete family of South African Denel Munitions, 155 mm projectiles and charges, the G6-52 can also fire more advanced projectiles such as the French/Swedish BONUS top-attack smart projectile and the Russian Krasnopol-M laser-guided projectile, which has already been successfully test fired.
According to Denel, with the appropriate modifications the G6-52 could also fire the recently deployed Raytheon Excalibur 155 mm precision-guided munition that has seen use in Afghanistan.