13 May 2019

IDEF 2019: MKEK's Boran 105 mm howitzer heads for qualification

by Christopher F Foss

Turkey’s MKEK said it has completed company design and verification tests of its Boran 105 mm Air Transportable Light Towed Howitzer (ATLTH), which was developed to meet requirements for the Turkish Land Forces Command (TLFC).

So far the company has completed four prototypes of the Boran 105 mm ATLTH and, as of this writing, planned to conduct formal qualification trials in May with an MKEK and TLFC team. Those trials are expected to be followed by eight pre-production weapons that would incorporate any suggested improvements.

The Boran 105 mm ATLTH features a bow type carriage, and the saddle and 105 mm/30 calibre ordnance can be traversed to the rear and locked in position. It has a variable recoil system that varies from 800 mm (short) to 120 mm (long), and the barrel is provided with a muzzle brake. Traverse is 8° left and right, and with elevation from -3° to 70°.

MKEK’s Air Transportable Light Towed Howitzer from the front, showing Aselsan’s muzzle velocity radar mounted above the 105 mm/30 calibre ordnance. (IHS Markit/Patrick Allen)

Its relatively low weight of 1,710 kg enables it to be carried slung under a helicopter. The system is operated by a crew of five.

According to MKEK, trials have shown that it takes 60 seconds to come into action and as it has an onboard computerised fire control system (FCS) and a land navigation system. A muzzle velocity radar is mounted above the 105 mm ordnance and feeds information into the FCS.

Maximum range depends of the 105 mm ammunition and charge, but MKEK said its maximum range was 17 km and a maximum rate of fire was 6 rds/min.

Turkey’s MKEK said it has completed company design and verification tests of its Boran 105 mm Air Tr...

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