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 (Source: Denel Group; dated June 16, web-posted June 19, 2003)
A substantially improved version of the renowned G5 155mm towed
artillery gun system, designated G5-52, has just completed firing
trials at the Alkantpan Test Range following development work
at LIW, a division of South Africa⤙s Denel Group.
In line with Denel⤙s standard artillery gun nomenclature, this
version is known as the G5-52, as the ballistic system is a JBMoU
standard 52-calibre, whereas our truck mounted version is named
the T5-52, explains Mr Louis Dirker, Group Executive Director
� Denel Ordnance. Importantly, as with all Denel⤙s artillery
developments, we adhered to a systems approach in the development
of the ballistic system, ensuring availability of a gun with a
full range of projectiles and fuzes, and a bi-modular charge system
which can all be fired safely at the full operating temperature
range.
The major improvement to the G5 is a burst loader and a complete
projectile handling system, comprising:
-- an electrically-driven chain rammer which loads both the projectile
and the charge in the gun barrel;
-- a projectile magazine holding six projectiles in two layers;
and
-- a small crane to transfer three projectiles at a time from
a ground pile to the projectile magazine.
This latest development meets the requirements of the South African
National Defence Force (SANDF) and other potential buyers for
improved ergonomic gun designs.
One aspect taken into account in the design was the 47kg mass
of a 155mm projectile, considered heavy for the average soldier
to handle during the loading process. The new system requires
no man-handling of projectiles. Only the charge, much lighter
at 17kg, has to be placed manually on the loading tray, from where
it is automatically pushed into the barrel chamber.
A unique feature of the system is that a firing mission can start
with one round in the barrel, one on the loading tray, six in
the magazine and three on the crane, says Louis Dirker. Therefore,
a total of eleven rounds can be fired without any manipulation
of ammunition - a world first for towed gun systems.
A firing rate of six rounds per minute is achievable with the
top charge at all elevations. With the fully integrated command
system and automatic laying system, MRSI (multiple round simultaneous
impact) missions can be conducted with minimal operator assistance.
The G5-52 fires the Denel range of ERFB boat-tail, base-bleed
and VLAP projectiles with the M90 bi-modular charge system at
a top-charge muzzle velocity of 923m/s.
This gives the G5-52 a sea level range of 41,6km (using base bleed)
and 55,3km with VLAP ammunition at 21°C. The operating pressure
at 60°C is 430 MPa, providing a large margin of safety in the
gun, which has been designed to withstand a pressure of 520 Mpa
(with the G6-52L Losvoor derived barrel and breech mechanism).
The 52-calibre ballistic system is not very forgiving when it
comes to mixing and matching of system elements, says Mr Org Ehlers,
General Manager of LIW. Through its integrated system approach,
Denel has ensured that it is the only supplier that can safely
fire a 52-caliber artillery system without any restrictions.
The G5-52 complements Denel⤙s lineup of 155mm high performance
artillery gun systems, consisting of the G5 and G6 in 45-calibre,
the G6-52 and -52L (long range Losvoor), the T6-52 autonomous
turret, G5-52 and truck mounted T5-52.
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