G5 155mm 45-calibre, towed gun howitzer
The G5 is a 155 mm 45 calibre, towed gun howitzer. It has such indirect fire flexibility that it can be employed in the traditional gun, howitzer and mortar roles, and can cover an area of almost 1000 km2 from a single firing position. The gun is capable of maximum sea level ranges of 30 km with ERFB projectiles and 39 km with ERFB base bleed projectiles. The G5 is fully compatible with NATO standard 155-mm ammunition and has a direct fire range of 3000 meters (using a Frag-HE round). The G5 is fitted with an auxiliary power unit which gives it a self-propelled speed of 16 km/h. The APU, combined with the tandem walking-beam suspension, gives the G5 excellent self-propelled mobility over short distances. The four wheels are all powered and give the gun excellent traction over most terrain. But, the APU serves purposes other than mobility. It provides power to open and close the trails, raise and lower the trail wheels, and raise and lower the firing platform. However, there is no power traverse or elevation. Large wheels, spades and firing platform provide excellent mobility and stability in soft or sandy terrain. The gun can be transported in an aircraft such as the C-130. Hydraulic power assistance makes it possible to bring the gun into or out of action in less than 2 minutes. Loading is facilitated by a semi-automatic breech and the loading tray with pneumatic rammer. The breech is of the screw type which provides reliable sealing under all conditions. Although designed for an eight-man section, the South African Defense Force normally operates the G5 with a five-man section. However, the G5 can operate with minimum of two people when all of the powered systems are working. The G-5 MkIII includes 35 reliability modifications and performance improvements. The improvements include the addition of the AS2000 Gun Monitor, an improved braking system, bigger diameter and wider trail wheels (specifically designed for sand), and incorporation of the REUTECH ACV 58 Communications System.
Specifications
Manufacturer LIW division of DENEL Date of Introduction 1981 Proliferation At least 4 countries Crew 8 Combat Weight (mt) 13.75 Chassis Length Overall (m) Travel Position: 12.1
Firing Position: 11.0Height Overall (m) 2.3 Width Overall (m) Travel Position: 3.3
Firing Position: 8.7Towing Speed (km/h) Max Road: 90
Max Off-Road: 50
Max Cross-Country: 15Fording Depths (m) .6 Emplacement Time (min) 2 Displacement Time (min) 1 Auxiliary Propulsion Unit
Engine Type76 hp / 57 kW air-cooled diesel Cruising Range (km) 100 Speed (km/h) Max Road: 16
Max Off-Road: INA
Cross-Country: 3Max Swim N/A Gradient (SP mode) 40% Prime Mover Samil 100 6x6 artillery tractor or a 10 ton equivalent Main Armament Caliber, Type, Name: 155-mm, canon Barrel Length (cal) 45 Rate of fire 3 rds/min for 15 min
2 rds/min for 60 minLoader Type Semi-automatic Breech Type Interrupted screw Muzzle Brake Type Single baffle Traverse Left: 41°
Right: 41°
Total: 82°Elevation -3°/+75° FIRE CONTROL
Indirect FireDigital Panoramic Telescope Direct Fire Trunnion mounted telescopic sight Collimator INA Gun Display Unit None Fire Control Computer None MAIN ARMAMENT AMMUNITION
Caliber, Type, Name155-mm Frag-HE, M1 HE Indirect Fire Range (m) Minimum Range: 3000
Maximum Range: 30,000Complete Projectile Weight (kg) 8.7 Muzzle Velocity 897 m/s Fuze Type PD M841 Caliber, Type, Name 155-mm Frag-HE BB, M1 HE Indirect Fire Range (m) Minimum Range: INA
Maximum Range: 39,000Complete Projectile Weight (kg) 8.7 Muzzle Velocity 895 m/s Fuze Type PD M841
Sources and Resources
