Self-propelled howitzers.
NORA B-52 M15.
The NORA B-52 M15 is a modern, highly mobile 155mm self-propelled howitzer designed and manufactured by Yugoimport SDPR, a Serbian defense company. It is engineered to deliver long-range, precise fire support in modern combat scenarios, combining high firepower, advanced automation, and exceptional mobility. Mounted on an 8x8 wheeled truck chassis, typically the KAMAZ 6560 or MAN TGS, the system offers excellent operational flexibility, allowing for rapid deployment and quick repositioning.
Country users: Bangladesh, Cyprus, Kenya, Myanmar, Serbia
Description
The NORA B-52 M15 is a self-propelled 155mm howitzer developed in Serbia by Yugoimport SDPR to meet the demands of modern artillery operations. It is designed to support ground forces by delivering powerful, accurate, and sustained indirect fire against a variety of targets, including enemy artillery, fortified positions, command centers, and troop concentrations. The system was officially introduced in the early 2010s as part of Serbia's efforts to modernize its artillery systems and has since been adopted by multiple countries for its reliability and combat effectiveness.
The vehicle’s primary mission is to provide long-range fire support, including counter-battery fire and interdiction of enemy supply routes and positions. With its 155mm howitzer, capable of engaging targets at ranges of up to 52 kilometers, the NORA B-52 ensures that ground forces can neutralize threats from a safe distance. Its modular design allows the system to be mounted on a variety of 8x8 chassis, most commonly the KAMAZ 6560 and MAN TGS trucks, which provide excellent mobility and adaptability to different terrains.
The system is equipped with a fully automated loading system, an advanced fire control system (FCS), and an armored crew compartment, ensuring both operational efficiency and crew survivability. The vehicle can rapidly transition from marching mode to firing mode in less than 90 seconds, enabling it to deliver a high volume of fire and quickly reposition to avoid counter-battery fire.
NORA B-52 variants:
- NORA B-52 K0: This initial production model features an open turret with manual power drive and line-of-sight engagement capabilities.
- NORA B-52 K1: An upgraded version with a semi-open turret, enhanced automation, an independent automatic navigation system, and an automatic fire control system.
- NORA B-52 M03: Developed for the Serbian Army, this variant combines features from the K0 and K1 models, offering a semi-open turret and full armor protection.
- NORA B-52 KE: A lighter export version with a combat weight of approximately 27.4 tons, equipped with a semi-open turret.
- NORA B-52 K-I: An improved model featuring a fully enclosed armored turret, comprehensive Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) protection, and enhanced survivability measures.
- NORA B-52 K2: The latest in development, this variant aims to improve the fire control system, automation, ammunition support, accuracy, and rate of fire.
Technical Data
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Armament
The NORA B-52 M15 is armed with a 155mm howitzer, capable of firing various types of ammunition to suit different combat scenarios. It can fire Extended Range Full-Bore (ERFB) projectiles, achieving a range of up to 32.5 kilometers, and ERFB Base Bleed (BB) projectiles, which extend the range to 41.5 kilometers. For even greater reach, the system is compatible with Very Low Angle Projectiles (VLAP), which can strike targets at distances of up to 52 kilometers. This long-range capability makes the NORA B-52 an ideal platform for both tactical and strategic operations.
The howitzer boasts a rapid rate of fire, capable of delivering 12 rounds in under 4 minutes, with a sustained rate of 4 rounds per minute during prolonged engagements. The barrel life is rated at 1,000 rounds with charge 10, and this can be extended to 2,000 rounds with the use of an autofrettage barrel, ensuring reliability over extended deployments.
The loading system is fully automated, significantly enhancing the efficiency of the weapon during combat. The system has an internal magazine capacity of 24 rounds along with their corresponding propellant charges, which are ready for automatic loading. An additional 12 rounds are stored externally on the platform for reloading, bringing the total ammunition capacity to 36 rounds. This automated loading system reduces the crew's workload, allowing for faster and more efficient firing during intense combat situations.
For self-protection, the NORA B-52 is equipped with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, mounted on the roof of the crew cab on the right side. This weapon serves as an anti-aircraft defense system and can also be used to counter light vehicles or infantry threats in close proximity. The 12.7mm machine gun adds an important layer of survivability to the platform in contested environments.
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Design and protection
The NORA B-52 M15 is based on a rugged 8x8 wheeled chassis, which provides a stable platform for both firing and mobility. The design of the vehicle incorporates a front-mounted armored crew cabin, a rear-mounted howitzer, and a modular layout that balances protection and operational efficiency. The vehicle is built to operate in extreme environments, from deserts to arctic conditions, with armor and systems designed to ensure survivability and operational effectiveness.
The crew cabin, located at the front of the vehicle, is fully armored to protect against small arms fire, shell fragments, and shrapnel. It houses the driver, commander, and gunner, with enough space to accommodate the two additional crew members who assist with ammunition handling and system operation. The cabin is ergonomically designed, allowing the crew to operate the vehicle and its weapon systems without needing to exit, which minimizes exposure to hostile fire. Communication between the crew is facilitated by an intercommunication system (UMK), ensuring smooth coordination during operations.
Behind the cabin is the weapon station, which includes the turret-mounted 155mm howitzer. The turret is semi-enclosed and houses the gunner and loader, both of whom are critical to the operation of the weapon system. The gunner controls the elevation and azimuth of the howitzer and coordinates with the fire control system to ensure accurate targeting. The loader, supported by the automated loading system, monitors the ammunition and ensures seamless operation of the autoloader. The turret provides partial protection for the gunner and loader, shielding them from shrapnel and small arms fire during operations.
The howitzer itself is mounted on a stabilized platform, allowing for precise targeting even on uneven terrain. The system’s hydraulic stabilizers ensure that the vehicle remains steady during firing, while its elevation range of -5° to +65° and azimuth traverse of at least 60° in either direction enable it to engage targets across a wide field of fire. The entire system can transition from travel mode to combat mode in less than 90 seconds, allowing the vehicle to prepare for firing and reposition to avoid counter-battery fire quickly.
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Mobility
The NORA B-52 M15 is built on an 8x8 wheeled chassis, typically a KAMAZ 6560 or MAN TGS, providing excellent on-road speed and off-road capabilities. The chassis is designed to handle rough terrain, making it suitable for a wide variety of combat environments, including deserts, mountains, and urban areas. The vehicle has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of less than 40 tons, ensuring it is lightweight enough to be agile yet heavy enough to remain stable during firing.
The system is powered by a V-8 turbocharged diesel engine, which is both water-cooled and highly reliable under harsh conditions. The engine provides sufficient power to achieve a top speed of 60 km/h on paved roads and allows for efficient movement on challenging terrain. The vehicle’s fuel consumption is approximately 53 liters per 100 kilometers, providing a significant operational range without frequent refueling. Its suspension system is optimized for stability during both firing and movement, with a high ground clearance that allows it to navigate obstacles effectively.
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Combat Equipment
The NORA B-52 M15 features a sophisticated Fire Control System (FCS) that integrates advanced technology for rapid and precise targeting. The FCS includes an inertial navigation unit, orientation systems, and sighting devices for both direct and indirect fire modes. These components enable the system to calculate firing solutions quickly, even in low-visibility conditions or when operating in GPS-denied environments.
The fire control system offers three main modes of operation: automatic, semi-automatic, and manual. Automatic mode allows the system to independently compute and adjust firing parameters, while semi-automatic and manual modes provide the crew with greater control over targeting and firing. The system is equipped with laser rangefinders, optical sights, and night-vision cameras, ensuring effective operation in all weather conditions and at any time of day.
The vehicle also includes a robust intercommunication system (UMK), enabling seamless coordination between the crew members during operations. This system ensures that the commander, gunner, and loader can efficiently execute firing missions, even under high-stress conditions. The 12.7mm machine gun mounted on the roof enhances the vehicle's survivability by providing self-defense capabilities against aerial and close-range threats.
Specifications
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Armament
- Primary: 155 mm/52-caliber howitzer
- Secondary: 12.7 mm heavy machine gun -
Country users
Bangladesh, Cyprus, Kenya, Myanmar, Serbia
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Designer Country
Serbia
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Combat Equipment
Inertial navigation system, Fire control system, Automated loading system, Night vision equipment, Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) protection system, NBC protection through a pressurized hull and filter-ventilation system
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Crew
3 to 5 people
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Armor
- STANAG 4569 Level II on the front and back
- STANAG 4569 Level I on the sides
- Mine protection: STANAG 4569 Level 2A and 2B -
Weight
40,000 kg
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Speed
60 km/h road speed
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Range
800 km
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Dimensions
Length: 11.0 m; Width: 2.95 m; Height: 3.45 m