The NORA B-52 self-propelled gun-howitzer was developed by the Serbian Defence Company Yugoimport to replace older artillery equipment in service with Serbian Army. First 12 NORA B-52's were delivered in 2007 and more systems of this type are ordered. Serbia also has intentions to export this self-propelled howitzer and 30 are already in service with Burma (Myanmar). In late 2011 it was stated that Bangladesh had placed a contract for a total of 18 NORA B-52 155 mm/52-calibre self-propelled guns and that these would be fitted with a SAGEM Sigma 30 inertial navigation platform system for autonomous navigation and pointing.
The NORA B-52 is fitted with 155-mm / L52 gun-howitzer. It is a further development of the Yugoslavian M84 NORA A gun-howitzer. The NORA B-52 fires all standard NATO 155-mm ammunition. It is fitted with an automatic gun loader enabling rate of fire of 6 rounds per minute. Vehicle carries a total of 36 rounds. Autoloader holds 12 rounds. Maximum firing range is 20 km with ordinary projectile and 41 km with rocket assisted projectile. The 155 mm/45 mm calibre ordnance is mounted on a turntable at the very rear of the chassis with a shield, and is normally traversed to the front to reduce the overall length of the system for travelling.When deployed in action the weapon is normally fired over the rear arc.
Design
The fully enclosed forward control two-door cab can be tilted forwards to allow access to the power pack for maintenance purposes.Some of the SPG crew are carried in the cab with the remainder being seated in a fully enclosed pod to the immediate rear of the cab. To the rear of this is ammunition stowage that carries 36 155 mm projectiles, combustible charges and fuzes.
Mobility
The NORA B-52 is mounted on the FAP-2832 truck, which is built in Serbia under Mercedes-Benz license. The platform used in the original system is based on a locally designed and manufactured FAP 2882 (8 × 8) cross-country chassis with a forward control cab that was originally developed as a cargo truck but was subsequently used for a wide range of other applications.The truck is motorised with a Mercedes-Benz OM 501 LA diesel.
Accessories
The Nora B-52 is equipped with inertial navigation platform system for autonomous navigation and pointing.