BEML and OFB launches Force Multiplier 155mm/52 cal. mounted gun system.

Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) & Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. (BEML) unveiled its latest product viz 155mm/52 calibers Mounted Gun system at DefExpo India 2018 in Chennai, which closed down on 16 April. It was launched jointly by CMD, BEML Shri Deepak Kumar Hota and DGOF & Chairman OFB Shri S K Chourasia.

Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) & Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. (BEML) unveiled its latest product viz 155mm/52 calibers Mounted Gun system at DefExpo India 2018 in Chennai. The chassis is a BEML-Tatra  8x8 truck (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The uniqueness of this project is that it has been completely and independently designed and manufactured by OFB in association with BEML & BEL, and is therefore a shining example of the “Make in India” policy so strongly promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The 155 mm / 52 Cal can reach targets distant of approximately 42 km. The onboard ammunition storage capability is of 18 rounds of HE shells, as well as 18 BMCS and 2-6 chargers. The gun is equipped with a GPS-aided INS, muzzle velocity feeder data management, day and night firing, and ballasting computer system capability.

The base vehicle used for the gun system is the BEML-Tatra 8x8 truck with all differential lockable and a 300 KW (402 hp) V8, air-cooled diesel engine, which provides a power-to-weight ratio of more than 10KW/ton. This is a high mobility vehicle with independent wheel suspension and swinging half axles to provide enhanced cross-country mobility. The vehicle has a cruising speed of 80 km/h on road and more than 30 km/h in cross-country. Its cruising range nears 1,000 km without refueling.

With its high strategic maneuverability in all types of terrain, it will serve as an all-weather reinforcement for the infantry and will be a present force multiplier for the Indian artillery.