Partner 2019: Aleksandar 155mm self-propelled howitzer based on 8x8 MAN truck chassis.

At Partner 2019, Serbian Company Yugoimport unveils new version of its Aleksandar 155/52 mm mobile gun system based on a MAN 8x8 military truck chassis. The Aleksandar was unveiled in June 2017 during the previous edition of Partner, but using a KAMAZ truck chassis.

New version of Aleksandar 155mm self-propelled howitzer based on a MAN 8x8 truck chassis unveiled at Partner 2019, defense exhibition in Belgrade, Serbia. June 25, 2019. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The Aleksandar is a new generation of self-propelled artillery gun system using a 155m/52 mm cannon mounted on an 8x8 truck chassis. The barrel is manufactured in two versions. The first version is JBMOU-compliant and comprises a 23-liter chamber, whereas the second one has a 25-liter chamber enabling significantly longer range and higher firepower of the weapon.

The Aleksandar has a crew of three including the driver, commander and gunner. The crew cabin at the front of the howitzer has a new design compared to the previous version based on Kamaz truck chassis. it is fully protected offering protection against firing of small arms and artillery shell splinters.

The Aleksandar is equipped with a fully automatic loading system mounted at the rear of the barrel with 12 rounds of ammunition ready to fire. This howitzer can fire six rounds in less than 1 minute. At the rear of the crew cabin, there is a storage box with 12 additional ammunition.

The Aleksandar can fire a full range of 155mm NATO ammunition, but also Serbian ERFB (Extended Range Full Bore) projectile with a maximum range of 37.5 km, ERFB BB (long-range artillery projectile) with a maximum range of 49 km and VLAP, rocket-assisted Velocity-enhanced Long-range Artillery Projectile with a maximum range of 62 km.

The gun system is mounted on a rotating platform that can move on 30° to the right and to the left. In firing position, two hydraulic jacks located on each side of the truck chassis can be lowered on the ground from inside of the crew cabin to stabilize the vehicle.