Konstrukta Defence unveils new Bia 155mm self-propelled howitzer.

At the DSEI 2023 exhibition in London, the Slovakian society Konstrukta Defence unveils the prototype of a new 6x6 155mm self-propelled howitzer named SpGH Bia. This prototype features a fully functional weapon system and has successfully completed initial firing tests. Additional firing trials are scheduled to prepare the SpGH Bia for military testing in a potential customer's country in 2024. Konstrukta Defence is also considering the integration of the SpGH Bia into the Slovak Armed Forces' arsenal.
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The new Bia 6x6 155mm self-propelled howitzer exhibited at the DSEI 2023 exhibition (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The SpGH Bia project is an extension of the Zuzana 2 and EVA 155mm self-propelled howitzers development line, initiated in 2021 to meet the requirements of business partners. The project draws on knowledge and experience gained during the deployment of Zuzana in Ukraine and participation in international training exercises involving NATO troops in Latvia.

The primary goal of the SpGH Bia Project is to combine the strengths of the Zuzana 2 and EVA 155mm self-propelled howitzers, resulting in a compact artillery system. This project focuses on meeting the specific requirements of potential users, including ensuring that the 155mm armament meets essential technical criteria like firing range, rate of fire, and ammunition compatibility with 155mm NATO standard ammunition.

Simultaneously, the project aims to improve mobility and cross-country maneuverability while reducing the system's overall weight for enhanced agility. Crew protection is a priority, with efforts aimed at enhancing safety measures. Additionally, the project is implementing automation to streamline combat operations, including a reloading automation system capable of handling projectiles up to a maximum height of 1000 mm.

The prototype of the Bia 6x6 self-propelled howitzer features a 155mm 52 caliber gun with a traverse of approximately 45 degrees. Its elevation range spans from -3.5 degrees to +75 degrees, offering versatile targeting options. In automatic mode, it can achieve a firing rate of 5 rounds in the first minute and sustain a rate of 13 rounds in three minutes. In manual mode, it can manage 2 rounds per minute. The system achieves a maximum firing range of over 50 kilometers with VLAP ammunition, and the minimum firing range is 5.0 kilometers.

The BIA howitzer is equipped with technology for direct fire, including a sensor head with an embedded TV camera, thermal imaging camera, and laser range finder. Advanced electronics equipment, diagnostics, and automation facilitate loading and firing operations. The system also incorporates inertial navigation equipment, a muzzle velocity radar, and GPS capabilities. The onboard Fire Control System (FCS) enables connectivity to C4I systems and facilitates operations with digital maps.

The vehicle can carry up to 20 ready-to-fire projectiles and charges with conveyor beds suitable for various commonly used projectile and charge types. The crew capacity ranges from 3 to 5 members based on operational requirements. The BIA is mounted on a specialized Tatra T815 6 x 6 chassis and is equipped with a Tatra T3C-928.90 V8 engine, delivering 300 kW/402 hp of power, compliant with EURO 3 emissions standards. Its transmission system is an Allison 4500SP 6-speed fully automatic transmission. With dimensions of 11.3 meters in length, 3.3 meters in height, and 2.55 meters in width, it maintains a combat weight of 27 tons. The vehicle can achieve a maximum speed of 90 km/h and possesses an operational range of 600 kilometers.

Currently, the SpGH Bia uses the latest chassis series from the original supplier for Zuzana 2 howitzers. However, Konstrukta-Defence is exploring the possibility of adapting the 155mm weapon system to chassis from other manufacturers in response to requests from potential users, as the BIA system is powered by the engine, utilizing both electric and hydraulic systems.

Specific chassis suppliers remain confidential due to trade secrets, although it is worth noting that one of the manufacturers involved is a purely Slovak company. In alignment with the broader goals of the Bia project, Konstrukta-Defence aims to engage as many Slovak manufacturers as possible, thereby supporting the Slovak defense industry, as some components necessary for the project are actually not produced within Slovakia.

Konstrukta Defence, the successor to Konstrukta Trenčín, National Enterprise, established in 1953, primarily specializes in designing and developing land and air defense weapon systems, ammunition, command and fire control systems, and electronic systems. The company operates its own specialized Testing Facility, accredited to conduct tests and provide services, including firing ranges, a driving polygon, climatic chambers, and other equipment. These facilities offer specialized services for both defense and civil industries.

In recent years, Konstrukta Defence has made significant strides in enhancing its production capabilities, with a particular focus on the core artillery business, including the 155mm 52-caliber self-propelled howitzers family, which includes the Zuzana 2 and EVA 6x6, all equipped with advanced Fire Control Systems designed to align with user requirements for artillery C2 systems integration.

This new self-propelled howitzer is armed with a 155mm 52 caliber gun as its primary armament (Picture source Konstrukta Defence)