Meet Serbia's Nora B-52 M21 155mm modular self-propelled howitzer.

At the Partner 2023 exhibition, Yugoimport, a Serbian company, is showcasing various models of its Nora B-52, a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer family that has been fully developed and designed by Yugoimport in collaboration with the Military Technical Institute of Belgrade. Alongside the new Nora B-52 NG (Next Generation), they are also presenting the Nora B-52 M21, one of the latest iterations of the Nora B-52 self-propelled howitzer, which was introduced in 2021.
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The Nora B-52 M21 displayed at the Partner 2023 exhibition in Serbia (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Nora B-52 M21 is constructed on an 8x8 MAN truck chassis and was originally designed to meet the requirements of a US Army program aimed at outfitting Stryker brigades with an advanced mobile artillery system. This version has undergone upgrades to its chassis and a fully automatic loading system to ensure compatibility with U.S. Army MACS propellant charges. These enhancements significantly enhance the firepower and efficiency of this military vehicle.

In response to potential demands from foreign military programs, the Nora B-52 M21 weapon, a standard 155mm / L52 gun-howitzer based on the Yugoslavian M84 NORA A gun-howitzer, is modular in design. This modularity allows for a variety of configuration options, depending on the preferences of the user. It's important to note that the data presented at the Partner 2023 exhibition is for informational purposes only, as the final configuration and technical specifications are determined on a contract-by-contract basis.

The primary purpose of the M21 variant of the Nora B-52 howitzer is to provide fire support to maneuvering military units. It is capable of firing all standard NATO 155mm ammunition and boasts a fully automatic gun loader system that can achieve a maximum rate of fire of 4 rounds per minute and a sustained rate of fire of 3 rounds per minute. The autoloader can hold up to 12 rounds, with an additional 24 rounds in storage, resulting in a total combat provision of 36 rounds.

The Nora B-52 M21 has a firing range of 18.4 km with an M107 HE round, 32.4 km with an ERFB-BT projectile, and 41.1 km with an ERFB-BB projectile. This extensive range allows for rapid engagement of strategically important targets at various distances. For close defense, the M21 is equipped with a 12.7 mm machine gun and features 6 smoke grenade launchers.

Despite its firing capabilities, the NORA-B52 M21 maintains a compact profile, weighing in at 39 tons. It can be operated by a crew of five and is suitable for deployment in diverse terrains, climates, and visibility conditions. In terms of crew protection, the system meets level 2 protection standards according to the STANAG 4569 norm.

The fire control system (FCS) offers multiple operating modes for the howitzer, including fully automatic, semi-automatic, and manual modes. Deployment can be achieved in just 90 seconds, and redeployment takes only 60 seconds. The Nora B-52 M21 also has a maximum speed of 95 km/h and an operational range of 650 km.

In the event of a main drive failure, the M21 ensures operational readiness through the integration of an APU and manual hydraulic controls. Communication among crew members is facilitated by an intercom (UMK) unit, which allows communication even when dealing with the automatic loader components. The UMK is also integrated into the battery level's communication system.