The FH 77B05 L52 is a further development of the successful FH 77B02 L39 155mm howitzer system. The system meets or supersedes all requirements for a modern, towed artillery system, which is made possible through a number of improvements. The BAE Systems FH77 B05 is bidding for the Indian Army requirement for towed 52cal 155mm howitzers. The new upgraded howitzer, FH77 B05, has all round greater performance including increased range over the 39cal FH77 B02. It is intended that Defence Land Systems India would have a significant and increasing role in the production of FH77 B05, toward the intended goal of Defence Land Systems India becoming an artillery centre of excellence in India. The FH77 B05 meets and exceeds specifications in the Indian environment (winter and summer) and has already been proven in earlier trials in India. The FH77 B05 will be manufactured and marketed in India by Defense Land Systems India, BAE's joint venture with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. One of the most important attributes of the Field Howitzer 77B05 is the high rate of fire, i.e. its ability to fire a great number of rounds in a specified time, and MRSI (Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact). The FH77 B05 has been optimized and tested to be used in extreme weather conditions, including the desert and higher altitudes. |
Gun |
The FH77 B05 towed howitzer is equipped with a 155 mm L/52 barrel. The longer barrel and larger chamber volume result in extended firing range of more than 40 km and enable firing of the next generation smart ammunition.
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Mobility |
For long distance, a cross country truck tows the FH77B05. The towing truck and gun can travel at the speed of 80 km/h. For short periods of time and when road conditions allow, the speed can increase. For cross-country driving, the gun can be tandem-driven from the towing truck. The FH77 B05 has a high powered engine which has been turbo charged for high altitude requirements and is capable of aiming direct fire at moving targets as well. Maximum speed is about 8 km/h and cross-country mobility is excellent. Over short distances, the gun can be driven independently at speeds of up to 8 km/h. For deploy/redeployment the gun uses its own power unit. Gun in/out of action time (trained crew) is less than 90 seconds.
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Accessories |
The FH77 B05 is provided with its own navigation, positioning, and aligning system to achieve optimized accuracy performing multi-round simultaneous impact. The new gun computer has a man-machine inter-face similar with the standard commercial PCs, which facilitates the training and operation of the computer.
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Combat use |
Most of the procedures to control the FH77 B05 are automatic, like indirect laying, execution of MRSI firings etc. The automation will improve speed, accuracy and safety when firing. The operator also will have access to manuals stored in the computer. The new gun computer has a man-machine inter-face similar with the standard commercial PCs, which facilitates the training and operation of the computer.
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Specifications |
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Type
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Towed howitzer
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Country users
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India
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Designer Company
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BAE Systems
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Crew
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5 to 8 soldiers
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Accessories
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Integrated navigation, positioning and aligning system and onboard ballistic calculation
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Gun
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155 mm L/52
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Weight
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13,100 kg
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Rate of fire
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5 rounds/minute
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Firing Range
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60 km maximum
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Dimensions
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Lenght, 13,71 m; Width, 2,74 m; Height, 2,89 m a
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