Land Platforms
MKEK develops new SP artillery system
Christopher F Foss, London - IHS Jane's International Defence Review
07 April 2017
Turkey's Makina ve Kimya Endustrisi Kurumu (MKEK) is developing a 155 mm self-propelled (SP) artillery system based on a 6x6 cross-country chassis.
Scale model of the Turkish 155 mm self-propelled artillery system, based on a 6x6 cross-country chassis, with stabiliser lowered at the rear. (Christopher F Foss)
The vehicle mounts the 155 mm/52 calibre ordnance taken from the MKEK Panter towed artillery system at its rear. Panter is in service with the Turkish Land Forces Command (TLFC).
The system has a gross vehicle weight of 20 tonnes and is powered by a diesel developing 473 hp coupled to an automatic transmission. This gives a maximum road speed of 60 km/h with a range of 600 km. The vehicle has a fully enclosed four-door forward control cab.
The 155 mm/52 calibre weapon is fitted with a muzzle brake with elevation and traverse being powered with manual back-up. Like other systems of this type, when deployed in the firing position a large spade is lowered at the rear.
The maximum range depends on the 155 mm projectile/charge combination. It is stated as being 39 km when firing the locally developed MKEK 155 mm high-explosive extended range (HE ER) Mod 274 projectile. This has a TNT filling and weighs 45.35 kg complete with lifting plug, and has a maximum muzzle velocity of 945 m/s.
When firing the older US 155 mm M107 HE projectile a maximum range of 18.5 km is claimed. It can also fire the 155 mm M549A1 HE rocket-assisted projectile (RAP) out to a claimed maximum range of 30 km.
A flick rammer is installed to increase the rate of fire and reduce crew fatigue. A maximum rate of fire of six 155 mm rounds per minute can be achieved.
MKEK (Mechanical and Chemical Industries Corporation) has extensive experience in the design, development, and production of barrels, including 105 mm and 120 mm tank barrels and 155 mm 39/calibre and 152/52 calibre artillery barrels. The latter are for the Panther 155 mm/52 calibre towed artillery system and Firtina 155 mm/52 calibre tracked SP artillery system used by the TLFC.
View attachment 389742