Zuzana 155-mm self-propelled gun-howitzer

[Zarvan]

Entered service 1998
Crew 4 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight 28 t
Length (gun forward) 12.97 m
Hull length 9.9 m
Width 3 m
Height 3.53 m
Armament
Main gun 155-mm
Barrel length 45 calibers
Machine guns 1 x 12.7-mm
Projectile weight ~ 43.5 kg
Maximum firing range 40 km
Maximum rate of fire 5 - 6 rpm
Elevation range - 3.5 to + 70 degrees
Traverse range 360 degrees
Ammunition load
Main gun 40 rounds
Machine guns ?
Mobility
Engine Tatra T3-930-52 diesel
Engine power 355 hp
Maximum road speed 80 km/h
Range 750 km
Maneuverability
Gradient 58%
Side slope 33%
Vertical step 0.6 m
Trench 2 m
Fording 1.4 m


The Zuzana is a Slovak 155-mm NATO compatible version of theDANA. It has improved fire control system and some other improvements. The first prototype was built in 1995. This artillery system has been adopted by Slovakia in 1998. As of 2015 Slovak Army operates 16 of these system, as well as 135 older DANAs. This artillery system has been exported to Greece (Zuzana 2000G), however later these were sold to Cyprus. Currently a total of 12 units are used by the Cypriot National Guard.

Unlike many self-propelled howitzers, the Zuzana is based on a special 8x8 wheeled and armored chassis. Such chassis is less expensive to build and to maintain comparing with tracked chassis.

The Zuzana is armed with a turret-mounted 155-mm / L45 gun-howitzer. The gun is mounted externally between two separated compartments of the turret. In this way the crew is completely isolated from potentially dangerous gun and autoloader mechanisms and is protected from the powder gasses generated during firing. Turret traverse is 360°, however firing envelope is limited to 30° on each side.

The Zuzana fires all standard NATO 155-mm rounds. This self-propelled gun-howitzer is capable of both direct and indirect firing.

The Zuzana is fitted with an autoloader, so rounds are fed automatically. It loads shells and charges at any elevation. A total of 40 rounds are carried by this artillery system. Ammunition is stored in conveyors. This artillery system can automatically launch 6 rounds within the first minute, or 30 rounds within 6 minutes. Manual rate of fire is reduced to 2 rounds per minute. Sustained rate of fire is around 1.5 rounds per minute.

Developers claim that this system is capable of Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact Firing (MRSI). It can launch a couple of projectiles at different trajectories in order for them to hit the target simultaneously.


The Zuzana carries 3 main types of ammunition, including standard high-explosive rounds, extended-range high-explosive rounds and high-explosive anti-tank rounds for direct firing at an armored targets.

Range of fire depends on projectile and charge combination. Maximum range of fire is 40 km with rocket-assisted shells.

This artillery system has an automatic gun-laying mode, when the firing data is calculated by the onboard computer and the gun is automatically laid on the target.

There is a roof-mounted 12.7-mm machine gun for self-defense.

Armor of the Zuzana provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Vehicle is fitted with NBC protection system.

This artillery system has a brief redeployment time. Hydraulic stabilizers are lowered into the ground before firing.

The Zuzana is operated by a crew of 4, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.

This artillery system uses a special 8x8 chassis developed by Tatra. It uses many mechanical components of the Tatra T815 Koloss heavy high mobility truck. Vehicle has a new powerpack. It is powered by a 19-liter Tatra T3-930-52 turbocharged and air cooled diesel engine, developing 355 hp. Engine is located at the rear. It is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre inflation system. However it still has inferior cross-country performance comparing to that of tracked vehicles. The Zuzana can operate in temperature range from -40°C to + 55°C.

Battery of Zuzanas is supported by a fire control vehicle, based on Tatrapan 6x6 armored vehicle. Also there are ammunition supply vehicles, based on Tatra 8x8 trucks with an armored cab. However, if required, each Zuzana self-propelled howitzer can operate on its own.



Variants



Zuzana 2000G is a version originally exported to Greece. However soon these artillery systems were sold to Cyprus. It is worth noting that Cypriot system are armed with lighter 7.62-mm roof-mounted machine guns;

Zuzana 2 is an improved variant of the Zuzana, armed with a new 52-caliber gun. It has a longer range. This artillery system has a redesigned forward control cab and a number of other improvements;

Himalaya is a 155-mm variant of the Zuzana turret, mounted on the T-72 main battle tank chassis. This artillery system was clearly aimed to meet a possible Indian Army requirement;

Diana is a 155-mm tracked self-propelled howitzer. It is armed with a new 55-caliber gun. The turret is mounted on a Polish tracked chassis, that uses many components of the T-72 tank. It is powered by an S-12U engine, developing 820 hp. A prototype was first publicly revealed in 2015. This artillery system was aimed at an Indian Army requirement, but is also proposed for other possible customers.


Zuzana 155-mm Self-Propelled Gun-Howitzer | Military-Today.com