DANA

   The DANA 152-mm self-propelled gun-howitzer was developed in former Czechoslovakia. It was designed as an alternative for the Soviet 2S3 Akatsiya. Unlike many other howitzers DANA is based on a wheeled chassis. It's production commenced in 1981 and ceased in 1994 with over 750 units built. Currently it is in service with Czech republic, Slovakia, Poland and Libya.

   The DANA is armed with a turret-mounted 152-mm gun-howitzer. It fires all standard Soviet and indigenous 152-mm rounds. Czech army currently uses three main types of ammunition, high-explosive rounds with a maximum range of 18 km, improved shape high-explosive with a maximum range of 20 km, and high-explosive anti-tank rounds for direct fire at armored targets. DANA carried 60 rounds, that are fed automatically.

   It is worth mentioning that the DANA's autoloader was unique for it's time. It is able to load shell and cartridge in any elevation. This feature is considered as standard nowadays and DANA was one of the first artillery systems with such loader in service. Three hydraulic stabilizers are lowered into the ground before firing. The DANA has a roof-mounted crane to assist ammunition loading.

   Secondary armament consists of a roof-mounted 12.7-mm machine gun.

   Chassis of the DANA SpGH has 8x8 configuration. It uses many mechanical components of the Tatra T815 Koloss heavy utility truck. Vehicle is powered by the Tatra 2-939-34 diesel engine, developing 345 hp. Wheeled chassis is cheaper to build and easier to maintain comparing with the tracked.

Variants

   MODAN 152-mm improved variant of the DANA, with longer range, better accuracy and higher rate of fire. It has a crew of four;

   ONDAVA 152-mm self-propelled gun-howitzer, with longer barrel (47 calibers) and new loading mechanism;

   ZUZANA 155-mm NATO compatible variant of the DANA, with improved fire control system. Currently in service with Slovakia;

   ZUZANA 2, improved variant of the ZUZANA, with a redesigned forward control cab and a number of other improvements;

   HIMALAYA 155-mm variant turret of the ZUZANA, mounted on the T-72 main battle tank chassis.