Country of origin |
Turkey |
Entered service |
1995 |
Crew |
5 |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight |
29.5 t |
Length (gun forward) |
? |
Hull length |
~ 5.8 m |
Width |
~ 3.15 m |
Height |
~ 3.32 m |
Armament |
Main gun |
155 mm howitzer |
Barrel length |
39 calibers |
Machine guns |
1 x 7.62 mm |
Projectile weight |
? |
Maximum firing range |
18 / 24 / 30 km |
Maximum rate of fire |
? |
Elevation range |
- 5 to + 65 degrees |
Traverse range |
60 degrees |
Ammunition load |
Main gun |
? |
Machine guns |
? |
Mobility |
Engine |
MTU MB 833 Aa501 diesel |
Engine power |
450 hp |
Maximum road speed |
~ 70 km/h |
Range |
~ 500 km |
Maneuverability |
Gradient |
60% |
Side slope |
30% |
Vertical step |
0.9 m |
Trench |
1.8 m |
Fording |
~ 1.2 m |
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The Turkish
M52T self-propelled howitzer is an upgrade of the obsolete US-built
M52 artillery system, manufactured in the 1950s. Turkish Army
operated a number of these out-dated artillery systems, that had a
very short firing range by today's standards. Trials of upgraded
vehicle were completed in 1994 and production commenced
in 1995. A total of 365 vehicles were upgraded to the M52T standard.
Turkish Army is the sole operator of this artillery system.
The original
short-barrel 105 mm howitzer was replaced with a 155 mm/L39
weapon. The same manually-loaded howitzer was used to the German M109A3. This
artillery system fires Turkish ammunition. Maximum range of fire is
18 km with standard projectile, 24 km with shaped projectile and 30
km with rocket assisted. Ammunition racks have
been modified to accommodate larger rounds. A spade is lowered to
the ground before firing. It absorbs some of the recoil.
The M52T SPH
is fitted with Turkish digital command and fire control system.
Vehicle has
a fully-enclosed armored hull and turret. Protection is against
small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. An unusual feature of
this artillery system is that the driver is seated in the turret.
Turret can traverse 60 degrees left and right.
Original
petrol engine of the M52 was replaced with new more powerful and more fuel efficient
German MTU MB 833 Aa501 diesel, developing 450 hp. This improved
mobility of the vehicle and extended operational range.
Interestingly the original M52 artillery system with its petrol
engine had an operational range of only 160 km.
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