The Turkish Land Forces Command (TLFC) has for several years developed the Firtina 155 mm/52 calibre self-propelled howitzer (SPH), which is a further development of the South Korean K9 Thunder SPH.
Design changes to meet the TLFC’s future requirements resulted in the Firtina New Generation (NG), which is currently at a prototype stage.
Improvements include replacing the electro-hydraulic turret gun control equipment (GCE) with an all-electric system, and front and rear day/night cameras for the driver, according to a member of the development team.
The Firtina New Generation 155 mm/52 calibre self-propelled artillery system developed for the Turkish Land Forces Command. (IHS Markit/Patrick Allen)
The hydropneumatic suspension has been improved and original steel road wheels have been replaced by aluminium road wheels, and a new track has been developed and fitted.
Mounted on the roof of the turret at the left rear is an Aselsan SARP remote weapon station (RWS) armed with a stabilised .50 M2 HB machine gun, and when not required this is folded down to the rear. This can also be used to aim the 155 mm weapon when being used in the emergency direct fire role.
Mounted in the turret bustle is a new electrically powered projectile handing system developed by Aselsan. It holds 30 155 mm projectiles with either bag type or modular charge system (MCS) propellant.
The TLFC normally deploys the Firtina 155 mm/52 calibre SPH in a battery of four units, which can then be split into two troops each of two weapons, with these being supported by a single Poyraz Ammunition Resupply Vehicle that carries a total of 96 155 mm projectiles and associated charges. These can be fed to the SPH via an ammunition transfer system developed by Aselsan.
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