Name: 155 mm extended range full-bore cargo projectiles
Availability: InStock

Item Type

Item State

Type

Action

Guidance

Caliber

Sub-Saharan Africa

South Africa

Eastern Asia

China

Western Europe

Belgium

France

Netherlands

<h2>Armament</h2><p>Towed 155 mm howitzers: NORICUM GH N-45 ; CITEFA CALA 30/2; SRC International GC 45; NORINCO Type WA 021 and Type GM-45 ; Patria Vammas 155 GH 52 Howitzer; Giat Industries TR and 155/52 guns and M114F howitzer; FH-70 ; Soltam Model 839P, 845P, Upgraded M-46 and M114S ; Otobreda 155/39; KH179 ; RDM M139 and M114/39 ; STK FH-88 and FH-2000; LIW G5; SITECSA 155/45 ST 012, M114 155/45 and M114 155/39; SANTA BARBARA SB 155/39 and 155/52 APU SBT-1 Howitzers; Bofors FH-77B ; Extended Range Gun ( Taiwan ); XM777 Lightweight Towed Howitzer; M46/84 ( Yugoslavia ). Self-propelled 155 mm howitzers: TAMSE VCA 155; NORINCO PLZ45 Self-propelled Gun-Howitzer; Giat Industries GCT and CAESAR 155/52; PzH 2000 ; Rheinmetall M109A3G and M44T ; Majnoon ( Iraq ); Soltam Rascal and Slammer; Otobreda Palmaria and M109L ; K9 Thunder ( South Korea ); LIW G6; ZTS ZUZANA ( Slovakia ); XT-69 ( Taiwan ); AS90 and Braveheart ; M109A4, M109A5 and M109A6 Paladin; XM2001/XM2002 Crusader AFAS.</p><h2>Development</h2><p>Development of a 155 mm ERFB Cargo round was carried out simultaneously by both the Space Research Corporation (SNC) of Canada and Armscor (now Denel (Pty) Ltd) in South Africa . It is probable that South Africa continued its own development work following its withdrawal from SNC activities during the early 1970s. From the SNC programme, PRB SA of Belgium marketed and manufactured its 155 mm NR 269 ERFB-BB Cargo round (now available from Giat Industries) and Armscor (now Denel (Pty) Ltd) followed with a similar projectile, the 155 mm HC Cluster M1, with some design differences, especially with the submunitions. The latest form of the South African ERFB cargo projectile is the 155 mm Cluster HE HC M1A2 . PRB SA ceased trading in 1990 but numbers of its 155 mm NR 269 Cargo projectiles may still remain in service with some nations. Giat Industries, who now own the production rights for the 155 mm NR 269, has proposed a version of the NR 269 with a revised obturator and a more durable driving band to enable them to be fired from barrels using NATO standard modular charge systems. This version will be known as the 155 ARF and could have a range in excess of 42,000 m when fired from a 52 calibre barrel at a muzzle velocity of 930 m/s.</p><h2>Description</h2><p>The 155 mm PRB/Giat Industries NR-269 and Denel 155 mm HC Cluster M1 SM ERFB-BB Cargo projectiles follow the same overall design outlines and may be described together. The shell body is made of high-grade steel and is a variation of the 155 mm ERFB-BB BE Smoke projectile (see following entry). As such it retains the typical ERFB streamlined outline, (which is the same as the 155 mm ERFB HE projectile - see previous entry), with a continuous ogive almost the entire length of the body down to the copper or gilding metal drive band and plastic obturator band. A Base Bleed (BB) unit is normally threaded to the projectile base with an adaptor to interface with the bomblet payload. Some rounds may be produced and supplied without the base bleed unit. The 155 mm ERFB-BB Cargo projectile contains 56 bomblets of the M46 type, although the Denel ( SWARTKLIP Products ) bomblets differ in some details from those used with the PRB/Giat Industries NR 269. The bomblets are dual-purpose anti-personnel/anti-armour devices stacked using splined spacers in eight layers, each containing seven bomblets. In each row the hollow charges face towards the projectile nose. The 155 mm ERFB-BB Cargo projectile carries a nose-mounted MT, MTSQ or electronic fuze, typically a MTSQ M577A1. This fuze is set to function at a height of approximately 500 to 600 m above the target area. As the fuze functions it ignites an expulsion charge which creates an internal pressure to bear down on a pusher plate. The pusher plate forces the payload to the rear, separating the base bleed unit from the projectile body and expelling the individual bomblets at an initial velocity of about 100 m/s. As they emerge from the projectile base they are dispersed by centrifugal forces produced by the projectile spin to cover an oval-shaped ground area measuring approximately 120 to 130 m wide and 110 to 120 m deep - this area will vary according to expulsion altitude and local wind conditions. Each bomblet trails a ribbon which is deployed as the bomblet leaves the projectile. This reduces the rotation rate of the bomblet and at the same time unscrews a threaded rod a few turns, thereby allowing the detonator to arm. As the bomblet impacts a firing pin can then detonate the explosive. Each bomblet contains a shaped charge consisting of approximately 30 g of Composition A5 or a similar explosive, sufficient to penetrate a minimum of 60 mm of armour and spread anti-personnel steel fragments over a lethal radius of 7 m. Bomblets produced for the Denel 155 mm HE HC Cluster M1 and M1A2 Wasp rounds have an improved detonating system and a fail-safe self-destruct system. South African 155 mm ERFB projectiles may be converted in the field to remove boat tails from ERFB projectiles and fit base bleed units to produce 155 mm ERFB-BB projectiles. The process is carried out using a projectile clamping table. The same table can also be used to remove damaged obturators and fit new ones. The table can be folded flat and weighs 25 kg. To take full advantage of the range potential of 155 mm ERFB-BB Cargo projectiles they are usually fired with high-energy charges, typically the NATO M3A1 (zones 3, 4 and 5), M4A2 (zones 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7), M119A1 (zone 8), M203 (zone 9) or the M11 (zone 10), the latter being restricted to 45 calibre or longer barrels. The propelling system for the LIW 155 mm G5 and G6 gun-howitzers originally involved a three-charge cloth bag system. This has been replaced by a modular system, developed by SOMCHEM , involving combustible cases with a built-in charge retaining device. The system may be used with ERFB and (above the basic Charge 2) ERFB-BB projectiles and all NATO 155 mm projectiles. The lowest charge for the Denel modular charge system is the Charge Propelling 155 mm Modular Charge 1 M51 . The combustible container for this charge is red and contains single-base granular propellant. The igniter consists of a combination of 20 g G12 gunpowder and 40 g CBI. The charge weighs approximately 2.3 kg, is 211 mm long and has a diameter of 164 mm. The next charge is the Charge Propelling 155 mm Modular Charge 2 M52 . The combustible case is blue and houses triple-base propellant cords. The diameter at the front of the case is reduced to allow it to friction fit into the rear of a Charge 2 increment (see below). The igniter consists of a combination of 20 g G12 gunpowder and 40 g CBI. The charge weighs approximately 5.6 kg, is 373 mm long and the diameter is 164 mm. This modular system continues with the Charge Propelling 155 mm Modular Increment M52 . One or two of these increments can be added to the normal Charge 2. Charge 2 plus one increment can be used with boat tailed ERFB and all NATO 155 mm projectiles. Charge 2 plus two increments can be used with ERFB, ERFB-BB and all NATO 155 mm projectiles. Each increment is contained in a green combustible case containing triple-base propellant cords. The igniter consists of 60 g of G12 gunpowder. The charge weighs approximately 4 kg, is 289 mm long and the diameter is 164 mm. The top charge of the modular system is the Charge Propelling 155 mm Modular Charge 3 M53 . The charge is contained in a purple (jacaranda) combustible case containing triple-base tubular propellant. The igniter consists of G12 gunpowder. The charge weighs approximately 17.1 kg, is 930 mm long and the diameter is 164 mm. All charges are ignited by the Tube Percussion M82 which contains 1.4 to 1.5 g of gunpowder. The tube is 49.37 mm long with a diameter over the rim of 15.24 mm. With this system, the following ballistic performances can be achieved using a 155 mm 45 calibre barrel: Charge 1 - MV 350 ±5 m/s - max range 9,100 m Charge 2 - MV 483 ±5 m/s - max range 13,400 m Charge 2 + 1 increment - MV 645 ±5 m/s - max range 19,000 m Charge 2 + 2 increments - MV 795 ±5 m/s - max range 25,400 m Charge 2 + 2 increments + BB - MV 789 ±5 m/s - max range 31,000 m Charge 3, standard shell - MV 897 ±5 m/s - max range 30,200 m Charge 3 + BB - MV 895 ±5 m/s - max range 39,000 m. Typical range figures for 155 mm ERFB-BB Cargo projectiles fired from 39 calibre barrels is of the order of 30,600 m. When fired from 45 calibre barrels they can reach 39,000 m. This modular charge system has been replaced by one involving up to six M62A1 combustible modular charges all with the same content and meeting the NATO Joint Ballistics MoU. The charges are produced by SOMCHEM and can be used with ordnance up to 52 calibres long. Other similar modular charge systems could be employed.</p><h2>Authorised fuzes</h2><p>MTSQ M577 series Electronic NINA, ZELAR, Fuchs M8611 and so on Equivalent projectiles BELGIUM</p><p>BELGIUM</p><h2>Manufacturer</h2><p>PRB SA</p><p>Type: 155 mm NR 269 ERFB-BB Cargo</p><p>Description: Specifications as text. No longer in production by PRB but may still be in service. Now</p><p>produced in France by Giat Industries</p><p>CHINA , PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC</p><h2>Manufacturer</h2><p>China North Industries (NORINCO)</p><p>Type: 155 mm ERFB ICM and ERFB ICM BB</p><p>Description: Both contain 72 bomblets and are fitted with MTSQ M577 fuze. Maximum range of</p><p>ERFB ICM BB given as 39,600 m. A variant may be filled with either Type 81 39.2 mm diameter</p><p>bomblets or 42.5 mm diameter bomblets, with the numbers involved varying between 49 and 56 to suit</p><p>requirements. This projectile weighs 45.54 kg and is fitted with a MS-200 ET fuze. Muzzle velocity is</p><p>given as 920 m/s. May no longer be in production</p><p>FRANCE</p><h2>Manufacturer</h2><p>Giat Industries</p><p>Type: 155 mm Cargo ERFB BB NR 269 B1</p><p>Description: Originally produced in Belgium by PRB SA (see above). Weight without fuze given as</p><p>45.6 kg and overall length without fuze is 861 mm. Contains 56 M46 bomblets. Maximum range when</p><p>fired from a 52 calibre barrel given as 42,000 m. In production and adopted by several unspecified</p><p>countries</p><p>NETHERLANDS</p><h2>Manufacturer</h2><p>Eurometaal NV</p><p>Type: 155 mm ERFB-BB Cargo</p><p>Description: Specifications as text. Available for production. Propelling charge No 16 also produced</p><p>SOUTH AFRICA</p><h2>Manufacturer</h2><p>Denel (Pty) Limited ( NASCHEM )</p><p>Type: Shell, 155 mm HE HC Cluster M1 and M1A2 Wasp</p><p>Description: Produced primarily for 155 mm G5 and G6 artillery systems and marketed by Denel.</p><p>Contains 56 bomblets, each capable of penetrating a minimum of 60 mm of armour plate. The bomblets</p><p>are ejected at an optimum height of 600 m and have a self-destruct element</p>

The 155 mm PRB/Giat Industries NR-269 and Denel 155 mm HC Cluster M1 SM ERFB-BB Cargo projectiles follow the same overall design outlines and may be described together. The shell body is made of high-grade steel and is a variation of the 155 mm ERFB-BB BE Smoke projectile (see following entry). As such it retains the typical ERFB streamlined outline, (which is the same as the 155 mm ERFB HE projectile - see previous entry), with a continuous ogive almost the entire length of the body down to the copper or gilding metal drive band and plastic obturator band. A Base Bleed (BB) unit is normally threaded to the projectile base with an adaptor to interface with the bomblet payload. Some rounds may be produced and supplied without the base bleed unit. The 155 mm ERFB-BB Cargo projectile contains 56 bomblets of the M46 type, although the Denel ( SWARTKLIP Products ) bomblets differ in some details from those used with the PRB/Giat Industries NR 269. The bomblets are dual-purpose anti-personnel/anti-armour devices stacked using splined spacers in eight layers, each containing seven bomblets. In each row the hollow charges face towards the projectile nose. The 155 mm ERFB-BB Cargo projectile carries a nose-mounted MT, MTSQ or electronic fuze, typically a MTSQ M577A1.

The combustible container for this charge is red and contains single-base granular propellant. The igniter consists of a combination of 20 g G12 gunpowder and 40 g CBI. The charge weighs approximately 2.3 kg, is 211 mm long and has a diameter of 164 mm. The next charge is the Charge Propelling 155 mm Modular Charge 2 M52. The combustible case is blue and houses triple-base propellant cords. The diameter at the front of the case is reduced to allow it to friction fit into the rear of a Charge 2 increment (see below). The igniter consists of a combination of 20 g G12 gunpowder and 40 g CBI. The charge weighs approximately 5.6 kg, is 373 mm long and the diameter is 164 mm. This modular system continues with the Charge Propelling 155 mm Modular Increment M52. One or two of these increments can be added to the normal Charge 2. Charge 2 plus one increment can be used with boat tailed ERFB and all NATO 155 mm projectiles. Charge 2 plus two increments can be used with ERFB, ERFB-BB and all NATO 155 mm projectiles.

155 mm extended range full-bore cargo projectiles

155 mm extended range full-bore cargo projectiles

Region

Category