Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Turkey - Panter 155mm towed howitzer / T-155 Fırtına 155mm SP

Source: Turkish Defence Forces

Panter 155mm Artillery

Panter is a 155mm towed artillery system developed by Turkey and introduced in 2003. 

It fires NATO standard 155mm ammunition to a maximum range of 18km, extending to 30km with rocket assisted projectiles, and 40km with base bleed. Panter can fire a burst rate of 3 rounds in 15 seconds, a maximum rate of fire of 6 rpm, and a sustained rate of 3 rpm.

The gun detachment is six men. The carriage carries an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) which can move the gun as a dedicated mover up to 20km depending upon the surface. 

T-155 Firtina

The Turkish T-155 Firtina is a 155mm self propelled howitzer based upon the South Korean K9 Thunderer. 

It fires NATO standard 155mm ammunition to a maximum range of 30km, extending to 40km with rocket assisted projectiles. The T-155 Firtina is capable of multiple-round simultaneous-impact firing, delivering 3 rounds in 15 seconds. It has a maximum rate of fire of 6 rpm, with a sustained rate of 2 rpm. 

The turret of the T-155 Firtina holds 48 rounds. It has a dedicated  Ammunition Resupply Vehicle (ARV), Poyraz  (based upon the South Korean K10 ARV.)  The Poyraz ARV can carry up to 96 155 mm shells and is able to transfer 48 shells in 20 minutes.