Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) and Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. (BEML) display its 155mm/52 calibers Mounted Gun system. The uniqueness of this project is that it has been completely and independently designed and manufactured by OFB in association with BEML & BEL, and is, therefore, a shining example of the “Make in India” policy so strongly promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

OFB and BEML‘s 155mm self-propelled howitzer (Picture source: Twitter/Manupubby)

The 155 mm / 52 Cal can reach targets distant of approximately 42 km. The onboard ammunition storage capability is of 18 rounds of HE shells, as well as 18 BMCS and 2-6 chargers. The gun is equipped with a GPS-aided INS, muzzle velocity feeder data management, and ballasting computer system capability.

The base vehicle used for the gun system is the BEML-Tatra 8x8 truck with all differential lockable and a 300 kW (402 hp) V8, air-cooled diesel engine, which provides a power-to-weight ratio of more than 10KW/ton. This is a high mobility vehicle with independent wheel suspension and swinging half axles to provide enhanced cross-country mobility. The vehicle has a cruising speed of 80 km/h on-road and more than 30 km/h in cross-country. Its cruising range nears 1,000 km without refueling.

OFB and BEML‘s 155mm self-propelled howitzer was unveiled at DefExpo 2018 near Chennai (Picture source: Army Recognition)