KRAB 155mm self-propelled howitzer tracked armored data video

: 06 January 2019

KRAB 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer

Description

Technical Data

Specifications

Details view

Pictures - Video

Description

The KRAB is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer designed and manufactured in Poland by the Defense Company HSW (Huta Stalowa Wola) in cooperation with BAE Systems and OBRUM. The first prototype of the Krab was completed in 2001. The first version of the Krab used a chassis designed by the Polish Company Obrum and tnhe engine of the PT-91 Twardy main battle tank. The latest version of the Krab is based on the chassis of the South Korean K9 self-propelled howitzer fitted with an a AS-90M Braveheart turret with 52-calibre gun and WB Electronics “Topaz” artillery fire control system. The KRAB can be ready to fire in less than 1 minute and leaves its firing position in 30 seconds. In December 2016, The Polish Company Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) has signed a contract for the delivery of artillery vehicles to the Polish Army for a total amount of €1 billion including 24 Krab 155mm self-propelled howitzer armoured vehicles.

Variants:

Technical Data

Armament

The KRAB 155mm self-propelled howitzer is fitted with the turret of the British AS90 (Braveheart) 155 mm self-propelled gun. The turret is mounted at the rear of the tracked chassis. Turret traverse is through a full continuous 360º and weapon elevation is from -3.5° to +70º. Elevation and traverse drives are both electric and operate at a rate of 10º/s. Full manual controls are provided in case of an electrical system failure. Main armament of the KRAB consists of one 155mm 52 calibre designed and manufactured by BAE Systems. The gun can fire all standard 155mm NATO projectiles with a range from 4.7 to 40 km. An automated loading system enables the gun to fire with a burst rate of three rounds in fewer than ten seconds, an intense rate of six rounds a minute for three minutes and a sustained rate of two rounds a minute. The vehicle can carried a total of 40 shells and 48 charges, with 29 rounds in the turret and 11 in the chassis. For its self-protection, the left hatch on the roof turret is fitted with a 12.7 mm machine gun which can be used against air and land targets. Four 81mm smoke grenade dischargers are mounted on each side at the front of the turret.

Design and protection

The KRAB 155mm self-propelled howitzer uses the turret of the British AS90 (Braveheart) self-propelled howitzer and the South Korean self-propelled howitzer K9 chassis. The turret is of all-welded steel construction which provides protection against firing of small arms and shell splinters. The hull is also of all-welded steel armour construction providing same protection as the turret. The commander has a hatch on the right side of the turret roof. There is a second hatch on the left side of the roof turret. One more hatch is also available on the left side of the turret. There is a large door opening to the right on the rear of the chassis for access and ammunition resupply, and mounted either side of this on the outside are two integral armoured containers which can be used to store supplies and other equipment. The KRAB has a crew of five with the driver position in the left side at the of the chassis and four people in the turret.

Mobility

The KRAB 155mm self-propelled howitzer uses the chassis of the South Korean K9 self-propelled howitzer. Presumably the KRAB will use the same engine as the K9 that consists of a MTU MT 881 Ka-500 water-cooled diesel developing 1,000 hp at 2,700 rpm coupled to an Allison Transmission X1100-5A3 automatic transmission with 4 forward and 2 reverse gears. The hydro-pneumatic suspension consists on each side of six dual rubberized road wheels with the drive sprocket at the front, idler at the rear and three track-return rollers. The KRAB with the K9 motorization can run at a maximum road speed of 67 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 650 km. The KRAB is able to negotiate a gradient up to 25° and side slopes to 20°. The vehicle can traverse a vertical obstacle of 0.8 m and a trench of 2.5 m. It can ford a depth of 1 m without preparation.

Accessories

Standard equipment of the KRAB 155mm self-propelled howitzer includes night vision for the driver, direct fire sight, NBC protection system, automatic fire suppression system and a laser range-finder. The vehicle also integrates a navigation system and a DD-9620 terminal providing target information. The muzzle velocity measuring system above the main gun feeds information to the fire-control system. The ZZKO TOPAZ fire-control system controls the turret, gun layer computer and other subsystems. The KRAB is also fitted with an auxiliary power unit for the turret to ensure the use of on board electrical and electronic equipment during shut down of the main diesel engine.

Specifications

Armament

One 155mm 52 caliber gun, and one 12.7mm machine gun

Country users

Poland

Designer Country

Poland

Accessories

Night vision for the driver, direct fire sight, NBC protection system, automatic fire suppression system, navigation ystem, fire control system and a laser range-finder.

Crew

Armor

Protection against firing of small arms and shell splinters

Weight

52,140 kg

Speed vehicle

67 km/h

Range vehicle

650 km
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Dimensions

Length: 7.44 m; Width: 3.40 m; Height: 3.0 m

Details View