Designation: | LW 155 |
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Manufacturer: | Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd - STK | |
Product type: | Weapons & Weapon Systems | |
Name: | Towed howitzer |
In late 2000 it was revealed that the recently formed Singapore Technologies Kinetics, which includes the former Singapore Technologies Automotives, Ordnance Development and Engineering (ODE) and Chartered Industries of Singapore (CIS), was working on a new lightweight 155 mm (6 × 6) self-propelled artillery system.
This 6 × 6 system is being developed as a private venture for the export market and is fitted with a standard 155 mm/39 calibre ordnance which, firing an unassisted M107 high-explosive projectile, will allow a maximum range of 19 km to be achieved.
Firing an Extended Range Full Bore - Base Bleed (ERFB-BB) projectile a maximum range of 30 km will be obtained. To reduce crew fatigue and increase rate of fire, a flick rammer will be installed.
The first prototype of the as yet unnamed lightweight 155 mm 6 × 6 self-propelled artillery system is expected to be completed in 2002, according to industry sources.
A feature of the new lightweight 155 mm 6 × 6 self-propelled artillery system is that it will weigh around 7,000 kg and will therefore be capable of being transported slung under a Boeing Vertol CH-47 Chinook helicopter which is used by a large number of countries in the Far East.
Singapore Technologies Kinetics has considerable experience in the design, development and production of 155 mm towed artillery systems. Earlier towed artillery systems include the 155 mm/39 calibre FH-88 and the 155 mm/52 calibre FH-2000. Details of these two systems are given in the following Towed anti-tank guns, guns and howitzer section.
These 155 mm towed artillery systems were developed to meet the operational requirements of the armed forces of Singapore which was the first country in the world to field a 155 mm/52 calibre towed artillery system. The FH-88 has been exported to Indonesia which took delivery of five systems.
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