Designation: | GT-3 |
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Manufacturer: | DENEL LAND SYSTEMS, DLS | |
Product type: | Weapons & Weapon Systems | |
Name: | Gun |
This 105 mm GT 3 rifled tank gun has been produced by LIW as part of the modernisation of the South African Army's Centurion MBTs to Olifant (Elephant) standard. As the original South African Centurions used 20 pounder tank guns these have been used as the basis for the modernisation. The 20 pounder breech assemblies have been retained and these have been equipped with new mounting lugs for fitting to the existing recoil system.
The barrel is a direct copy of the British Royal Ordnance L7 barrel and differs in few respects. The resultant weapon can fire all existing L7/M68 ammunition.
Certain major components have been manufactured by LIW as the need has arisen. Amongst these have been barrels and breech blocks.
The barrels that were manufactured by LIW are of the autofrettaged type to enhance the pressure capabilities and fatigue life.
Locally developed and manufactured filament wound thermal sleeves and bore evacuators have been fitted to the latest upgrades of these weapons. These reduce barrel movement due to external effects by 80 per cent.
Production. In service with the South African National Army. Installed in Olifant Mk 1A and 1B upgraded MBTs. The 105 mm GT 3 gun has also been installed in the South African Tank Technology Demonstrator (TTD). There are no known export sales of the 105 mm GT 3 tank gun.
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