Turkish MoD R&D Centre displayed the ramjet-powered 155 mm artillery shell for even longer ranges compared to rocket-assisted shells at the IDEF25 exhibition.
After rocket-assisted shells, Turkiye is moving to ramjet-powered shells, following several other countries to provide the gun artillery with stand-off ranges. Turkish MoD R&D Centre has unveiled the project for a 155 mm ramjet-powered (or rather assisted) round to reach a range of 130 km, far beyond the in-use rocket-assisted shells.
The ramjet-powered shell was seen to include a second fin set at the front, suggesting GPS/GNSS guidance.
Currently, the best range value for a 155 mm SPG is rated as near 70 km. While there have been improvements on rocket-assisted shells or developments of longer barrels, these can go up until one point far. Thus, several countries have started investing in ramjet-powered shells to reach longer ranges through a radically different ammunition.
Compared to rocket assistance, ramjet provides sustained thrust over a far longer period. This gives an instrumented range well beyond 100 km for 155 mm artillery.
Considering the fact that longer ranges are theoretically possible with larger shells carrying more fuel, it might be possible to see the re-emergence of 203 mm artillery systems with modernised subsystems and capability to use ramjet-powered ammunition as well.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
