Beside the Attila 155/52 self-propelled howitzer exhibited in the outside area, MKE unveiled another artillery system, the lightweight Uran vehicle-mounted 105/30 mm visible in the inside stand, where the barrel of the Bozkir 120/32 mm gun/mortar system was also showcased, underlining the importance of indirect fire systems for the government-controlledMechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation
Providing highly mobile indirect fire support for light infantry remains a key issue, and while loitering munitions are picking up pace and are being distributed more and more to light units, tube indirect fire support remains nonetheless a very important asset in the hands of the commander. At the Istanbul exhibition MKE unveiled the Uran, a vehicle-mounted version that exploits the artillery elements of the Boran air transportable light towed howitzer. The Uran is based on the South-Korea Kia 4×4 Long Chassis Single Cab light vehicle, which has a 7 tonnes combat mass, its payload allowing it to easily accept the mass of the howitzer, while to cope with recoil two hydraulically operated outriggers are located at the back of the rear platform. The vehicle is powered by a 225 hp diesel engine coupled to an automatic transmission and can travel on road at up to 130 km/h. Its 315/85R16 tires, the 400 mm ground clearance, the approach and departing angle of respectively 60° and 45°, and the 760 mm fording capacity ensure good offroad mobility. Its 73 litres fuel tank ensures a cruising range of over 500 km. The artillery system is based on the 105 mm 30 calibre Boran howitzer and maintains the -3°/+70° elevation of the towed mount. Traverse is increased from the ±8° to 14° left and 28° right. With the two-man crew the maximum rate of fire is 10-12 rounds per minute, while continuous rate of fire is 2 rounds per minute. When using US ammunition designed for the M1 towed howitzer maximum range is 11 km, which is extended to 17.5 km using MKE Mod 228 HE-ER (extended range) rounds. MKE also provides the fire control unit. The Uran was developed according to the requirements of the Turkish Land Forces.
Close to the Uran MKE exhibited the 120 mm smoothbore barrel of the Bozkir weapon system, while the complete turret was not showcased at Saha Expo. This 1,647 kg turret is armed with the 32-calibre barrel that can fire both 120 mm tank high explosive ammunition, the Mod 300 HE-T, as well as the Mod 308 HE ammo designed for smoothbore mortar. When using the former a 6 rounds per minute rate of fire can be achieved. The Bozkir allows light units to deploy a system ensuring both direct and indirect fire capability, providing tactical flexibility when the situation varies, for example in urban and segmented areas.
Photos by P. Valpolini
