India unveils new MGS 155mm 8x8 truck-mounted artillery gun system

Oct 28, 2022

By: Defense News October 2022 Global Security army industry

Citing information from the Indian defense industry the new truck-mounted artillery system which has been fully developed in India is ready to undergo strength of design trials. The truck has already performed mobility and performance trials.

The new Indian truck-Mounted Gun System (MGS) has been specially designed to be deployed in desert, mountainous, and high-altitude terrains. The MGS is based on an 8x8 military truck chassis HMV 15009 (High Mobility Vehicle) developed and produced by the Indian company Ashok Leyland.

The Indian MGS has already conducted firing tests and has achieved the highest firing range in its category in the world. The new artillery system is developed using state-of-the-art technologies such as an Automatic gun alignment and positioning system, integrated Fire Control System (FCS), ammunition handling system, onboard silent electric power system, spade type shock absorbing electro-mechanical stabilizers, and more.

The front of the MGS is fitted with an armored cab which provides protection against the firing of small arms and artillery shell splinters. The MGS has a crew of seven and all the firing operations can be performed from inside the crew cab. The rear part of the truck is fitted with the 155mm 52 caliber ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System) gun system and 24 projectiles and charges can be carried on the truck. The ATAGS is a project launched by the Indian DRDO in 2013 to replace older guns in service with the Indian army. The gun consists of a barrel, breech mechanism, muzzle brake, and recoil mechanism able to fire 155mm ammunition at a maximum firing range of 48 km.

The MGS has also shoot-and-scoot capability which is an artillery tactic of firing at a target and then immediately moving away from the location from where the shots were fired to avoid counter-battery fire (e.g. from enemy artillery). The MGS has a maximum firing range of 35 km using ERFB What is ERFB High Explosive Extended Range (BT) ammunition and 45 km with ERFB (BB) artillery rounds. The gun system has a traverse of around 25° and an elevation from 0° to 72°. It has a burst rate of fire of 3 rounds in less than 30 seconds and can reach a sustained rate of fire of 42 rounds in 60 minutes.

The MGS can be ready to fire the first round in less than 80 seconds and leave its firing position in less than 85 seconds. The truck can reach a maximum road speed of 80 km/h and 40 km/h in cross-country conditions.

Source:

https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_october_2022_global_security_army_industry/india_unveils_new_mgs_155mm_8x8_truck-mounted_artillery_gun_system.html