G6 howitzer
| G6 Rhino | |
| Country Of Origin: | South Africa |
| Designation: | Self-propelled Howitzer |
| Configuration: | 6 x 6 |
| Manufacturer: | LIW Denel |
| Length: | 10.4 m |
| Width: | 3.4 m |
| Height: | 3.5 m |
| Weight: | 48 t |
| Trench: | 1 m |
| Fording: | 1 m |
| Speed: | 90 km/h (road) 30 km/h (off-road) |
| Range: | 700 km |
| Primary armament: | 155 mm howitzer (47 rounds) |
| NBC: | Yes |
| Power plant: | 525-hp air-cooled diesel |
| Crew: | 6 |
The G6 self propelled howitzer was developed around the ordnance of the G5 towable 155mm howitzer. It is currently the most powerful self-propelled equipment on a wheeled chassis. Both the G5 and the G6 have been used in the close air support role in place of aircraft, which were often too valuable to risk.
In addition to the logistical mobility afforded by a wheeled chassis, the G-6 is protected against counter battery fire and is able to defend itself in an unsecured area.
The chassis is mine protected.
Main armament characteristics:
- Maximim range: 30,000 m, 39,000 m with base bleed rounds.
- Minimum range: 3,000 m.
- Rate of fire: 4 round/min, 2 round/min sustained.
- Ammunition: 155 mm ERFB. 47 rounds, 50 charges, 64 primers and fuzes.
- Accuracy: 0.1 % of range in azimuth, 0.48 % of range in range.
Production history
- Manufacturer: LIW division of DENEL Corporation in South Africa.
- Date entered production: 1987.
Variants
- G6
- G6-52
- Reduced crew
- Can fire projectile up to 67 km at a rate of fire of eight rounds/minute.
Operators
- South Africa (43 systems)
- United Arab Emirates (78 systems)
- Oman (24 systems)
Combat history
The G6 saw limited action in Angola during 1987/88