The Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation announced that it will be demonstrating its new Yavuz self-propelled howitzer at the forthcoming International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF), which will take place in May in Istanbul.

The new Yavuz is a Turkish self-propelled 155 mm/52-calibre gun-howitzer, installed on a 6X6 truck chassis. The Yavuz is capable to use all NATO standard ammunition up to 3O km, but it is also fired up to 40 km with assisted projectiles (baso blood).

The Yavuz self-propelled howitzer is fitted with a fully armour protected cab for 5-crew. Gross vehicle weight would depend on the level of armour protection, but is about 30 tonnes. It is powered by a 410 hp diesel engine.  It can reach a top speed of 90 km/h and has an operational range of 600 km.

The Yavuz system, which has 18 ammunition capacity, will be able to fire 4-6 times per minute.

Firing range:

• M107 (HE) – 18 km
• M549A1 RAP (HE) -30km
• MKE MOD 274-ERFB/BB – 40+ km

The howitzer has been fitted with a semi-automatic ammunition loading system that is electrically actuated and electronically controlled.