The G5 is a South African towed howitzer produced by Denel. Initial versions of it were based on the 45-calibre GC-45 howitzer designed by Gerald Bull, though it has gone through many modifications and variations to reach its latest model; the 52-calibre G5-2000.
It is mounted on a slightly-modified version of a towed chassis design by NORICUM, which also includes a small APU to allow it to dig itself in and move short distances at up to 16 km/h. Using the normal Extended Range, Full Bore ammunition the normal range is 39 km, which can be extended to about 53km with the use of base bleed or rocket assisted rounds. It is regarded as one of the most potent artillery pieces on the modern battlefield. The word ton or tonne is derived from the Old English tunne, and ultimately from the Old French tonne, and referred originally to a large cask with a capacity of 252 wine gallons, which holds approximately 2100 pounds of water. ... Loading a WW1 British 15 in (381 mm) howitzer 155 mm M198 howitzer A howitzer or hauwitzer is a type of field artillery. ... The GC-45 (Gun, Canada, 45-calibre) is a 155 mm howitzer designed by Gerald Bulls Space Research Corporation in the 1970s. ... Gerald Vincent Bull (March 8, 1928 - March 22, 1990) was an engineer who many consider to have developed long range artillery beyond what anyone else has accomplished. ... APU may refer to: Anglia Polytechnic University, now known as Anglia Ruskin University. ... Base bleed is a system used on some artillery shells to increase their range, typically by about 30%. Most of the drag on an artillery shell comes from the nose of the shell, as it pushes the air out of its way at supersonic speeds. ...

The G5 gun has been placed on an OMC 6x6 chassis to produce the fully self-propelled G6 howitzer, and won major export sales in this form to the United Arab Emirates and Oman. In response to a request from India it has also been tested on the back of a 4x4 wheeled truck, a combination known as the T5-2000. It has also been fitted into a turret that can be placed on any suitable vehicle. The turret is marketed as the T6 which has already been fitted on the T-72. OMC is the acronym under which the Olifant Manufacturing Company of South Africa was most commonly known during its existence. ... Four wheel drive or 4x4, is a type of four wheeled vehicle drivetrain configuration that enables all four wheels to receive power from the engine simultaneously in order to provide maximum traction. ... The G6 self propelled howitzer was developed around the ordnance of the G5 howitzer. ... The T-72, a Soviet main battle tank entered production in 1971. ...

Production history

The South African Army at the start of the Angolan conflict was equipped with WW2-era artillery pieces, notable the British 25 Pounder (88mm Quick Loading gun) and 5.5 inch or 140 mm. With the help of the Canadian scientist Gerald Bull and his company, Space Research Corporation they developed the GC-45 howitzer. Deliveries of the G5 (developed from the GC-45) started in 1982.
In 2002, Denel unveiled a 52-calibre version known as the G5-2000, which featured greatly enhanced range and accuracy over the 45-calibre version. The South African Army is the army of South Africa, also known in Afrikaans as the Suid-Afrikaanse Leër. ... World War II was a truly global conflict with many facets: immense human suffering, fierce indoctrination, and the use of new, extremely devastating weapons such as the atom bomb. ... Historically, artillery refers to any engine used for the discharge of projectiles during war. ... (Redirected from 25 pounder) The 25 pounder was the major British field gun/howitzer that was introduced into service just before World War II and was the British Armys primary artillery system into the 1950s. ... Gerald Vincent Bull (March 8, 1928 - March 22, 1990) was an engineer who many consider to have developed long range artillery beyond what anyone else has accomplished. ... The GC-45 (Gun, Canada, 45-calibre) is a 155 mm howitzer designed by Gerald Bulls Space Research Corporation in the 1970s. ... 1982 (MCMLXXXII) is a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2002 (MMII) is a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Variants

• G5 MkI
• G5 MkII
• G5 MkIII
• G5-2000 (52-calibre)

Operators

• South Africa
• Israel
• Iraq (100 systems) plus GC-45 supplied directy from Space Research Corporation
• Malaysia

Combat history

• Angola 1982 -1987
• Israel Bek'aa Valley 1986
• Iraq

See also

• List of artillery