Kryl 155 mm self-propelled howitzer

[Zarvan]

The Kryl is a Polish version of an Israeli ATMOS 2000 truck-mounted howitzer



Country of origin Poland
Entered service Expected in 2019
Crew 5 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight ~ 23 t
Length 10.3 m
Width 2.55 m
Height 3.44 m
Armament
Main gun 155 mm
Barrel length 52 calibers
Machine guns -
Projectile weight 43.5 kg
Maximum firing range up to 56 km
Maximum rate of fire 6 rpm
Elevation range 0 to + 70 degrees
Traverse range 75 degrees
Ammunition load
Main gun 18 rounds
Machine guns -
Mobility
Engine MTU 6R106TD21 diesel
Engine power 320 hp
Maximum road speed 80 km/h
Range 500 km
Maneuverability
Gradient 36%
Side slope 30%
Vertical step 0.6 m
Trench ~ 0.9 m
Fording 0.7 m
Fording (with preparation) 1.2 m


The Kryl is a recent Polish truck-mounted howitzer. It was developed by Huta Stalowa Wola to meet a Polish MoD requirement. The new self-propelled howitzer was intended to replace older Soviet 2S1 Gvosdika 122 mm self-propelled howitzer and Czechoslovak DANA 152 mm self-propelled gun-howitzer, used by the Polish Army. These older artillery systems are showing their age, are out dated and use non-NATO compliant ammunition. The Kryl was first unveiled to the public in 2014. Development and trials of this Polish artillery system were planned to be completed in 2018. Polish Army plans to obtain 168 of these truck-mounted howitzers. Deliveries could begin in 2019.

The Kryl was intended as a lighter and less expensive alternative to a Polish Krab 155 mm self-propelled howitzer. It has similar firepower as the Krab, but is based on a truck chassis, which is less expensive to produce and is much more mobile. It can self-deploy over long distances without the need of a trailer.

The Kryl is armed with an Israeli Elbit 155 mm/L52 howitzer. The same ordnance is used on an Israeli ATMOS 2000 truck-mounted howitzer. In the beginning developers of the Kryl also negotiated cooperation with Nexter in order to mount a French gun of the CAESAR truck-mounted howitzer. However Israeli ordnance was eventually chosen, as the Israeli ATMOS 2000 had greater rate of fire, lower weight, was less expensive and had some other advantages over the French CAESAR.

The howitzer is equipped with a load assisting system. The Kryl is compatible with all standard NATO 155 mm ammunition. Maximum range of fire is 30 km with a standard HE-FRAG projectile, 41 km with extended-range projectile, and 56 km with newly-developed rocket-assisted projectile. A 155 mm precision-guided rounds were developed in Poland with Ukrainian assistance. These have laser guidance and a range of up to 20 km.

The Kryl carries 18 round of ammunition and associated charges. More rounds are carried by an escorting ammunition supply truck.

Maximum rate of fire is 6 rounds per minute. Though sustained rate of fire is much lower.

The Kryl has a brief reaction and redeployment time. This artillery system can stop from travelling and prepare for firing within 60 seconds. It takes another 60 seconds to leave the firing position. Brief redeployment time allows to avoid counter-battery fire.

Once in firing position, a large hydraulically-operated stabilization spade is lowered to the ground. The gun elevation and traverse is operated hydraulically, though there are manual controls for emergency use.

The Kryl is fitted with a modern fire control system. It includes navigation and aiming systems, as well as ballistic computer. It displays the target information, selects the gun traverse and elevation, and lays the weapon on the target. The main fire control computer is located in the cab, however there is is also a gun display unit at the rear. It is used by the crew, when the howitzer is deployed in firing position.

This artillery system is operated by a crew of 5.

The Kryl is based on a Jelcz 663.32 military truck chassis with 6x6 configuration. It is purpose-designed military truck, intended to operate in demanding conditions. Vehicle is powered by a German MTU 6R106TD21 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 320 hp. The engine has been moved forward in order to reduce overall height of the vehicle. The truck has a central tyre inflation system. It improves mobility over difficult terrain, such as sand, snow and mud. It was planned that the same Jelcz 663.32 chassis will be also used for a Polish WR-300 HOMAR artillery rocket system (a Polish version of a US HIMARS).

The Kryl has a lightly armored cab, which provides protection for the crew against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. It withstands hits from standard NATO 5.56x45 mm and 7.62x51 mm ball rounds.

This artillery system can be airlifted with a C-130 Hercules tactical transport aircraft, which is in service with Poland.

A battery of the Kryl includes 8 truck-mounted howitzers, as well as associated command and support vehicles.

Kryl
155 mm Self-Propelled Howitzer

Kryl
155 mm Self-Propelled Howitzer

Kryl
155 mm Self-Propelled Howitzer

Kryl
155 mm Self-Propelled Howitzer

Kryl
155 mm Self-Propelled Howitzer

Kryl
155 mm Self-Propelled Howitzer

Kryl
155 mm Self-Propelled Howitzer

http://www.military-today.com/artillery/kryl.htm

 

[Nahid]

looks good to me.