New Delhi: BAE Systems Ltd is lining up for a potential double whammy in the Indian defence market with trials of its FH77 B05 L52 towed howitzer due to start by early March. This contract with the Indian Army is worth a potential 410 units. The UK-based defence and aerospace company also expects to start trials for the M777 ultra-light howitzer in India by the end of 2010.

FH77 B05 L52 towed howitzer

The FH77 B05 will be manufactured and marketed in India by Defense Land Systems India, BAE's joint venture with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

Mahindra & Mahindra has a diverse portfolio of automobiles and is India's largest sports-utility vehicle manufacturer by sales.

According to Mark Simpkins, vice president and general manager at BAE Systems India (Services) Pvt. Ltd, the initial order for the M777 howitzer is likely to be for 145 units.

BAE has also unveiled a mine protected vehicle at the ongoing DefExpo 2010, which it aims to sell to the Indian armed forces as well as paramilitaries. Simpkins also informed the media that the company would explore opportunities in the naval sector, particularly relating to design and construction of ships.

Providing details on its global strategy, Simpkins said: "We are working on a worldwide strategy called home market, which means through JVs, partnerships and acquisitions, we will do all of that in a country to manufacture products, develop and design and provide support for the armed forces of that country."

He added the ultimate aim of BAE is to also export defence products from its "home markets."

BAE's current 'home markets' are the UK, the US, Australia, Sweden, South Africa and Saudi Arabia. 

The FH77 B05 towed howitzer

FH77 B05 L52 towed howitzer

The BAE Systems FH77 B05 towed howitzer is a significantly upgraded and more powerful big brother of the FH77 B02 in service with the Indian Army, which performed so admirably during the Kargil conflict. The B05 is bidding for the Indian Army requirement for towed 52cal 155mm howitzers.

Trials with the India Army are due to start after the DefExpo.

The new upgraded howitzer, FH77 B05 L52, has all round greater performance, including increased range, over the FH77 B02 L39. The longer barrel and larger chamber volume result in extended firing ranges of more than 40 km and enable firing of the next generation smart ammunition.

The systems onboard ballistic computer calculates firing data, automatic laying and firing control, automatic input of ammunition data and meteorological data.

The FH 77B05 L52 has its own land navigation system, eliminating the need for surveying and alignment.

Features:

Integrated navigation, positioning and aligning system and onboard ballistic calculation

Intra-howitzer radio communication

Intra-battery communication -5 km

Handles modular charges and bag charges

Spares and logistics similar to FH77B

Direct firing capability out to 2 km

One of the most important attributes of the FH77B05 is the high rate of fire, i.e. its ability to fire a great number of rounds in a specified time, and MRSI (Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact)

The gun has an automatic laying system with on-board ballistic calculation.

The gun is towed over long distances by a cross country truck

Over short distances, the gun can be driven independently through auxiliary power unit at speeds of up to 8 km/h.

FH77 B05 L52 towed howitzer

Gun in/out of action time is less than 90 seconds.

One of the most important attributes of the Field Howitzer 77B05 is the high rate of fire, i.e. its ability to fire a great number of rounds in a specified time, and MRSI (Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact).

The Howitzer Computer Unit (HCU) contains the GUI (Gun Users Interface) software and the software for ballistic calculations. It also handles communication with:

CCM (Control Computer Module) controls the system for loading, laying and firing

Barrel length (calibres) 52

Main weapon caliber (mm) 155

Rate of fire (rds/min) 3