GDR 99 - Weapons Systems

Big Guns Given
Greater Mobility


Section Articles
• A New Generation of Mortar • Expert Combination: Krauss-Maffei • The Defence Supermarket • Making Tracks: the FCS/Tracer • Centre of Excellence: Mauser • Big Guns Given Greater Mobility • Man With a Plan: Herstal • On Top of the Action: Delco • Crusader on Target in 1999 • Special Application Rifles • Fuchs Fuses for Fighting Forces • Revolutionary: the OICW • Revolution in US Small Arms • SADARM: Smart Submunition
Top: Whatever the terrain, the Noricum chain system provides full cross-country mobility

Continuous development is the key to success for the Noricum GH N-45.

The Noricum GH N-45 is a 45-calibre 155mm howitzer with a maximum range of 39.6km and a rate of fire of up to seven rounds a minute. It is available in its basic towed version, designated A1, or in a self-propelled version with an auxiliary propulsion unit (APU) that is mounted on the forward end of the carriage. The APU can be delivered in kit form for retrofitting on to towed GH N-45 Als.

Production of the Noricum GH N-45 A1 and the GH N-45 APU system components is undertaken in several locations throughout western Europe with strict requirements on production skills to guarantee systems accuracy. Programme management, final assembly and testing are the responsibility of Swiss personnel for every order contracted by Noricum Division's T&T Technology. Several hundred Noricum GH N-45 A1 and GH N-45 APU systems have been delivered to various countries over the years. And during the whole of this period modifications have been made to the basic design to improve its reliability and field handling, and to smooth the manufacturing process. Current research and development, based on customer feedback, is aimed at providing new types of ammunition, including intelligent ammunition and bomblets. The GH N-45 fires all standard NATO ammunition.

Noricum Division's T&T Technology offers a comprehensive after-sales support programme based on the adaptability of its general maintenance concept to suit individual customer requirements. Spares, support equipment and mobile workshops are available for customers who want to carry out maintenance independently. Alternatively, the Noricum Division guarantees turn-around periods measured in hours or days, rather than weeks, where customers opt for maintenance supplied by the contractor. A combined maintenance plan, carried out by the customer and the contractor, is an option that has been selected by most governments operating Noricum GH N-45 Al and GH N-45 APU systems.

For further information contact the T&T sales office in Zurich, Switzerland.

Highlights of the Noricum GH N-45
It is generally accepted that the Noricum GH N-45 gun system possesses many advantages over other 155mm guns, including:

Steering system


The unique steering system of the GH N-45 means it always follows exactly the track of the leading vehicle

The Noricum GH N-45 gun has a special and unique steering system. When being towed, it follows exactly the track of the leading vehicle. This unique and highly advantageous steering system is protected by patents and rights and the GH N-45 is the only howitzer in the world fitted with the system. In mined or narrow areas such as forests or heavily built-up areas, this steering system displays its unique advantages. The GH N-45 never cuts curves and is highly manoeuvrable.

Chain system
Another advantage is provided by the unique chain system. When the GH N-45 is travelling over deep, muddy or sandy terrain, cross-country mobility remains available. No other gun produced anywhere in the world provides such a device.

APU system
The APU version of the GH N-45 has a particular advantage over other 155mm howitzers. If the APU kit gets damaged on the battlefield, it can be replaced within a very short time. There is no need to return the gun to the maintenance workshop because a new APU kit can be fitted while the howitzer is on the field. In the meantime, the gun can also be used as a normal towed version and is able to fire.

Further advantages

There are various upgrades available, such as a diesel engine. Every standard optical sight can be used. The GH N-45 has a M109 breech, so M109 spare parts can be used. The GH N-45 has a big powder chamber (22l) which facilitates the gun's extended ranges. The APU is hydraulically-driven and possesses a high-grade braking system that helps to simplify driving even in the most difficult situations so that soldiers can use the gun easily. The Austrian army that has carried out extensive testing of the GH N-45 APU, certifies that the gun fulfils all the requirements of a non-professional army.

Track record
Worldwide, more than 600 GH N-45 guns have been sold. They have been used under the most difficult and demanding circumstances and are fully battle-proven. The GH N-45 is the subject of continual improvement and is updated to the latest and highest standards regularly. Since the Noricum Group was taken over, several contracts have been concluded and many contract negotiations are close to finalisation.