Dana

Dana

ShKH vz. 77

Overview

Dana

Czech army Dana self-propelled howitzers on the move. Source: US Army - © Public domain

Origin Czechoslovakia Type Self-propelled howitzer Entered service 1981 Status In service Development 1972 - 1977 Developer Czechoslovakia - Konštrukta Trenčín Production 1979 - 1994 (series production) 1972 - 1976 (prototypes) Producer Czechoslovakia - ZTS Dubnica nad Váhom Slovakia - ZTS Dubnica nad Váhom Number produced Over 750 Dana by 1994 Designations DANA / Dělo Automobilní Nabíjené Automaticky Czech for "self-propelled auto-loading gun" ShKH vz 77 / Samohybná Kanónová Húfnica vzor 77 Czech for "self-propelled gun howitzer model 77" Samobieżna armatohaubica wzór 1977 Polish for "self-propelled howitzer model 77" Notable users Czechoslovakia Poland Libya

Description

Introduction

The Dana is a wheeled 152mm self-propelled howitzer of Czechoslovak origin. The Dana was developed in the 1970's and was accepted for service in 1981. Dana is an abbreviation that stands for Dělo Automobilní Nabíjené Automaticky, which translates to "self-propelled auto-loading gun". In Czech service it is known as the "Samohybná Kanónová Húfnica (ShKH) vzor 77", or "self-propelled gun howitzer model 77".

Layout

The Dana is based on the heavy duty Tatra T815 8x8 tactical truck. The driver's cab is mounted at the front, the turret in the middle and the engine at the rear. The turret consists of two parts with the ordnance mounted in between. A loading system is fitted, which is able to feed shells and propellant at any angle. Three jacks are lowered to provide a stable firing platform. The crew of five consists of a commander, driver, gunner and two loaders.

Firepower

The Dana is armed with a 37-caliber 152mm howitzer that fires the same type of ammunition as the Soviet D-20 and 2S3 Akatsiysa. With standard ammunition a range of 18.7 km is achieved. Base bleed rounds can be used out to 28.2km. The automatic loading system allows for a maximum rate of fire of 5 rounds per minute. A total of 60 rounds are carried in the vehicle. A 12.7mm DShKM or NSV heavy machine gun is fitted on the turret roof for self-defense.

Protection

The Dana is operated from under full armor protection. The steel hull protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. NBC protection is fitted as standard.

Mobility

The Dana has a good cross country performance due to its 8x8 heavy duty chassis. Only in the toughest terrain it loses out to tracked designs. The wheeled chassis also gives the Dana a high road speed. A Tatra 345 hp diesel engine provides propulsion.

Users

The Dana is used by a few Eastern European nations and was exported to Libya. Well over 800 units have been produced. Many of these remain in service today. Several companies have developed upgrade packages to prolong service life and increase its capabilities.

Details

Facts Dana General Origin Czechoslovakia Type Self-propelled howitzer Crew 5 (commander, driver, gunner, 2 loaders) Dimensions Weight 29.25 t combat load 23 t empty Length 11.16 m overall Width 3.00 m Height 2.85 m to turret roof 3.52 m with machine gun Main armament Type 152mm 37-caliber howitzer Ammunition 60 rounds Elevation -4 to +70°, powered Traverse 225°, powered Rate of fire 5 rpm max Range 18.7 km with standard rounds Over 20 km with base bleed Stabilizer No Secondary armament Type 12.7mm DShKM or NSVT heavy machine gun Mount Pintle mount on turret roof Ammunition Up to 2.000 rounds, 50 ready to fire Traverse Manual traverse and elevation Stabilizer No Chassis Chassis type Wheeled chassis, 8x8 Wheelbase 1.65 + 3.07 + 1.45 m Tread 1.99 m Automotive Engine model Tatra 2-939-34 Engine type 12-cylinder diesel Power output 345 hp Transmission Dual range, 20 forward, 4 reverse Mobility Speed 80 km/h on road 40 km/h on dirt road 25 km/h in the field Range 740 km on road 650 km on dirt road 250 - 500 km in the field Turn radius 12.8 m Power to weight ratio 11.8 hp/t Obstacle crossing Ground clearance 0.41 m Wall 0.6 m Trench 2 m Gradient 60 % Slope 30 % Fording 1.4 m Protection Armor type Steel Armor tickness Up to 15 mm NBC system Yes Smoke system No Equipment Night vision Yes

Media

Dana

Polish army Dana self-propelled howitzers on parade in 2014.

Source: Mateusz Wlodarczyk

Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license

Dana

Czech army Dana self-propelled howitzer crossing a slope.

Source: US Army

Copyright: Public domain

Dana

Czech army Dana self-propelled howitzer in firing position. Note that the jacks are lowered.

Source: US Army

Copyright: Public domain

Dana

Rear view of Czech army Dana self-propelled howitzer in the field.

Source: US Army

Copyright: Public domain

Dana

Dust settles around a Polish army Dana self-propelled howitzer deployed in Afghanistan.

Source: US Army

Copyright: Public domain

Dana

Rear view of Czech army Dana with turret traversed to the left.

Source: US Army

Copyright: Public domain

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