- Yes
- No
History
The GBT 155 artillery system was designed and devolved by VSEL ( Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Limited) for sale to both the British market and foreign export market. With this in mind the turret was fitted with the FH70 155mm Howitzer that was the NATO standard field artillery piece at the time, allowing compatibility with several nations ammunition and existing artillery, as well as being a strong option for countries that wished to have NATO compatibility. The turret, having designed to be modular was also able to be equipped with different barrels or even soviet guns.
Vickers believed their design had huge export potential with many different countries across the globe and as such, decided to show their new turret on various platforms. These platforms were the Vickers Mk.3, Centurion, Chieftain, Challenger and even a T-72. It was also claimed by Vickers that they could convert the following tank with into SPG’s with the GBT155. The M48/M60, T-54/T-55/Type 59, Vickers Valiant and Leopard.
Despite this promising turrets design and demonstrator successes, ultimately the VSEL GBT155 failed to secure any exports and no systems were adopted by the British Army. However the lessons learnt from the project were incorporated into a new project by VSEL known officially as the Gun Equipment 155 mm L131, what a boring name, most people know it as the AS-90 and AS-90 Braveheart.
Specifications/Armament
Hull specifications:
Engine: Perkins CV12 26 litre diesel
Transmission: David Brown TN37 transmission
Power: 1,200bhp @ 2,300rpm
Weight: 41.7 Tonnes
Suspension: Hydrogas
Maximum speed: 35 mph - 56 km/h
Armour: RHA front, sides, back 80 / 38 / 25 mm + composite with NERA 200mm front
Turret specifications:
Length Including barrel: 8630mm
Height to cupola: 1515mm
Width: 3100mm
Weight: 13.5 Tonnes
Main armament: 155mm 39caliber Howitzer FH70
Secondary armament: Customer specific, promotional material show a GPMG
Rate of fire: Burst - 3 round in 13 seconds. Intense firing - 6 rounds in 60 seconds. Sustained - 2 rounds in 60 seconds
Range: 24.7km or 32km with extended range ammunition
Elevation: -5° to +70°
Traverse: 360°
Ammo Storage: 31 Shells and 32 Charges with additional storage in the hull
GBT 155 Challenger in Game
With its strong hull armour and fast speed this variant of the GBT 155 would give Britain a high tier artillery system that could fit alongside the 8.3 line up in my opinion, this is due to its great hull but weak gun and turret armour.
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