MGS-25 Aleksandar

_YugoSlav · December 26, 2024, 8:32pm

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MGS-25 Aleksandar

History and Description

The MGS-25 Aleksandar is a state-of-the-art 155 mm self-propelled artillery system developed by Serbia’s Yugoimport-SDPR as an advanced iteration of the NORA B-52. This weapon was developed in response to a request by the Serbian Army to increase the rate of fire of its predecessor. First showcased at the Partner 2017 exhibition and further refined for its 2019 debut, the Aleksandar represents the pinnacle of Serbian artillery design, blending superior firepower, automation, and mobility. As of today, the vehicle is still in prototype stage.

Aleksandar is equipped with a 155mm/L52 cannon, which comes in two versions: a 23-liter chamber compliant with JBMOU standards and a 25-liter chamber for extended range and firepower. The system is compatible with NATO-standard 155 mm ammunition and supports various Serbian-developed projectiles, including ERFB (Extended Range Full Bore), ERFB BB (Base Bleed), and VLAP (Velocity-Enhanced Long-range Artillery Projectiles). The new automatic loading system consists of two revolving magazines placed on both sides of the main gun. The right one holds 12 projectiles, while the left one holds 12 propellant charges. The gun can be loaded at all elevation angles and can achieve a firing rate of six rounds per minute. An additional 12 projectiles and 12 charges are stored behind the crew cabin, bringing the total combat load to 24 rounds. The gun is mounted on a remotely controlled rotating platform, with an operational traverse of 360 degrees. In firing positions, hydraulic legs provide stability. The Aleksandar incorporates modern systems such as a radar for muzzle velocity measurement, inertial navigation, and an advanced direct fire control unit with a laser rangefinder, thermal imaging, and day camera. The protected crew cabin houses three operators: a driver, commander, and gunner. The cabin ensures ballistic and NBC protection against small arms fire and artillery fragments.

At its unveiling in 2017, the system was mounted on a Russian KamAZ 6560 8x8 chassis and had the same crew cabin as the Nora B-52 M15. Later in 2019 the system received some changes and was seen on a German MAN TGS 8x8 chassis, with a completely redesigned cab. The platform was chosen in order to appeal more to international buyers. Weighting 29 tons, the vehicle is powered by a 480 horsepower engine and can reach speeds of 90 km/h on paved roads.

In War thunder

In War Thunder, the MGS-25 Aleksandar would be a very situational vehicle. With its poor turret rotation speed, inability to shoot directly over the cabin, enormous size and almost non-existent armour, it would struggle heavily in close-quarters combat. On the other hand, thanks to its laser range finder, quality thermals and shell’s good muzzle velocity it would excel at long range engagements far away from the enemy’s positions. In order to not interfere with the rotating gun the support legs could be set in a horizontal position similar to the Italian Breda 90/53.

Specifications

Essentials
- Length; 11.4 m
- Width; 2.6 m
- Height; 3.85 m
- Mass; 27 t
- Crew; 3 (driver, commander, gunner)
Protection
- Armor; Level 2, STANAG 4569
- APS; N/A
- ERA; N/A
- Smoke; 4x BDK M79 smoke grenades
Mobility
- Engine; 480 hp
- Power/weight; 17.8 hp/t
- Top speed; 90 kph
- Amphibious; No
Firepower
- Main; 155 mm 52 caliber howitzer
  - Fire rate; 6 rounds/min
  - 24 rounds in total (two-piece ammo)
  - Stabilizer; N/A
  - Thermals; Yes
  - Laser rangefinder; Yes (80 - 10000 m)
  - Vertical; -5° / +65°
  - Horizontal; 360°
  - Turret rotation speed; 6°/s
  - Gun elevation speed 8°/s
  - Zoom; 36x
- Secondary; 12.7 mm machine gun
  - Penetration at 10 m; 34 mm
  - Fire rate; 700shots/min
  - Belt capacity; 60 rounds