The Khalifa GHY02

The Khalifa GHY02 is a new artillery system, recently developed in Sudan by a state-run Military Industry Corporation. It is a combination of Soviet D-30 towed howitzer, mounted on a Russian KamAZ 6x6 military truck. This artillery system was first revealed in 2013.

It is a simple and mobile artillery system designed for rapid intervention and response. This artillery system is armed with a refurbished D-30 towed howitzer. This Soviet howitzer was produced in large numbers, widely exported, and many countries have plenty of 122-mm ammunition in stock. This are the reasons why 122-mm caliber truck-mounted howitzers can be more preferable over Russian 152-mm or NATO 155-mm calibers. Other recent 122-mm truck mounted howitzers are the Chinese PCL-09, SH2, Kazakh Semser, Serbian SORA, SOKO SP RR 122 and some other.

The Khalifa is intended for general fire support. A turntable with a howitzer is mounted at the rear. A large spade and hydraulic jacks are lowered to the ground prior to firing. These provide a more stable firing platform. Maximum range of fire is 17 km. This howitzer is also capable of direct firing. Maximum rate of fire of 8 rounds per minute. Vehicle carries 45 rounds of onboard ammunition. It also carries spare parts for the howitzer and tools.

Truck-mounted howitzers are more mobile and are capable of rapid response. The Khalifa has brief reaction and redeployment time. It can fire it's first round from travelling within 1.5 minutes. It takes about the same time to leave firing position. So Khalifa can fire a couple of rounds and leave firing position before enemy detects it' position and opens counter-battery fire. Vehicle has an automatic fire control system.

This artillery system has a crew of five. All crewmembers are seated in a newly-developed armored cab. It provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters.

The Khalifa is based on Russian KamAZ-43118 military truck with redesigned chassis and cab. This truck is produced both for civil and military operators. Vehicle is powered by a turbocharged diesel, developing 260 hp. Engine is coupled with a manual gearbox. Vehicle has an all-wheel drive configuration and can go over all kinds of terrain. The Khalifa can be airlifted by most medium cargo aircraft.

A/N: Just to be clear, this is not from South Sudan.

credit : war machines