DANA

152-mm self-propelled gun-howitzer



The DANA 152-mm self-propelled gun-howitzer is based on wheeled chassis

Entered service 1981
Crew 5 - 6 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight 29.25 t
Length (gun forward) 11.16 m
Hull length ?
Width 2.97 m
Height 2.85 m
Armament
Main gun 152-mm howitzer
Barrel length 39 calibers
Machine guns 1 x 12.7-mm
Muzzle velocity ?
Projectile weight 43.56 kg
Maximum firing range 20 km
Maximum rate of fire 4 rpm
Elevation range - 4 to + 70 degrees
Traverse range 45 degrees
Ammunition load
Main gun 60 rounds
Machine gun 500 rounds
Mobility
Engine Tatra 2-939-34 diesel
Engine power 345 hp
Maximum road speed 80 km/h
Range 650 km
Maneuverability
Gradient 60%
Side slope 40%
Vertical step 0.5 m
Trench 2 m
Fording 1.4 m





The DANA 152-mm self-propelled gun-howitzer was developed in former Czechoslovakia. It was designed as an alternative for the Soviet 2S3 Akatsiya. Unlike many other howitzers of that period the DANA is based on a wheeled chassis. It's production commenced in 1981 and ceased in 1994 with over 750 units built. Currently it is in service with Czech republic, Slovakia, Poland and Libya.

The DANA is armed with a turret-mounted 152-mm gun-howitzer. It fires all standard Soviet and indigenous 152-mm rounds. Czech army currently uses three main types of ammunition, high-explosive rounds with a maximum range of 18 km, improved shape high-explosive with a maximum range of 20 km, and high-explosive anti-tank rounds for direct fire at armored targets. DANA carried 60 rounds, that are fed automatically.

It is worth mentioning that the DANA's autoloader was unique for it's time. It is able to load shell and cartridge in any elevation. This feature is considered as standard nowadays and DANA was one of the first artillery systems with such loader in service. Three hydraulic stabilizers are lowered into the ground before firing. The DANA has a roof-mounted crane to assist ammunition loading.

Secondary armament consists of a roof-mounted 12.7-mm machine gun.

Chassis of the DANA SpGH has 8x8 configuration. It uses many mechanical components of the Tatra T815 Kolossheavy utility truck. Vehicle is powered by a Tatra 2-939-34 diesel engine, developing 345 hp. It is worth mentioning, that wheeled chassis of this artillery systems is cheaper to build and easier to maintain comparing with a tracked chassis.



Variants



MODAN 152-mm improved variant of the DANA, with longer range, better accuracy and higher rate of fire. It has a crew of four;

ONDAVA 152-mm self-propelled gun-howitzer, with longer barrel (47 calibers) and new loading mechanism;

ZUZANA 155-mm NATO compatible variant of the DANA, with improved fire control system. Currently in service with Slovakia;

ZUZANA 2, improved variant of the ZUZANA, with a redesigned forward control cab and a number of other improvements;

HIMALAYA 155-mm variant turret of the ZUZANA, mounted on the T-72 main battle tank chassis. This artillery system was clearly aimed to meet a possible Indian Army requirement.