The T5-52 also named Condor is 155mm truck-mounted artillery system designed and developed by the South African Company Denel Land Systems. The T5 155mm/52 consists of a Tatra T815 (8×8) high-mobility cross-country truck chassis, on the rear of which is integrated the complete top carriage of its 155mm/52 calibre G5 towed artillery system, which has already been fully qualified. Compared with a conventional towed 155mm artillery system, the T5 155mm/52 cal system can come into action much more quickly, carry out a fire mission and redeploy before any counter battery fire can be returned, as well as having greater tactical and strategic mobility.
The truck-mounted gun system can come into action within 50 seconds, fire three rounds within 15 seconds, and thereafter move to a new position within 40 seconds after the last round is fired. It is fitted with a computerised fire control system, which includes navigation, pointing and onboard ballistic calculation, and can receive target information on the move from a battery command post or from a forward observer. the T5 155mm/52 cal SP artillery system has a high rate of fire because 155mm projectiles are lifted three at a time from the ground by an automated power-operated projectile-loading crane and then loaded into the ordnance via a magazine and push rammer.
The 155mm ordnance has a 23-litre chamber, which complies with the NATO joint ballistic memorandum of understanding, and is fitted with a muzzle brake and fume extractor. It can carry out multiple-round simultaneous impact fire missions for maximum target effect. The projectiles are the extended range type and provide an increased range and target effectiveness when compared with existing systems. Using base bleed projectiles, the weapon has a range of 42,5 km at sea level. NATO and other ammunition can be fired, after consultation with the supplier. The firing range can be extended to 53,9 km using V-LAP (Velocity Enhanced Long Range) ammunition. NATO and other ammunition can be fired, after consultation with the supplier. In firing position, one large spade are lowered to the ground at the rear of the truck and one on each side.
The T5-52 has excellent tactical and road strategic mobility using a Czech-made Tatra T815-7 8×8 truck chassis motorized with 265 kW turbo-charged diesel engine developing 355 hp. It has a crew of four and additional two crew members to prepare and supply the ammunition. The cab for the crew and artillery operators is located at the front of the truck. It is an unarmoured cabin but it can be fitted with an armour kit to provide protection against firing of small arms 5.56mm caliber and shell splinters. A central tyre inflation system is fitted, which allows for the inflation and deflation of the wheels, while both static and on the move. The weapon system has excellent tactical and road strategic mobility and has a range of 600 km without refuelling at speeds of up to 85 km/h.
