The Firtina 2 Self Propelled Howitzer and the question about its Propulsion.
View attachment 14269
Firtina 2 Upgrades:
>Aselsan’s SARP RCWS on top of the howitzer turret
>New generation fire control system
>Fully automatic ammunition loading system.
>The new loading system also allows a higher rate of fire, intense fire rate is increased of one round per minute, up to 7-8 rpm
>Multiple Round Impact missions, hitting the same target with three rounds at the same moment.
>The new inertial navigation system allows the Firtina 2 to open fire within 30 seconds from reaching its position
>A key element in terms of safety is the adoption of an all-electric turret, avoiding the dangerous hydraulic piping
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The Question which was Always a Concern especially when it comes to Export is the Power pack. A Timeline:
Planned Power pack:
View attachment 14271
Specifications:
735 kW (1000 PS) | 2700/min | 1108 × 972 × 742 mm | 1400 kg | 144/140 mm | 8 Zyl./2,28 l | 18,2 l |
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In 2018
Many Media Outlets claimed that Turkey was Opting for an Ukrainian Engine.
FIRTINA obüsü ihracatında yıllardır Almanya iznine takılan Türkiye, bu engeli Ukrayna’yla aşmaya hazırlanıyor.
www.hurriyet.com.tr
Looking for an alternative, Makina Kimya Endustrisi Kurumu (MKEK) officials found the solution in Ukraine. Having negotiated with Ukrainian officials and engine manufacturer UkrOboronProm, MKEK ordered 20 engines from this country when it received the commitment "there will be no export restrictions".
We haven't heard from This solution since but the Engine in Question is the Following:
View attachment 14274
View attachment 14275
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In 2019 (1 Year Later) The News broke at IDEF 19
Caterpillar Defense UK & Turkish Defense Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the development of the power packs for Thunder Howitzers.
The Engine which the Power pack will be based of.
View attachment 14276
CAT C18 | 597 kW (800 PS) | 2000/min | 2736 lb-ft @ 1300 rpm | 1716 kg | In-Line 6 | 6 Zyl./3,01 l | 18,1 l |
The Information's Suggest that the Engine in Question has 6cylinders and a similar Displacement as the MTU, with 18,1 l.
The Engine is a quite a bit heavier than the MTU V8, about 316kg. And produces less Power!
The Final Product which will be integrated in The Firtina Howitzer will probably be an Upgraded Version.
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Current Production Batch distribution of 140 Ordered.
- 3 Howitzers Per Month
According to Yusuf Akbaba the First 10+ Firtina 2 will have the MTU Engine and Renk Transmission and the Following ones will have different Power packs.
23.01.2021
> 3 Firtina with MTU Engines Delivered
03.2021 - 06.2021
> 3 - 18 Firtina with remaining MTU Engines to be Delivered.
07.2021 -
> Firtina deliveries with CAT Engines to start.
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(Continuation until BMC Power UTKU Power pack with 1000HP is ready. First Ignition 11.2020, 2.5 years of Tests, approx. readiness 06.2023. )
The Testing phase after Ignition is an Estimate which I based on the 600HP AZRA Power pack. AZRA Ignition 10.2018 Vehicle Tests are almost Finished according to
Osman Dur which means 10.2018 - mid 2021 equals 2.5 Years of Testing
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07.2021 - 06.2023
> 72 Firtina 2 with CAT Engines
> (90 Firtina Howitzer Total)
06.2023 - 11.2024
> Remaining 50 Firtina with National Power pack UTKU
Feel Free to add your two cents.