As
it is the Singapore Armed Forces Day Singapore on this date, 1 July, I chose
the SLWH Pegasus for the Weapon of the Fortnight. I got the information from
Wikipedia.
The
Singapore Light Weight Howitzer (SLWH) Pegasus is a helicopter-transportable,
towed artillery piece. Developed jointly by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Defence
Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and ST Kinetics, it was commissioned on 28
October 2005. The Pegasus has replaced the GIAT LG1 105 mm howitzer
previously in service with the Singapore Artillery.
 |
| Singapore Light Weight Howitzer (SLWH) Pegasus |
Type
|
Howitzer
|
Place of origin
|
Singapore
|
Service
history
|
|
In service
|
2005 -
|
Used by
|
See Users
|
Production
history
|
|
Designer
|
Defence Science &
Technology Agency (DSTA) and ST Kinetics
|
Manufacturer
|
ST Kinetics
|
Specifications
|
|
Weight
|
5.4 t (5.3 long tons;
6.0 short tons)
|
Barrel length
|
6.045 m
(19 ft 10 in) L/39
|
Crew
|
6-8
|
Caliber
|
155 mm NATO
|
Rate of fire
|
4 rpm for 3 minutes
2 rpm for 30 minutes |
Effective range
|
19 km (12 mi) (with
M107)
|
Maximum range
|
30 km (19 mi) (with
ERFB BB round)
|
Engine
|
Lombardini 9LD625-2
21 kW (28 hp) |
Speed
|
12 km/h (7.5 mph)
|
Design
The
155 mm, 39-caliber Pegasus is typically towed, but it is also equipped
with an independent Lombardini 9LD625-2 engine unit to provide short-range
self-propelled capability of up to 12 km/h (7 mph). It can be lifted
by the Republic of Singapore Air Force's CH-47SD
"Chinook" helicopter thus making it the first
heli-portable self-propelled 155 mm howitzer. In addition, the Pegasus can
also be transported by the C-130 Hercules
tactical airlifter.
The
Pegasus has a burst rate of fire of three rounds in 24 seconds and a maximum
rate of fire of four rounds per minute. It can deliver conventional munitions
up to 19 km. Extended range munitions can be fired up to 30 km away.
A semi-automatic loading system is provided to increase the rate of fire and
reduce crew fatigue.
The
design of the Pegasus also incorporates several innovative elements. It is
built with titanium alloy
and aluminium alloy
materials that are lightweight and yet able to withstand the recoil force of
the 155 mm artillery system. Special recoil management design is also
employed to reduce the recoil force to a third lower than conventional
155 mm howitzers.
 |
|
A SLWH Pegasus displayed at the Singapore
Airshow 2008.
|
Deployment
The
Singapore Army conducted its first live firing of the SLWH Pegasus at the
artillery range of Waiouru Army Camp in New Zealand as part of Exercise Thunder
Warrior in January 2006.
The
SLWH Pegasus was the preferred candidate for the 145 ultra light howitzer
program of the Indian Army. However, ST Kinetics was associated in a case of
corruption against the Director General of Indian Ordnance Factory. ST Kinetics
was blacklisted from participating in the program.
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