Ordnance & Munitions Forecast

ARCHIVED REPORT
For data and forecasts on current programs please visit
[Link] or call +1 203.426.0800

GH N-45 155mm Howitzer - Archived

7/2007

Outlook
10 Year Unit Production Forecast
2006 - 2015

 Production line remains dormant, with no reported sales since 10

Units

completion of the Thai follow-on order in 1998; marketing 8

continues 6

 Despite its advanced design and relatively low unit price, the 4

GH N-45 remains hindered by its lack of 52-caliber ordnance 2

 Production forecast reflects contractor's expectations for at least 0

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
2 4 8 0 0 4 4 4 3 3
some export sales during the forecast period Years

Orientation
Description. A towed 155mm artillery system. Status. Development though serial production. The
production line under T&T/Noricum is currently
Sponsor. T&T Technology Trading Limited, Noricum
dormant.
Division (Zurich, Switzerland) currently sponsors the
GH N-45 as a private venture. Total Produced. Through 2005, the contractors
produced 669 GH N-45 systems.
Licensees. None. Before its demise in the early
1990s, Engenheiros Especializados SA of Brazil had a Application. Indirect fire artillery support for
license to produce the GH N-45 and the Extended maneuver forces at the battalion through division levels.
Range Full Bore/Base Bleed ammunition.
Price Range. In 2006 U.S. dollars, the GH N-45
carries a unit price of $566,200.

Contractors
Prime
T&T Technology Trading Ltd, Splugenstrasse 12, Zurich, 8002 Switzerland, Tel: + 41 1 281 0281,
Noricum Division Fax: + 41 1 281 0282, Prime

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GH N-45 155mm Howitzer

Subcontractor
Porsche Inter Auto GmbH & Co [Link] Vogelweiderstrasse 69, Salzburg, 5020 Austria,
KG Tel: + 43 662 8071 0, Fax: + 43 662 8071 5090, Email: [Link]@[Link]
(236-6.9 APU)
NOTE(S): Other than for the APU, T&T/Noricum acts as the sole-source contractor for the GH N-45 howitzer.

Comprehensive information on Contractors can be found in Forecast International’s “International Contractors” series.” For a detailed description,
go to [Link] (see Products & Samples/Governments & Industries) or call + 1 (203) 426-0800.

Contractors are invited to submit updated information to Editor, International Contractors, Forecast International, 22 Commerce Road, Newtown,
CT 06470, USA; [Link]@[Link]

Technical Data
Crew. Six per hour (18.63 mph) on a paved road. With the unit, the
GH N-45 can climb a 45-degree slope at 5 kilometers
Muzzle Brake. Multi-baffle.
per hour (3.11 mph). The unit provides the GH N-45 a
Recoil System. Hydro-pneumatic. range of 150 kilometers (93.15 statute mi) on paved
roads and 100 kilometers (62.1 statute mi) off-road.
Breech Mechanism. Interrupted screw stepped- This unit is available for retrofit to existing pieces.
thread.
Shield. None
Carriage Type. Split trail.
Ammunition. The GH N-45 is compatible with
APU. A Porsche Austria 236-6.9 spark ignition Extended Range Full Bore/Base Bleed (ERFB/BB)
4-cylinder engine propels the gun’s four wheels via a projectiles and all NATO-standard 155mm ammunition.
hydrostatic drive. This APU generates 89.48 kilowatts
(120 hp), providing a maximum speed of 30 kilometers

Dimensions. The following data reflect the production-standard GH N-45A1. Data for the GH N-45 mounting the
Porsche auxiliary propulsion unit (APU) are in parentheses where different.
SI units U.S. units
Caliber 155 mm 6.10 in
Length overall 13.97 m 45.83 ft
Traveling length 9.73 m 31.92 ft
Barrel length 45 calibers/7.046 m 45 calibers/23.117 ft
Traveling width 2.49 (2.75) m 8.17 (9.02) ft
Firing width 9.93 m 32.57 ft
Traveling height 2.26 m 7.41 ft
Firing height 2.26 m 7.41 ft
Total weight 10.07 (12.38) tonnes 11.10 (13.65) tons

Performance. The ordnance range data reflect firing Charge 3 Zone 6 and the Mark 10 Mod 2 ERFB/BB
projectile.
SI units U.S. units
Elevation +72 deg +72 deg
Depression -4 deg -4 deg
Traverse 40 deg right/30 deg left 40 deg right/30 deg left
Maximum range 39.6 km 43,306.6 yards
Maximum rate of fire 7 rounds/min 7 rounds/min
Sustained rate of fire 2 rounds/min 2 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity 897 m/sec 2,942.88 ft/sec

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GH N-45 155mm Howitzer

Variants/Upgrades
Variants. None The Forecast International Weapons Group considers it
likely T&T Technology/Noricum will, at some point,
Modernization and Retrofit Overview. The
investigate integrating 52-caliber ordnance with the
contractor has thus far incorporated improvements, such
basic GH N-45 platform in order to keep the GH N-45
as an optional automated ammunition handling device
competitive on the international 155mm artillery
(which operates off the APU), to the GH N-45 as
market.
production cut-ins. The GH N-45A1 represents the
latest production standard.

155mm GH N-45 Howitzer

Source: [Link]

Program Review
Background. The GH N-45 towed howitzer is and performance. The contractor placed emphasis on the
essentially a refined version of Space Research development of a new, lighter, and stronger carriage. A
Corporation’s unique GC-45 artillery system and new hydraulically assisted jack and float assembly
Extended Range Full Bore ammunition. For more facilitates handling the trail assemblies. The redesign
information on the GC-45, see our “G5 155mm efforts reduced the overall width of the piece by 21
Howitzer” report in this tab. The designation GH N-45 centimeters (8.27 in). A five-tonne (5.51-ton) vehicle
stands for “Gun-Howitzer Noricum 45 calibers.” can tow the GH N-45 at speeds of up to 105 kilometers
per hour (65.2 mph) on paved roads or 50 kilometers
Adapting a Foreign Design per hour (31.1 mph) cross-country.
In 1979, Noricum/Voest-Alpine began redesigning the During contractor and operational testing, the GH N-45
various components of the GC-45 to improve handling ordnance achieved ranges of 39 kilometers (42,650 yd),

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GH N-45 155mm Howitzer

firing ERFB/BB projectiles. While Noricum/Voest- issues with the Austrian Ministry of Interior had
Alpine projected a minimum service life of 1,500 plagued this Iranian deal since at least 1987. Following
rounds per barrel, one piece fired over 3,000 equivalent the completion of another export sale to Thailand, the
full charges without malfunction. The high-pressure GH N-45 production line fell dormant in 1989.
breech assembly carries a recommended chamber
In 1994, the Swiss firm T&T Technology Trading
pressure rating of 3.16 tonnes per square centimeter
Limited – which had purchased the Noricum Division
(22.5 tons/sq in). During testing, one piece sustained a
with its GH N-45 production rights, 24 unsold GH N-45
pressure of 5.34 tonnes per square centimeter (38
pieces, 100 barrels, and 1,700 tonnes (1,874 tons) of
tons/sq in) without failure.
spare parts – began offering the GH N-45 on the
Failures and Revival international market. Sometime in 1995, Thailand
placed a follow-on order for 18 GH N-45 pieces, along
By mid-1985, Engenheiros Especializados SA of Brazil with two orders for GH N-45 spares.
had secured licensed-production rights for the GH N-45
and its associated ERFB/BB ammunition. The licensee Established Production Infrastructure
was to produce the towed system with the auxiliary
Assembly and testing of completed GH N-45 systems
propulsion unit. In addition, the contractor planned to
now occurs in Switzerland. T&T Technology Trading
integrate the 45-caliber ordnance with a new turret and
had (or has) agreements with firms in five different
the chassis of the EE-T1 Osorio tank, forming a new
European nations for GH N-45 production. Fabrication
self-propelled artillery system. When the bankrupt
of the 45-caliber barrel still occurs in Austria. As an
Engenheiros Especializados firm ceased operations in
indication of the technological prowess of T&T
1993, the license agreement expired with it.
Technology, we note that the Slovak Republic firm
In 1991, Noricum/Voest-Alpine Maschinenbau und Zavody Tazkeho Strojarstva (long an established
Handel GmbH abandoned the ordnance business, after artillery designer and producer) requested T&T
an attempt to start licensed production of the GH N-45 assistance in designing the 155mm barrel for its Zuzana
and the ERFB ammunition in Iran fell through. Legal self-propelled howitzer.

Significant News
Switzerland May Again Be Interested in Israeli Arms – Switzerland could end its ban on purchasing Israeli
defense equipment, according to a government announcement. Restrictions were put in place three years ago after
the Israeli Army reoccupied the Palestinian refugee camp in Jenin.
Swiss officials are interested in normalizing relations with Israel. The Swiss Information Service said Berne
expressed interest in buying SFR150 million ($130 million) worth of Israeli-built components for a
telecommunications system in February. Defense sales account for about three percent of all Israeli exports to
Switzerland. Israel may also offer Switzerland new unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). Switzerland has mentioned an
interest in purchasing medium- and long-endurance UAVs. The Swiss military already operates the Ranger UAV
system. (FI, 3/05)
Switzerland Cutting Defense Spending in 2005 – The Swiss Ministry of National Defense announced in late
2004 that it would implement massive cuts to Switzerland’s armed forces owing to the shrinking defense budget.
The cuts would affect all branches of the Swiss armed forces; however, the Army will bear the largest cuts. Defense
Minister Samuel Schmid and Army chief Chistoph Keckeis unveiled the “first phase” plan as a necessary measure
after the Swiss Parliament cut the expected budget from SFR4.3 billion to SFR4 billion for 2005.
The Army, which already operates on a lead budget, was expected to lose 564 professional posts and a further 1,100
regular positions by the end of 2005. Obligatory military service would be reduced from 300 to 260 days. The
dramatic cuts are indicative of a general trend across Europe to bring force levels more in line with current threats.
With the Soviet Union no longer threatening the security of Europe, large ground forces are no longer necessary.
This sentiment has caused cutbacks in the force levels of almost every military across Europe. Swiss, and European
militaries in general, are concentrating their efforts on creating highly trained and specialized rapid-reaction forces
capable of being deployed on short notice for action in any theater. (FI, 4/05)
Market Intelligence Service Subscribers: For additional news, go to the online E-Market Alert page located in the Intelligence Center at
[Link] and click on the links to the products you subscribe to.

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GH N-45 155mm Howitzer

Funding
The Noricum Division of T&T Technology Trading Ltd. privately funds the development and production of the
GH N-45.

Timetable
Month Year Major Development
Early 1979 GH N-45 development begins
1980 Initial GH N-45 test firings
1981 GH N-45 mobility tests
September 1981 Operational tests in Middle East
Late 1981 Serial production commences; Voest-Alpine assumes all Space Research Corporation
International production
Late 1991 Production ends
1994 T&T Technology Trading purchases the GH N-45 program
1995 Thailand orders 18 GH N-45 pieces
May 1997 Thailand places follow-on order for 18 pieces
1998 Thai follow-on order complete
2006 Production line dormant since completion of Thai orders; available for new-production
orders; marketing continues

Worldwide Distribution / Inventories

Export Potential. The GH N-45 has simply not lived up to its full sales potential on the international market.
Although the GH N-45 has enjoyed a significant number of sales to various Middle Eastern countries, these
countries have generally failed to document the performance of the GH N-45 in combat – leaving the GH N-45
without a documented combat record.
Thailand placed a follow-on order to supplement the 12 GH N-45 pieces already in service. T&T
Technology/Noricum completed this order in 1998. However, this represents the only recent order for the GH N-45.
Like the Denel G5, the GH N-45 represents state-of-the-art technology for a relatively low unit price. Yet, given the
current glutted condition of the international market, there are simply no buyers at this time.
Countries. Austria (6 evaluation pieces), Iran (132; various estimates range from 80 to 610), Iraq (96 of original
200 pieces from Jordan; current status unknown), Libya (possibly 160), and Thailand (48). Finally, the United
Kingdom and the United States each reportedly hold several GH N-45 systems, war trophies from Operation
Desert Storm (1991) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-present).

Forecast Rationale
Since the prime contractor completed deliveries under Despite its advanced design, the GH N-45 is in danger
the Thai follow-on order in 1998, the 155mm GH N-45 of falling by the wayside in an international market
towed howitzer production line has reportedly remained increasingly dominated by 52-caliber 155mm ordnance
dormant. Indeed, while the Noricum Division of T&T designs. Without a barrel upgrade, the GH N-45, even
Technology Trading Ltd maintains the production line with its Extended Range Full Bore ammunition, may
is available for new orders, reports indicate the simply be unable to compete in a glutted international
contractor may still hold six pieces of its original market of 52-caliber ordnance designs firing readily
24-piece inventory in stock, available for sale. available NATO-standard munitions.
Advanced Design, Irrelevant Product? Even the howitzer’s sales record has proven a hindrance
to its viability on the international market. Despite a

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GH N-45 155mm Howitzer

record of healthy sales in the Middle East, the fact Forecast International Weapons Group has found no
remains that these customers have generally failed to evidence of any serious sales prospects for the GH N-45
document the combat performance of the GH N-45 howitzer.
howitzer – leaving the GH N-45 without a proven
If T&T/Noricum pursues integration of 52-caliber
combat record to promote.
ordnance, the GH N-45 may indeed capture some
Hope Springs Eternal moderate level of sales during the forecast period. On
the other hand, if T&T/Noricum does not attempt to
Our ten-year production outlook reflects only the upgrade the GH N-45 to the new international standard,
expectations of T&T Technology Trading/Noricum prospects for future sales of the 45-caliber howitzer
Division for at least some export sales. In fact, the remain minimal at best.

Ten-Year Outlook
ESTIMATED CALENDAR YEAR PRODUCTION
High Confidence Good Confidence Speculative
Level Level
Total
Ordnance (Engine) thru 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 06-15
NORICUM
GH N-45 (a) NO ENGINE 669 2 4 8 0 0 4 4 4 3 3 32
Total Production 669 2 4 8 0 0 4 4 4 3 3 32

(a) The production includes two prototypes.

May 2006