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155 mm caliber

Common type of artillery calibre

Common type of artillery calibre

"155 mm" is a very widely used calibre (barrel internal diameter) for artillery guns and their corresponding artillery shells.

Land warfare

Historic calibres

France - 1874

A French artillery committee met on 2 February 1874 to discuss new models for French fortress and siege artillery, among which there was a weapon in the 140 to 160 mm calibre range.

After several meetings, on 16 April 1874 the committee settled on the 155 mm calibre, and led to the De Bange 155 mm cannon.

NATO standard

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NATO is now pushing from standardised artillery shell to sharable ammunition. The standard described above enables the use of NATO shells in all NATO guns. But they still need to be qualified on each gun to control the performances (ballistic characteristics) and safety.

Retirement of other calibres

This has led to the obsolescence of larger caliber artillery shells such as the 175 and. Some militaries continue to retain the smaller 105 mm (105 mm) weapons for their light weight and greater portability. Russia and former Eastern Bloc countries tend to use 122 , artillery in similar roles.

155 mm guns

Current

NATO and allies

  • Finland
  • France
    • CAESAR
    • GCT
  • Germany
    • Artillery Gun Module
    • PzH 2000
  • Germany / United Kingdom / Italy
    • FH70
  • Israel
    • SIGMA 155
    • ATMOS 2000
    • Soltam M-71
  • Italy
    • Palmaria
  • Japan
    • Type 99
    • Type 19
  • Poland
    • AHS Krab
  • Republic of Korea
    • K9 Thunder
    • KH179
  • Singapore
    • FH-2000
    • SLWH Pegasus
    • SSPH Primus
  • Slovakia
  • Spain
    • Santa Bárbara Sistemas 155/52
  • Sweden
    • Archer artillery system
    • FH77
  • Turkey
    • Panter howitzer
  • Turkey / Republic of Korea
    • T-155 Fırtına
  • Ukraine
  • United Kingdom
    • AS-90
  • United Kingdom / United States
    • M777
  • United States
    • M109 howitzer
    • M114 howitzer
    • M198 howitzer

Other countries

Compatible with NATO projectiles:

  • India
    • Dhanush
    • ATAGS
    • Bharat-52
  • Russia
  • Serbia
    • Nora B-52

Unknown compatibility:

  • China
    • WAC-21
    • PLZ-45
    • PLZ-05
    • PCL-181
  • South Africa
    • G5
    • G6

Historic

  • France
    • GPF 155 mm
    • St. Chamond 155 mm
    • Schneider 155 mm
    • Obusier de 155 mm Modèle 50
    • TRF1
  • Israel
    • Soltam M-68
  • Japan
    • Type 75
  • Serbia
    • Nora B-52
  • Singapore
    • FH-88
  • Sweden
    • Bandkanon 1
  • United States

Experimental or prototype-only

  • United States
    • XM1203 (five prototypes built)
    • XM2001 (one prototype built). Both never entered service
    • M1299 (20 prototypes built)
  • Poland
    • AHS Kryl – one prototype built, never entered service

155 mm naval guns

NATO compatible

  • Germany: Modular Naval Artillery Concept (MONARC) – proposed but never produced
  • United Kingdom: 155 mm (6.1") Future Naval Gun – proposed but never produced

Not NATO compatible

  • Empire of Japan: 15.5 cm/60 3rd Year Type naval gun
  • France: Canon de 155 mm Modèle 1920
  • United States: Advanced Gun System (AGS) – in limited service, but with no ammunition available

155 mm shells

Country of originNameServiceNotes
ChinaWS-352012–currentA family of guided artillery projectiles developed for the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The WS-35B has a base bleed unit, the PLA claim the range to be 30 , from 39-, 45- and 52-calibre barrelled howitzers. The WS-35R is a rocket-assisted projectile, the PLA claim the range to be 35 , from 39-, 45- and 52-calibre barrelled howitzers.
FranceOE 155 56/691959–1990sA high explosive projectile developed for the Mk F3 155 mm and used various French howitzers until replaced by the OE 155 F1 HE.
FranceOE 155 F1 HE1990–currentA high-explosive fragmentation projectile. Maximum range is 24 km from the 40-caliber barrel of the TRF1 howitzer, or 30.4 km when fitted with a base bleed unit.
Germany
and
DM131 (Rh40)2002–currentThe DM121 (also known as the Rh30) is an explosive projectiles developed for the PzH 2000 but compatible with any 155 mm NATO howitzer, the DM131 (also known as the Rh40) is similar but features a base bleed unit. Maximum range of the DM121 is 24.7 and respectively from 39- and 52-calibre barrelled howitzers. Maximum range of the DM131 is 30 and respectively from 39- and 52-calibre barrelled howitzers.
GermanySMArt 1552000–currentA carrier shell with two anti-armour and anti-artillery submunitions. Maximum range of 22.5 km from a 39-calibre howitzer and 27.5 km from a 52-calibre howitzer.
GermanyDM662 DPICM with M85 or DM1385 bombletIn service (Finland)DM662 is a 155mm artillery shell based cluster munition projectile, which contains 49 bomblets. This was produced by Rheinmetall with DM1385 High Explosive Dual Purpose (Anti armour and Anti personnel) bomblets and also was produced by Norway with license, however this utilized Israeli M85 HEDP bomblet.
IsraelM395 DPICM, M396 and M397 ER DPICM2007–currentA series of dual-purpose improved conventional munition (DPICM) carrier shells which carry M85 dual-purpose (anti-personnel and anti-armour) bomblets. The M395 projectile carries 63 bomblets to a maximum range of 22.4 km; the extended range M396 and M397 projectiles both carry only 49 bomblets and have a base bleed unit to a maximum range of 28.7 and respectively.
IsraelM401 and M401-A1 HE-ERIn serviceHigh-Explosive Extended Range (HE-ER) projectiles fitted with base bleed units. Maximum range is 30 , respectively from 39-, 45- and 52-calibre barrelled howitzers.
IsraelM454 (IMI) HE Frag2005–currentA High-Explosive Fragmentation (HE-Frag) projectile with airburst capability for use against dismounted infantry as well as soft-skinned and light armoured vehicles. Maximum range is 22 , respectively from 39-, 45- and 52-calibre barrelled howitzers.
Italy / GermanyVulcano HE2017–currentA family of long-range subcalibre High-Explosive projectiles. It comprises the BER (ballistic extended range) unguided multirole projectile with a multifunction programmable fuze, and the GLR (guided long range) projectile with GPS-aided IMU guidance, canard control and optional semi-active laser terminal seeker. Maximum range of the BER is 50 and when fired from 39 or 52-calibre howitzers. Maximum range of the GLE is 57 and from 39 or 52-calibre howitzers.
NorwayNammo ER projectiles2018–currentA family of extended range (ER) projectiles development by Nammo, including the high explosive, illuminating and smoke projectiles. The projectiles are machined inside and out to achieve a streamlined shape and consistency of weight distribution, increasing range and accuracy. With a hollow-base maximum range is 22 and respectively from 39- and 52-calibre barrelled howitzers, when fitted with a base bleed unit this increases to 30 and respectively.
PolandAPR 155DevelopmentA laser-guided high-explosive incendiary projectile with a maximum range of 20 km designed to be used with AHS Kryl and AHS Krab 155 mm self-propelled howitzers. Is based on Ukrainian 152 mm Kvitnyk projectile.
RussiaKrasnopol1987-currentA series of laser-guided projectiles primarily produced in the Eastern Bloc standard 152 mm caliber, they are also produced in 155 mm caliber for the export market. First fielded by the Soviet Army in 1987, they are regarded as the Eastern Bloc equivalent of the US M712 Copperhead. The 152 mm versions have a maximum range of 20 km from the [D-20](152-mm-towed-gun-howitzer-m1955-d-20) gun-howitzer and 22 km from the longer-barrelled [2A65 Msta-B](152-mm-howitzer-2a65-msta-b). They are licence produced in China by Norinco.
South AfricaM1 ERFB1970s-currentExtended Range Full Bore (ERFB) projectiles developed from the work of Gerald Bull and his Space Research Corporation. They are produced in two versions, standard boat-tail (ERFB-BT) and base bleed (ERFB-BB). Maximum range from a 45-calibre barrelled howitzer in 30.9 and respectively for the boat-tail and base bleed projectiles.
South AfricaM9 ERFB2000-currentAn improved version of the M1 ERFB projectiles, they designed to be fired from 52-caibre barrelled versions of the G5 and G6 howitzers. Maximum range is 40 and respectively for the boat-tail and base bleed projectiles.
South AfricaM2005 Assegai2017-currentVelocity-enhanced Long-range Artillery Projectile (V-LAP) HE projectile incorporating both base bleed and rocket-assistance for increased ranges. Maximum range of 45 km from a 39-calibre barrel and 60 km from a 52-calibre barrel, it is expected to achieve a maximum range of 70 km from the latter.
South KoreaK305 DPICM1980s-currentA dual-purpose improved conventional munition with a maximum range of 17.4 km when fired from the KH179.
South KoreaK307 BB HE1999-currentBase bleed high explosive projectile developed to be fired from South Korean 155 mm howitzers. Maximum range of 41 km when fired from the K9 Thunder.
South KoreaK310 BB DPICM2001-currentA base bleed dual-purpose improved conventional munition with a maximum range of 36 km when fired from the K9 Thunder.
South KoreaK315 HE-RAP2020-currentRocket-assisted projectile with a maximum range of 54 km when fired from the K9 Thunder.
South KoreaK315 ERMA K315 extended range munition (ERM) developed with a smaller TNT charge and a stronger solid fuel propellant with a maximum range of 60 km.
SpainER02A11999-currentA projectile that can be equipped either with a tapering boat-tail or a base bleed unit; it comes in high-explosive, smoke generating and illuminating versions. Maximum range from a 39-calibre howitzer is 24 km boat-tail or 30 km base bleed; from a 52-calibre barrel is 30 km boat-tail or 39 km base bleed.
Sweden / France155 BONUS2000-currentA sensor fused submunition-carrying anti-tank projectile that consists of a carrier shell and two anti-armour submunitions. Maximum range is 27 km from a 39-calibre howitzer and 35 km from a 52-calibre gun.
TurkeyMOD 274 HE ER2018-currentA high-explosive extended range base bleed projectile developed for use with the Panter and the T-155 Fırtına 52-calibre howitzers, maximum range of 39 km.
United KingdomBAE Systems ER HEDevelopmentAn extended-range high-explosive (ER HE) projectile being developed to replace the L15 HE projectile. The projectile features a streamlined shape and a screw-on base bleed unit to increase range. Utilising the Silver Bullet Precision Guidance Kit it has a CEP of less than 20 m. Maximum range is stated as 30 and from 39 and 52-calibre howitzers respectively.
United KingdomL151986-currentGeneral purpose HE projectile used by the United Kingdom. Maximum range of 24.9 km from a 39-calibre barrel and 30 km from a 52-calibre barrel.
United StatesHVPDevelopmentThe Hypervelocity Projectile (HVP) is an experimental hypervelocity projectile with ranges as great as 94 km.
United StatesLRLAP2010-2016 (limited)The Long Range Land Attack Projectile (LRLAP) was an INS and GPS guided, rocket-assisted naval projectile with extended glide capability that was developed for use from the Advanced Gun System. Maximum range of 117 km. Developed from 2000 and tested in the 2010s it was cancelled in 2016 due to excessive cost of projectiles.
United StatesM1021910s-1940sHE projectile. Americanised version of the French Schneider 155 mm HE projectile for the Canon de 155 C modèle 1917 Schneider.
United StatesM1071940s-currentauthor=Janesurl=https://customer.janes.com/Janes/Display/JAH_0451-JAH_title= 155 mm M107 HE projectiledate=29 July 2022website=Janes Weapons: Ammunitionpublisher=Jane's Group UK Limited.publication-place=Coulsdon, Surreyurl-access=subscriptionaccess-date=22 December 2022}}.
United StatesM483A1 DPICM1975-currentM483A1 Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions (DPICM) projectile is a dual-purpose anti-armour/anti-personnel projectile that consists of a carrier shell and 88 individual grenade submunitions. Introduced in 1975, it is used by a number of nations. From 2009 the US have been decommissioning their stockpile of rounds, reusing the bodies to make smoke, illumination and training projectiles.
United StatesM549 HERA1970-currentThe M549 and M549A1 high-explosive rocket assisted (HERA) shells are rocket-assisted projectiles designed to provide extended range over conventional shells. Maximum range of 30.1 km from a NATO-standard 39-calibre howitzer. The M549A1 is one of two projectiles for which the M1156 PGK fuze has been developed.
United StatesM6871987-1990A binary sarin chemical weapons projectile. Service ended after the [1990 Chemical Weapons Accord](1990-chemical-weapons-accord).
United StatesM692/M731 ADAMauthor=Janesurl=https://customer.janes.com/Janes/Display/JAH_0458-JAH_title=155 mm M692 and M731 ADAM and M718 and M741 RAAMS roundsdate=22 June 2020website=Janes Weapons: Ammunitionpublisher=Jane's Group UK Limited.publication-place=Coulsdon, Surreyurl-access=subscriptionaccess-date=23 December 2022}}.
United StatesM712 Copperhead1983-2010sA laser-guided HEAT projectile. Developed in the 1970s and early 1980s, it saw service with the United States and several allies from the mid-1980s. Production ceased in 1990 and as of 2015 only residual stocks remain. Maximum range was 16 km from a 39-calibre howitzer.
United StatesM718/M741 RAAMSThe M718 and M741 Remote Anti-Armor Mine System (RAAMS) are anti-tank mine scattering projectiles. They share the carrier shell of the M483A1 DPICM and instead carry 9 anti-tank mines. They are no longer produced or in service although it is assessed the US maintains stockpiles.
United StatesM7951998-currentGeneral purpose HE projectile developed with the intention of supplementing and eventually replacing the M107 in the US war stocks. Maximum range 24 km from a 39-calibre howitzer. The M795 is one of two projectiles for which the M1156 PGK fuze has been developed.
United StatesM864 DPICM1987-currentA Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munition (DPICM) submunition-carrying projectile, it is regarded as a development of the M483A1 DPICM incorporating base bleed technology for increased range. It consists of a carrier shell and 72 individual grenade submunitions. Maximum range is 29.4 km.
United States / SwedenM982 Excalibur2014-currentAn extended-range autonomously guided projectile using a combination of a high glide ratio lifting body airframe and GPS/IMU guidance. Maximum range is claimed to be 45 km from a 39-calibre howitzer and 50.6 km from a 52-calibre Archer.
United StatesW481963-1992A tactical nuclear artillery projectile in service from 1963 to 1992.
United StatesXM1113 HE RAPDevelopmentRocket-assisted projectile being developed to replace the M549A1 HERA. Maximum range of 40 km when fired from a NATO-standard 39-calibre howitzer. Northrop Grumman have announced plans to develop an extended range upgrade for the M1156 PGK fuze which will be compatible with this projectile.
United StatesXM1128 ER HEDevelopmentExtended range base bleed projectile being developed to replace the M795. Maximum range of 30 km when fired from a NATO-standard 39-calibre howitzer. Northrop Grumman have announced plans to develop an extended range upgrade for the M1156 PGK fuze which will be compatible with this projectile.
United StatesXM1155-SCDevelopmentExtended range projectile under development by BAE Systems for the US Army, designed to engage fixed and moving targets at long range.

Twenty-first century production and usage rates

–March 2023, Ukraine was firing up to 10,000 artillery shells per day, with the average monthly rate of 90,000–110,000 of 155 mm shells. In March 2023, the Ukrainian defense minister asked allies for 250,000 of such shells per month.

Before the start of the large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine (2022), the US produced 14,400 shells per month. , the rate has increased to 20,000 per month. The US declared its plans to increase the production to 90,000 per month, to reach 1,000,000 shells per year in 2025.

Germany's Rheinmetall was producing 60,000–70,000 per year in 2022. Rheinmetall said it was ready to boost production to 500,000 per year.

Ukraine has a domestic production of shells. As of December 2022, the production rate was "in the thousands".

In summer 2023, the EU approved a plan that provides for the production of 650,000 large-calibre ammunition per year, and pledged to supply one million artillery shells to Ukraine over the next 12 months.

References

References

  1. (2024-02-15). "Quels sont ces obus de 155 mm livrés par les Occidentaux à l’Ukraine et disponibles à prix d’or ?". Ouest-France.fr.
  2. "AOP 29-1 : 2012 NATO INDIRECT FIRE AMMUNITION INTERCHANGEABILITY - PA".
  3. Cazalet, Mark. (2022-09-23). "Thunderstruck! – Hanwha Unveils K9A2 SPH Prototype".
  4. (2023-11-10). "NATO Review - Turning standard ammunition into sharable ammunition".
  5. LaGrone, Sam. (11 January 2018). "No New Round Planned For Zumwalt Destroyer Gun System; Navy Monitoring Industry". U.S. Naval Institute.
  6. [[Janes Information Services. (26 October 2023). "155 mm WS-35 guided artillery projectile". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  7. [[Janes Information Services. (29 October 2018). "155 mm Type 56/69-OE 155 56/69 HE projectile". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  8. [[Janes Information Services. (25 September 2023). "155 mm OE 155 F1 HE projectile". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  9. [[Janes Information Services. (5 December 2023). "155 mm DM121/Rh30 and DM131/Rh40 Rheinmetall HE projectiles". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  10. [[Janes Information Services. (19 July 2022). "155 mm DM 702 SMArt 155 ammunition system". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  11. (2007-03-09). "Suomessa käytettävä rypäleammus todettu vaaralliseksi Norjassa".
  12. [[Janes Information Services. (26 June 2020). "155 mm M395, M396 and M397 DP-ICM projectiles". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  13. [[Janes Information Services. (27 September 2023). "155 mm M401 and M401-A1 HE-ER projectiles". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  14. [[Janes Information Services. (30 October 2023). "155 mm M454 (IMI) HE Frag projectile". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  15. [[Janes Information Services. (27 October 2023). "155 mm Vulcano HE projectile". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  16. [[Janes Information Services. (8 January 2024). "155 mm Nammo extended-range projectiles". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  17. [[Janes Information Services. (29 November 2022). "152 mm Krasnopol CLGP round". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  18. [[Janes Information Services. (3 January 2024). "155 mm ERFB-BT and ERFB-BB HE projectiles". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  19. defenceWeb. (2017-03-10). "RDM qualifies extended range ammunition".
  20. [[Janes Information Services. (26 August 2021). "155 mm M2005 Assegai extended range HE V-LAP projectile". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  21. Jeong, Myeong-Ji. (1 October 1998). "21세기를 대비한 우리의 지상무기체계-지능포탄". [[Agency for Defense Development]].
  22. Akhil Kadidal. (19 October 2023). "ADEX 2023: South Korea develops new extended-range shell for K9 howitzer". [[Janes Information Services]].
  23. Jo, Dong-Seong. (1 June 2001). "155밀리 항력감소 이중목적 고폭탄 개발 의의 및 성과". ROK Army Artillery School.
  24. Kim Dae-young. (26 November 2020). "[김대영의 밀덕] [단독] '최대 54km 타격' K9 자주포 155mm 사거리 연장탄 개발 완료". Bizhankook.
  25. [[Janes Information Services. (26 April 2022). "155 mm ER02A1 extended range projectiles". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  26. [[Janes Information Services. (2 February 2022). "155 mm BONUS sensor-fuzed munition". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  27. (2022). "155 mm MKE MOD 274 HEER". [[Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation]].
  28. [[Janes Information Services. (30 October 2023). "155 mm BAE Systems ER HE projectile". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  29. [[Janes Information Services. (26 September 2022). "155 mm L15 series HE shells". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  30. [[Janes Information Services. (31 August 2020). "155 mm Long Range Land Attack Projectile (LRLAP)". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  31. [[Janes Information Services. (29 July 2022). "155 mm M107 HE projectile". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  32. [[Janes Information Services. (2 August 2022). "155 mm M483A1 HE DPICM projectile". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  33. [[Janes Information Services. (2 August 2022). "155 mm M549 and M549A1 HERA projectiles". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  34. [[Janes Information Services. (22 June 2020). "155 mm M692 and M731 ADAM and M718 and M741 RAAMS rounds". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  35. [[Janes Information Services. (11 November 2016). "155 mm M712 Copperhead HEAT CLGP projectile". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  36. [[Janes Information Services. (13 July 2022). "155 mm M795 HE projectile". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  37. [[Janes Information Services. (19 July 2022). "155 mm M864 and M864A1 DPICM projectile". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  38. [[Janes Information Services. (20 September 2022). "155 mm M982 and M982A1 Excalibur projectile". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  39. [[Janes Information Services. (20 July 2022). "155 mm XM1113 HE RAP". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  40. [[Janes Information Services. (28 September 2022). "Northrop Grumman unveils PGK-ER development". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  41. [[Janes Information Services. (22 July 2022). "155 mm XM1128 ER HE projectile". Jane's Group UK Limited..
  42. "XM1155-SC {{!}} BAE Systems".
  43. Siebold, Sabine. (2023-02-13). "NATO expected to raise munitions stockpile targets as war depletes reserves". Reuters.
  44. "ВСУ используют более 90 тысяч патронов калибра 155 мм в месяц – The Wall Street Journal".
  45. "Украина просит у союзников 250 тысяч артснарядов в месяц – FT".
  46. "US significantly increases production of 155-mm shells to provide to Ukraine – WP".
  47. "В Украине налажено промышленное производство 152 мм и 155 мм снарядов – Данилов".
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