Fire support for infantry: in South Africa, a hybrid self-propelled howitzer RG41 GT7 105 mm was presented

The 105mm gun mounted on the new vehicle used to be on a towed G7 105mm LEO howitzer. Some modifications were required — resulting in the Denel GT7 gun.

Denel announced at Africa Aerospace and Defense 2024 the integration of its eight-wheeled RG41 combat vehicle with a modified version of the G7 105mm gun. This combination is expected to be called the RG41 GT7. Army Recognition writes about this.

The 105 mm gun mounted on this vehicle was previously mounted on a towed G7 105 mm LEO howitzer. Some modifications were required to install on the new vehicle. As a result, the Denel GT7 gun appeared.

Denel development manager Isaac Karelse explained that the RG41 platform arose from the Hoefyster project, which was conceived as an alternative to Denel's Finnish eight-wheeled Patria platform.

As there were delays in the production of the Patria/Badger system, Denel suggested RG41 as a replacement.

The RG41 was equipped with remotely controlled turrets, including the TRT turret, which was tested with 20 and 30 mm guns. During tests with the G6 155mm self-propelled howitzer and the truck-mounted T5 system, Denel engineers discovered the potential to mount a 105mm gun on the RG41.

Denel then developed the 3750kg T7 105mm turret. According to the company, it is currently a manned tower, but plans to make it unmanned in the future. The RG41 GT7 can accommodate a crew of up to 11 people. A standard infantry unit usually consists of ten people.

The new development is protected according to the standard STANAG 4569, the level of protection against improvised explosive devices (IED) is not disclosed. The V-shaped body is protected from land mines, the RG41 is equipped with an armored “shell” for the safety of the crew.

The T7/G7 combination remains at the prototype stage and requires further development. It is assumed that the new system will serve as a mobile self-propelled artillery system as part of a mechanized battalion.

The maximum firing range of the G7 gun — 30 km, the ammunition is designed in such a way that it is not inferior to standard 155 mm high-explosive fragmentation shells.