TRF1
French towed howitzer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The TRF1, originally known as GIAT 155 mm Tracté (TR) is a 155mm French towed howitzer produced by Nexter (ex Giat Industries) and used by the French Army.
| TRF1 Arsenal de Bourges | |
|---|---|
French soldiers prepare to fire a TRF1 | |
| Type | Towed howitzer |
| Place of origin | France |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1990–present |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars | Gulf War[1] Russo-Ukrainian War |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Arsenal de Bourges |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 10.52 t |
| Length | 10.0 m (32 ft 10 in) |
| Barrel length | 6.2 m (20 ft 4 in) L/40 |
| Width | 3.09 m (10 ft 2 in) traveling |
| Height | 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in) traveling |
| Crew | 8 |
| Calibre | 155 mm (6.1 in) NATO standard |
| Carriage | wheeled Split-trail |
| Elevation | −6° to +66° |
| Traverse | 27° left / 38° right[2] |
| Rate of fire | 3 shots in 15 s., 6 shots/min. (because it is necessary to let the tube cool down) |
| Effective firing range | 24 km (15 mi) with high-explosive shells 30 km (19 mi) with long-range ammunition |
The TRF1 was showcased in 1979 at the Eurosatory arms trade show, as a replacement for Armée de Terre's BF-50. Giat produced it from 1984 to 1993.
Performance
- Setting out of battery: 2 min
- Crossing of slopes of 60%, fords of 1.20m.
- Horizontal field of fire: 445mil to the left, 675mil to the right.
- Hydraulic aiming
Ammunition
- Capacity of tractor: 56 rounds, 32 on pallets and 24 in racks.
- Can fire all 155 mm ammunition (the normal ammunition is the high-explosive shell).
- Casings are combustible, which improves rate of fire: there is nothing to extract before reloading.
Combat history
The TRF1 was used in combat by Ukrainian Ground Forces during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Photographic evidence shows that at least one TRF1 was destroyed in combat near Lyman.[3]
Operators
Current operators
Former operators
See also
- Soltam M-71 – (Israel)
- G5 howitzer – (South Africa)
