Turkey publishes video and boasts about setting a world record for firing speed and rate with a howitzer, achieving truly impressive figures with its 105mm Boran gun
Turkish company MKE has released a video showing their 105mm towed Boran gun allegedly setting a new world record for firing speed and rate among artillery pieces at a testing ground.
Indeed, at the proving ground, the Boran managed to fire 12 rounds in just 33 seconds. This means an average rate of approximately 2.75 seconds per shot was achieved, or a calculated 22 rounds per minute.
Such a rate of fire is indeed impressive, as, for example, one of the fastest-firing self-propelled artillery systems, the PzH 2000, is capable of firing 3 rounds in 9 seconds, and 10-12 rounds per minute. However, it’s worth noting that such high figures for the Boran were achieved under practically laboratory conditions.
Furthermore, the Boran is a towed gun without an autoloader or rammer. Therefore, its rate of fire depends solely on the crew’s ability to quickly supply ammunition. Thus, theoretically, such performance could be achieved by any similar gun.
The stated rate of fire for the Boran is 12 rounds per minute, which is still quite high. Regarding its maximum firing range, the Boran is stated to have a range of 17 to 21 km, depending on the type and characteristics of the projectile.
This maximum range is indeed not substantial in today’s context. However, it is partially compensated by the Boran’s mobility, as it weighs only 1780 kg, has a barrel length of 30 calibers, can be deployed in just 60 seconds, and is equipped with a modern fire control system.
In other words, the Boran can quickly move into position, deploy and prepare for firing within a minute, then fire 12 shells within another minute (assuming ammunition is nearby), quickly pack up, and leave the position.
It is worth noting that Turkey was so impressed by the concept of the Hawkeye self-propelled howitzer, tested in Ukraine, that they created their own Uran based on the Boran and an SUV, which might be exported to Poland.