On Thursday, August 22, 2024, the Slovak company KONŠTRUKTA-Defence announced the next phase of testing for the new wheeled 155-mm self-propelled howitzer Eva M2, which interestingly was previously designated as BIA 6×6. Notably, just a month ago, the artillery piece was publicly presented by the Slovak Ministry of Defense in Bratislava to President Peter Pellegrini under its old name.
Photos: KONŠTRUKTA-Defence
As stated in the press release, the company is gradually completing the prototype qualification process after the initial fire tests, which focused on the durability of the 52-caliber barrel and the stability of the howitzer itself. The Eva M2 also successfully passed the first mobility tests, including overcoming vertical obstacles, anti-tank ditches, and slopes.
The Eva M2, previously known as BIA, made its debut at the London Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) trade fair in September 2023. It was equipped with an automatic loading system, advanced electronic, and diagnostic systems. The first generation, Eva, now designated as Eva M1, made its public debut in 2015. Work on the second generation began in 2021, based on the experience gained from the Zuzana 2 8×8 howitzer, which was adopted by the armed forces of Slovakia and Ukraine.
Interestingly, the Malaysian authorities expressed interest in the howitzer during the joint defense conference DSA 2024 (Defence Services Asia Exhibition & Conference) and the international exhibition NATSEC Asia 2024 (International Exhibition on National Security for Asia), which took place between May 6 and 9 this year at the MITEC (Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre) in Kuala Lumpur.
The fire control system of the Eva M2 howitzer consists of inertial navigation (INS), a muzzle velocity radar, and GPS satellite navigation. It enables integration with C4I-class battlefield command systems and facilitates weapon operation using digital maps.
The Tatra T815-7 6×6 chassis, known for its high off-road mobility, is equipped with an armored cabin at the front, protecting the crew from small arms fire up to 7.62 mm caliber and artillery shell fragments. The main armament is mounted at the rear in a specialized turret, which features an electro-optical observation system equipped with a television camera, thermal imaging camera, and laser rangefinder. The power units in the turret and chassis are driven by the vehicle’s engine, supplying both the electrical and hydraulic systems.
The vehicle, with a total weight of 27 tons, is powered by a Tatra T3C-928.90 V8 diesel engine producing 402 horsepower, coupled with an Allison 4500SP transmission. This setup allows the vehicle to reach a maximum road speed of up to 90 km/h with an operational range of 600 km. The crew consists of 3 to 5 soldiers, depending on the customer’s requirements.
The gun is compatible with all types of 155 mm NATO standard ammunition, including those with a total length of 1000 mm. The automatic loader is equipped with a magazine holding 20 rounds ready for use, along with propellant charges (compared to only 12 rounds in the Eva M1), enabling a rate of fire of 5 rounds in the first minute and maintaining a rate of 13 rounds within three minutes. In manual mode, it can fire 2 rounds per minute.
The gun can engage targets at a distance of over 50 km using rocket-assisted projectiles (RAP), while for conventional munitions with a base bleed, the range is a standard 40-41 km. The elevation angles of the weapon range from -3.5° to +75°.
The manufacturer also states the possibility of integrating the gun with a different wheeled chassis, depending on the customer’s requirements.
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