Rheinmetall has reported new distance records for artillery projectiles during a test fire event at the Alkantpan Test Range in South Africa.

The company demonstrated its capabilities in indirect fire to international partners and customers.

The event saw the company set three new maximum effective range records using different guns.

Rheinmetall attained a distance of 76km using a G6 howitzer with a 52-calibre gun. This is said to be the longest range ever achieved with a conventional 155mm artillery round.

A field howitzer with a 39-calibre gun recorded a distance of 54km while a PzH2000 self-propelled howitzer with a 52-calibre gun achieved 67km.



G6 is a self-propelled variant of the G5 howitzer series. Developed by Denel Land Systems, the G6 can achieve increased ranges.

The company showcased the improved propulsion and range of the Assegai V-LAP shell using 39-calibre and 52-calibre guns.

Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM), a joint venture between Rheinmetall and Denel, hosted the test-fire.

RDM managing director Jan-Patrick Helmsen said: “Our goal is to be a true partner to the military. That’s why transparent cooperation and trust are so important to us. Tube artillery can provide defensive and offensive fire support.

Related Report GlobalData's Covid-19 Industry Impact Report Get Free Report Latest report from Browse over 50,000 other reports on our store. Visit GlobalData Store

“It’s cheaper and faster than rockets or air support, can operate around the clock, and engage targets with great precision using indirect fire anywhere within its range. Of course, range has proved to be a limiting factor in recent years, giving rise to the need for increased operational reach.

“We’re known for the Assegai family and our V-LAP round, the longest-range conventional artillery projectile. The combination of South African technology and German expertise has already resulted in enhanced range, effectiveness and precision. When it comes to artillery, Rheinmetall takes a totally holistic approach.”