The DANA-M1 CZ is a modernised version of DANA 152mm self propelled gun howitzer vz.77. Image courtesy of Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic.
The DANA-M1 CZ howitzer is equipped with a new fire control system. Image courtesy of Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic.
The main armament of DANA-M1 CZ is a 152.4mm gun. Image courtesy of Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic.
The DANA-M1 CZ self propelled wheeled howitzer is operated by a crew of five. Image courtesy of Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic.
The DANA-M1 CZ vehicle can reach an off-road speed of 25km/h. Image courtesy of Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic.

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DANA-M1 CZ is a modernised version of vz. 77 DANA (Dělo Automobilní Nabíjené Automaticky) 152mm self-propelled wheeled howitzer developed by Excalibur Army to provide effective artillery support for the Czech Army.

The DANA-M1 CZ retains combat capabilities of the vz. 77 DANA, which was designed and manufactured by Konštrukta Defence and ZTS-OTS for the Czechoslovakian Army in 1970s. The howitzer boasts a new fire control system to deliver high performance and reliable operation than its predecessor.

The artillery system was exhibited at the International Defence and Security Technology Fair (IDET) 2011 in Czech Republic and at Eurosatory 2012 Land and Air-land Defence and Security Exhibition in Paris, France.

DANA-M1 CZ howitzer design, features and accommodation

The DANA-M1 CZ self propelled gun howitzer is mounted on the upgraded chassis of TATRA 815 VP31 29 265 8×8.1R truck. The system offers high manoeuvrability and superior protection for the crew.



KRAB is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer (SPH) manufactured by the Polish heavy industry manufacturer Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) in cooperation with BAE Systems and OBRUM.


The vehicle has a length of 9.91m, width of 3m, and a height of 3.53m when installed with a machine gun. Its maximum weight including 60 pieces of cartridges is 29,250kg.

The howitzer system is operated by a driver, a commander, a gunner and up to two personnel. Its cabin is equipped with new seats, improved ergonomics and an independent air conditioning system to reduce crew fatigue. The driver and commander seats are located in the front crew cabin. Bullet proof glass on the two-piece forward wind screen provides improved visibility for the crew.

The vehicle is fitted with blackout lighting system, a reverse camera, an independent heater and an upgraded driver’s instrument channel.

DANA-M1 CZ armament

The main armament of DANA-M1 CZ artillery system is a 152.4mm gun. Up to 36 cartridges in the transporter and 24 in boxes in the turret and on the chassis are carried for the gun. The gun has a firing range between 4.6km and 18.7km and can fire long-range shells up to a range of 20km. It offers a rate of fire of five rounds per minute when loaded automatically. The rate of fire is two rounds per minute when loaded manually.

The artillery system is also armed with a 12.7mm DShK anti-aircraft heavy machine gun with up to 300 cartridges. It has a rate of fire of 600 rounds per minute. Three smoke grenade launchers are also mounted on both sides of the howitzer.

The crew weaponry includes five submachine guns with 600 charges, 20 F1 hand grenades and one RPG 75 with four charges.

"It also integrates serial data communication systems, gun commander’s smart terminal and VICM 200 COMBAT intercom system."

Fire control system

The DANA-M1 CZ self propelled artillery system is fitted with a new fire control system (FCS) to provide enhanced firing accuracy, survivability and maximum weapon autonomy. It allows operators to record firing missions and easily execute fire corrections.

The FCS comprises of an inertial topographical navigation unit to send the information of system position, and traverse and elevation angles to the gun commander’s ballistic computer. It also integrates serial data communication systems, gun commander’s smart terminal and VICM 200 COMBAT intercom system.

Engine and mobility of DANA-M1 CZ

The DANA-M1 CZ wheeled howitzer is powered by T3-930 supercharged twelve-cylinder engine, which develops a power of 265kW. The engine features a new intercooler, gearbox and turbochargers to produce enhanced torque and power curve.

The vehicle is also equipped with an auxiliary power drive, transmission system, QLS.125 hydraulic pump, ZF compact steering system, SACHS 430 clutch, TATRA-NORGREN shift-by-wire system, an auxiliary steering system with a PARKER hydraulic pump, and 16R20 tires with a central tire inflation system.

The 8×8 vehicle attains a road speed of 80km/h and an off-road speed of 25km/h. The maximum range of the vehicle is 600km.

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