Special Operations Forces (SOF) typically find themselves fighting "behind enemy lines" in direct contact with opposing elements though only lightly armed for the task. As such, they require equally-special solutions to see the mission through - this being the case for Turkish commandos / airborne troopers in need of their own artillery support. In response, the requirement has been fulfilled by MKEK of Turkiye through the 105mm "Boran" - a 105mm caliber towed / air-transportable field howitzer based in the proven and globally-popular British L118 system in use from Bahrain and Benin to Ukraine and the United States.
The weapon system, as a whole, tips the scales at 4,000lb - only slightly lighter than the British design. A key quality is its ability to be air-lifted / air-transported by helicopter to the front or into hard-to-reach places (or simply towed by ground vehicle). When prepared to fire, the gun ranges out to target areas at 17 kilometers. The typical operating crew is four to six personnel, each trained in the various precise aspects its operation. Integral to the system and its operation is an all-modern, digital Fire Control System (FCS) giving the unit accurized fire over range.
The Boran is cleared to fire 105x326mmR NATO-standard projectiles in HE (High-Explosive), HE IM, smoke, illumination, marker, and HESH forms with the air of a separate loading charge. The feed mechanism is of vertically-sliding breech block form with an integrated, electrically-actuated firing system. The weapon is fully-recoiled through a hydro-pneumatic process.
The gun tube sits on a box trail carriage system with integrated roadwheels for transport. The wheeled assembly also allows the firing crew to rotate the artillery piece a full 360-degrees from centerline.
The Boran is a relatively new addition to Turkish Land Forces in 2023 with perhaps as few as ten in circulation - a number no doubt set to grow in the coming years as the service transitions to more homegrown solutions brought about by a burgeoning local military industry.
Power & Performance Those special qualities that separate one land system design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the MKEK Boran 105mm Towed Lightweight Howitzer.
None, this is a towed artillery piece. Installed Power
11 miles 17 km Range
Structure The physical qualities of the MKEK Boran 105mm Towed Lightweight Howitzer.
4 (MANNED) Crew
28.9 ft 8.8 meters O/A Length
5.8 ft 1.78 meters O/A Width
7.0 ft 2.13 meters O/A Height
3,968 lb 1,800 kg | 2.0 tons Weight
Armament & Ammunition Available supported armament, ammunition, and special-mission equipment featured in the design of the MKEK Boran 105mm Towed Lightweight Howitzer.
1 x 105mm gun tube supporting various projectile warhead types.
AMMUNITION: Dependent upon ammunition supply. HE typical as well as HE IM, smoke, illumination, marker, and HESH rounds.
Variants Notable series variants as part of the MKEK Boran family line.
Boran - Base Series Designation.
Operators Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the MKEK Boran. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national land systems listing.
Total Production: 15 Units Contractor(s): MKEK - Turkey / Turkiye
[ Turkey ]
Similar Developments of similar form-and-function, or related, to the MKEK Boran 105mm Towed Lightweight Howitzer.
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