EXCALIBUR ARMY spol. s r.o. has developed an upgraded type of the DANA 152 mm Self Propelled Gun Howitzer vz. 77.

The implemented upgrade items keep the well established combat & service features of the DANA system unchanged and at the same time transform the weapon into an up-to-date and more powerful system.

The DANA-M1 CZ boasts an unbeatable rate of fire, greater firing accuracy, excellent vehicle mobility and reliable operation of the system. All these qualities predestine the DANA-M1 CZ Self Propelled Gun Howitzer to play a significant role in the modern era of artillery support.

The solution includes a new, high-performance fire control system (FCS) that boosts the combat efficiency of the system and at the same time simplifies its operation. The newly developed solution of the FCS is based upon the use of state-of-the-art technologies allowing the DANA-M1 CZ to be integrated into the C4I system.

• Maximum weapon autonomy

• Minimum time required for taking the firing position and preparation for launch of fire

• Increased fire accuracy

• Easy execution of fire corrections

• Easy aiming

• Recording of firing missions

• Increased battlefield effectiveness

• Short time needed to engage target from an unprepared firing position

• Inertial topographical navigation unit

• Gun commander’s ballistic computer

• Gun commander’s smart terminal

• Communication devices

The inertial topographical navigation unit is mechanically linked to the barrel axis. This allows complicated and time consuming topographical orientation of the gun to be skipped. The inertial topographical navigation unit continuously transfers the current data on the system position and traverse and elevation angles to the ballistic computer.

The ballistic computer is the heart of the fire control system and conducts the following:

• It controls the Inertial topographical navigation unit through serial data communication

• It creates fire missions including ammunition identification and target topographic identification

• It enters all the data required to calculate fire elements

The upgrade of the chassis has resulted in substantially improved driving properties and manoeuvrability of the vehicle.

The steering system has been modified and the TATRA-NORGEN shift-by-wire system has been newly added. The T3-930 engine has also undergone a major upgrade; new turbochargers and an intercooler have been fitted which results in enhanced torque behaviour and power curve.

Several modifications have been made to the cabin. The driver’s field of view has been improved, the steering system and the driver’s instrument panel have been modified. New seats and an independent air conditioning unit have been installed.

The vehicle has also been furnished with a new lightning system including a BLACKOUT feature and a reverse camera.

• TATRA-NORGREN shift-by-wire system

• Bullet proof glass – Improved driver’s field of view

• Vehicle lighting – BLACKOUT feature

• Modified cabin ergonomics

• ZF compact steering + Auxiliary steering cylinder

• Modifications to the engine: New turbochargers; Intercooler

• 430 SACHS clutch

• Increased transmission of power

• Auxiliary drive coupled to the transmission + QLS.125 hydraulic pump

• PARKER hydraulic pump for the auxiliary steering system

• Independent heater and air conditioner

• Reverse camera

• 14 R 20 tyres CTIS