APU:     

Ammunition:     

The G5 can fire an extensive range of ammunition, also manufactured in South Africa by DENEL. All 155mm NATO projectiles can also be fired by the G5. No exact details of the ammunition has been published, but include a vast range with some unique capabilities. Initially, the gun was capable of maximum sea level range of 30 km with std ammunition. This was increased to 39km with base bleed projectiles. Greater ranges are attained when the gun is fired at higher altitudes. Direct fire range is  3000 meters (using a Frag-HE round). DENEL has done extensive research in this type of ammunition and the most significant result was the so called "cool burn" ammunition. The same performance is obtained but significantly increases barrel life. The newly developed VLAP (Velocity-enhanced Long range Artillery Projectile) extends the range between 50 and 60km! These ranges, combined with a traverse capability of up to 82º and elevation angles of -3º to 75º, result in the G5 as a superior gun in terms of both flexibility and area coverage. The G5 was also one of the first big guns to be able to fire with negative gun barrel, elevation angles.
 
For any gun system to be effective in a modern battlefield scenario it must form part of an integrated gun system. This has been the success of the G5 as these systems were incorporated from the early days. South Africa has developed a complete fire-control system including a muzzle-velocity measuring device, AS 80 artillery fire-control system with mil std spec mini-computer, S700 meteorological ground station and a complete range of advanced communications equipment.
 
The G5 has proved so successful that South Africa developed a 155-mm (6.1-in) self-propelled howitzer (6x6) called the G6, which uses key components from the proven G5. The G6 also saw extensive combat in the Border war - for more info see the G6 article.
 
The G5 can readily be transported by rail, sea or air, fitting comfortably into a freight aircraft such as the C130. In these instances the APU greatly simplifies loading procedures. However, due to the gun's weight it cannot be lifted by a medium transport helicopter, for even greater mobility. South Africa has developed a lighter weight gun of 105mm named the G7 for this purpose and was first unveiled at the Aerospace Defense Show and SAAF 80 during 2000.
 
The G5 system has been developed for modern warfare. Intensive testing under all possible conditions, as well as continuous feedback from military operations to the design engineers, have resulted in a gun that is not only immensely practical, but extremely reliable and user-friendly. The G5 MkIII includes 35 reliability modifications and performance improvements. The improvements include the addition of the AS2000 Gun Monitor, an improved braking system, bigger diameter and wider trail wheels (specifically designed for sand), and incorporation of the REUTECH ACV 58 communications System. It has been exported to a number of customers, but exact details are on the sensitive list.