Self-Propelled Howitzer
Denel G6 Rhino
The Denel G6 Rhino is a 6×6 wheeled 155 mm self-propelled howitzer made by Denel Land Systems in South Africa, in service since 1988. It evolved from the G5 towed gun and remains one of the few wheeled artillery systems with a mine-protected hull.
South Africa|Denel Land SystemsOverview
The G6 grew out of the G5 towed howitzer developed by Armscor and Eastern Cape Denel. The first prototype appeared in 1981 and the gun entered South African service in 1988. It pairs a 155 mm L/45 barrel with a 6×6 chassis, a mine-protected hull and a 525 hp V8 diesel that gives a road speed of 90 km/h and a range of about 700 km. The vehicle weighs roughly 47 tonnes and carries a crew of five.
South Africa received 43 vehicles, although only a reduced fleet is in service today, while the United Arab Emirates bought 78 and Oman 24. An Iraqi order was cancelled. Production ended in the 2000s after the Gulf orders. The G6 saw action in the Border War in Angola, and UAE guns were reportedly used in Yemen. The longer-barrelled G6-52 reaches about 50 km, but Denel’s upgrade offer to the South African army is limited by funding.
Key Specifications
Variants
The original G6 is the baseline 155 mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer that entered South African service in 1988.
The G6-45 uses a 45-calibre barrel with a conventional range of about 30 km, extending to roughly 50 km with V-LAP rounds.
The G6-52 fits a 52-calibre barrel for a range of about 39 km with standard shells and up to 50 km with extended-range ammunition.
Operators
South Africa
UAE
OmanFrequently Asked Questions
How far can the G6 Rhino shoot?
The Denel G6 Rhino has a range of about 30 km with conventional 155 mm ammunition, 39 km with base-bleed rounds and up to 50 km with V-LAP rounds. The G6-52 version with a longer barrel reaches 39 to 50 km depending on ammunition.
Which countries use the G6 howitzer?
The Denel G6 Rhino is used by South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. South Africa received 43 vehicles, the UAE 78 and Oman 24. An Iraqi order was cancelled before delivery.
G6 vs PzH 2000: which is better?
The G6 Rhino and the PzH 2000 serve different needs, with no clear winner. The tracked PzH 2000 fires faster and carries more ammunition, while the wheeled G6 is cheaper to run, faster on roads at 90 km/h and has a mine-protected hull.
Which Arab countries have the G6 Rhino?
The United Arab Emirates and Oman operate the Denel G6 Rhino. The UAE bought 78 vehicles and Oman 24. UAE guns were reportedly used in the conflict in Yemen.
Who makes the G6 Rhino?
The G6 Rhino is made by Denel Land Systems of South Africa. It was developed from the G5 towed howitzer with Armscor and Eastern Cape Denel, and ammunition is now handled by Rheinmetall Denel Munition.
How heavy is the G6 howitzer and how many crew does it need?
The Denel G6 Rhino weighs about 47 tonnes and has a crew of five. It is built on a 6×6 chassis with a 525 hp diesel engine and can fire at speed within about 60 seconds of halting.