Development
Late in 1986, a German consortium consisting of MTU, GLS and Rheinmetall completed the prototype of an upgraded 155 mm M44 self-propelled howitzer subsequently designated the M44T. This was built to meet the requirements of the Turkish Land Forces Command and the prototype commenced mobility and fire-power trials at the Turkish School of Artillery in 1987. Compared to the original US M44 whose design can be traced back to shortly after the end of the Second World War, the more recent 155 mm/39 calibre M44T has increased mobility, fire power and reliability. In total, 168 M44s of the Turkish Army were upgraded in Turkey with some of the component parts being made under licence in Turkey. By late 2008, Turkey was the only customer for the M44T upgrade programme. The 155 mm M44 was originally developed to meet the requirements of the US Army but from 1962 was replaced by the 155 mm M109 series.
Description
The M44T has its original Continental petrol engine replaced by an MTU MB 833 Aa-501 V-6 water-cooled diesel developing 450 hp at 2,300 rpm coupled to the original Allison CD-500-3 transmission via a ZF gearbox. Increased fuel tankage of 780 litres, together with the MTU diesel engine, provides a range of approximately 620 km compared to the 122 km of the original petrol-engined M44. On the prototype M44T upgrade, the driver remained in the gun compartment but in production vehicles he is seated in the chassis. Various other components and subsystems have been modernised and a Halon fire warning and extinguishing system has been installed. A new driver's instrument panel has also been fitted. Replacement of the existing electrical system has also been carried out using new cables, fuse boxes and batteries. New actuators for steering, braking and acceleration have been fitted, and for cold starting of the engine at temperatures below -18°C a preheating system has been fitted. The top engine deck and exhaust system have also been modified. Modifications to the torsion bar suspension include new hydraulic shock-absorbers and torsion bars and some adaptation of the hydraulic bump stops. A new track (with replaceable rubber pads) has also been installed and snow grips can be fitted if required. New rubber dust skirts have been fitted to help keep dust down.The original short-barrelled 155 mm ordnance has been replaced by a 155 mm 39 calibre barrel and breech similar to that used on the upgraded German Rheinmetall M109A3G.