The USA developed a 155mm turret-less SPG howitzer called the M44, which entered production in 1950. The howitzer was mounted in a barbette (protective circular armour feature) superstructure, which was built on an M41 recon tank hull, that could be elevated from -5 to +65 degree’s and traverse 30 degree’s either left or right.

In 1952 the M52 entered production. It was basically a M44 with an enclosed turret that could traverse a full 360 degree’s. Several hundred were purchased in later years by Turkey.

In 1994 a Turkish and German collaborated upgraded prototype was trialed. All work for the upgrades were carried out in Turkey, which started in 1995. A total of 365 have been upgraded to the new M52T.

The upgrades included:

1. A licence built German 155mm bore and Length 39 calibre main gun, as used on the FH-70 towed artillery system. HE rounds range is now increased to 18km (24km rocket assisted).
2. Modified storage racks for the larger new 155mm rounds.
3. Larger stabilization spade at the rear.
4. A new German MTU diesel engine, with increased operational range.
5. Turkish developed Fire Control System and Communications Equipment.
    

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