The shells are manufactured at ordnance factories in Ambajhari and Chandrapur.[6] It shares many features with the British L118 light gun. It's suitable to operate in mountainous and other difficult terrains, because this gun has excellent portability.[7]
Indian Field Gun prototype being shown at the Pragati Maidan Defence exhibition, New Delhi
Variants
Towed
The Indian Field Gun (IFG) weighs 3,450kg (7,610lb). It has a normal rate of fire of four rounds per minute over ranges from 2,000–17,400m (6,600–57,100ft). It can sustain an intense rate of fire of six rounds per minute for up to 10 minutes and a sustained rate of fire for up to one hour. It has a crew of six. The gun has a secondary anti-tank capability. It can operate in temperatures ranging from −27 to +60°C (−17 to 140°F). The recoil on firing is absorbed by two side-mounted hydraulic cylinders. A circular platform provided with the gun can be used for rapid 360° movement.[1][2] Manufacture of the Indian Field Gun began in 1978.[1] There are three variants:
Indian Field Gun Mark 1
Indian Field Gun Mark 2
Indian Field Gun Mark 3
The Light Field Gun (LFG) variant weights 2,380kg (5,250lb), but retains the same rate of fire and range as the IFG. The LFG can be broken down into two or three parts for easy transport and quickly re-assembled. The LFG can be heli-lifted and paradropped.[1][2] The manufacture of the Light Field Gun began in 1984.[2] There are two variants:
Light Field Gun Mark 1
Light Field Gun Mark 2
Self propelled
OFB 105 mm SPG – consists of a BMP Sarath hull mounted with a light field gun. It was developed by ordnance development centre, Ordnance Factory Medak, but has not been inducted into the Indian Army.
Garuda 105 (Version 2) – a 105mm/37 calibre LFG gun is mounted on an all terrain 4×4 wheeled chassis.[8] This gun has all-terrain maneuverability (including high altitude). Based on the LFG,[bettersourceneeded] this gun has been developed by Kalyani Strategic Systems, a subsidiary of Bharat Forge.[9]
Operators
India: 2,400 FGs in service with the Indian army.[10][11] 1,700 are IFGs and 700 are LFGs.[12]
12345"Indian 105mm Light Field Gun". International Defense Review. Vol.12, no.8. Geneva: Interavia. 1979. p.1427. Retrieved 5 June 2023.. (Needs login and borrowing to access the specific page).