Basically, we can talk about two categories of wheeled artillery: guns as such, mounted on the chassis of trucks, and turret guns on an armored chassis; each category with its own benefits. In the first case, it will be mobility, although cost is also a good selling point. In the second case, when performing a firing mission, the crew is under reliable armor protection.
While many manufacturers who developed Soviet-standard artillery systems are now converting them to NATO standards, the Czech Dana M1 howitzer still has a 152 mm caliber.
The need to improve strategic mobility and tactical road mobility is what has gained particular importance in recent asymmetric combat. This has led to the development of numerous systems in the two previously mentioned categories. Many have been in service for a long time, while others are at the prototype stage. Many factors influence the development of these systems, not least the financial crisis and the corresponding cuts in defense budgets.
Systems mounted on truck chassis (hereinafter referred to as trucks for short) seem to be the preferred options at present. India's decision to start with this type of system in its Artillery Modernization Plan means that all major manufacturers of such systems will do everything possible to get a contract for 814 self-propelled artillery units (SPGs). But for true wheeled self-propelled howitzers (SG), the market, apparently, is somewhat cooler due to their higher cost.
Self-propelled medium caliber systems
Over the past three decades, perhaps the first country to believe in the merits of medium-caliber wheeled self-propelled artillery was Czechoslovakia, whose 152-mm Dana self-propelled gun was first spotted by Western observers in 1980. Dana has been produced since 1977 also under the designation ShKH-77; it is based on an 8x8 truck chassis with an armored cabin mounted on it. The howitzer is still in service with various countries, for example Poland deployed them in Afghanistan in 2008. After the country's disintegration into the Czech and Slovak Republics, the defense industries of the two new countries inherited the Dana project and used it as a starting point to develop two completely different projects. Although the Dana system was originally developed by the Slovak side, the name of the Dana project actually passed to the Czechs and the modernized version developed by the Excalibur Army. For its part, the Slovakian Konstrukta Defense developed the Zuzana howitzer based on the Dana system.
In the Czech Republic, the evolution of the Dana system did not lead to a system meeting NATO standards. Indeed, the Dana-M1 CZ self-propelled guns, developed by the Excalibur Army, are still equipped with the original 152 mm artillery unit. This choice is mainly explained by the need to modernize at least part of the more than 600 existing Dana M-77 howitzers, which are still in service with the Czech Republic, Libya, Poland and Georgia. The modernization of the howitzer is mainly focused on mobility, ergonomics and command and control system. The power increase was achieved by installing new turbochargers and intercoolers on the original T3-390 engine. This, in turn, forced the installation of a new 430 Sachs gearbox, and a centralized inflation system for new 14R20 tires was also installed. The driver has a new armored windshield and an improved power steering system. Independent heating and air conditioning systems were also installed in the cab. The armament has a new fire control system (FCS) and a new navigation system, which reduces the deployment time to the position. The new computer and intelligent terminal of the commander allow you to prepare for the firing mission in advance, and this further reduces the preparation time for firing. Partial qualification of the howitzer was expected in 2014, but the company has not issued a press release on this matter.
Konstrukta Defense has developed a new howitzer Zuzana 2000, replacing the outdated 152-mm artillery unit with the new 155-mm / 45 from ZTS Special. 16 such systems are in service with the Slovak army and more than 12 systems were sold to Cyprus. The Slovak company is currently offering new variants Zuzana A1 and Zuzana 2. The difference lies in the power unit: the variant A1 is equipped with a MAN D28 76 LF forced engine with 453 hp. in the same block with the Allison HD 4560 PR transmission, while the Zuzana 2 version has a Tatra T3B-928.70 442 hp engine coupled with a Tatra 10 TS 180 transmission. Unlike the original Zuzana howitzer, the A1 and 2 models have a barrel 152 caliber, also made by the ZTS Special. The cannon fires all NATO standard ammunition. The conveyor contains 40 shells and 40 charges for them; it can accommodate shells up to 1000 mm long. The fuse installer allows the electronic projectile fuses to be programmed before being sent. In the first minute, up to 6 shots can be sent and fired, or, alternatively, 16 shots in the first three minutes. It is possible to fire in manual mode with a rate of fire of two rounds per minute. There is also a radar for measuring the initial speed, which increases accuracy, the Zuzana Al and 2 howitzers are capable of firing in the MRSI mode (multiple-round simultaneous impact - simultaneous impact of several shells; the angle of inclination of the barrel changes and all shells fired within a certain time interval arrive at the target simultaneously). When firing caliber shells with a bottom gas generator, the maximum range is over 41 km. Another improvement is the auxiliary power unit, which is designed to operate the system when the engine is shut off. The crew of the howitzer is reliably protected along the frontal arch, and the front cabin has a level of protection corresponding to the 4th. In 2014, the firing and sea trials of the Zuzana 2 howitzer were completed and is currently awaiting the first order from the Slovak army.
Yugoslavia also developed the M84 Nora A wheeled howitzer, in which the 152/45 gun was installed on the FAP 2832 truck. In the early 2000s, Yugoimport decided to develop a system intended for foreign markets. In this regard, the Nora B-52 K0 model was armed with a 155 mm / 52 cannon installed in an open turret. This was followed by the K1 variant, which was mainly distinguished by the Russian Kamaz 63501 8x8 chassis (replaced the original Serbian FAP 2832 chassis), a semi-protected turret for the calculation, a fully automatic loading system with a semi-automatic bolt mechanism, an automated system and an FCS. Twelve ready-made shots were placed in the turret, and another 24 were stored in the store behind the front cockpit. It took 60 seconds to complete the first shot; automatic targeting and an electric drive of the supports contributed to a reduction in the time of opening fire. The K1 howitzer is still part of the Yugoimport portfolio; it was exported to at least two countries, Myanmar and Kenya, both ordered 30 systems each.
Konstrukta Defense initially installed a 155-mm / 45 cannon on its Zuzana howitzer, then a new 155/52 cannon, the system is currently offered with two different power units
Designed to meet the needs of the Serbian army, Jugoimport's Nora K-1 howitzer is still awaiting its first order from the national army.
The newest version of the howitzer under the designation B-52 K-I features a fully enclosed turret, thus completing its transition from a truck-mounted cannon to a wheeled self-propelled howitzer in the classic sense. The third generation Nora has been improved in many ways. The reliability of the artillery system itself was increased, as well as accuracy thanks to a new LMS, an improved navigation system and an initial speed measurement radar. The hydraulic supports received shock absorbers, and the crew was reduced to four people. The maximum range when firing with extended-range projectiles is 41, 2 km, and when firing active-reactive ammunition with a bottom gas generator, it is expected in the region of 56 km.
Providing the rapid reaction forces with a self-propelled howitzer was the goal of Yugoimport when in 2011 it proposed a system based on the 122mm D30J cannon. Using the experience gained during the creation of Nora, the Serbian company has developed the Soko SP RR 122 self-propelled gun, consisting of a FAP 2228 6x6 truck with a cab protected in accordance with STANAG level 1 and an artillery tower installed behind the cab. The crew of 4 is divided into pairs, the driver and commander sit in the cockpit, and the gunner and loader in the turret. The maximum range of high-explosive fragmentation projectiles is 17, 3 km, the same, but with a bottom notch - 21 km. In order to destroy moving targets, the cannon can also fire a Kitolov-2M laser-guided projectile. An electro-hydraulic magazine and a semi-automatic loading system with a pneumatic rammer allow you to quickly load projectiles and charges. Fast preparation time for firing is provided by hydraulic supports and an MSA, which can be integrated into the combat control system.
In the late 70s, the South African company Denel developed the G6 SP self-propelled howitzer based on a specially designed 6x6 chassis. Its turret is armed with the same 155/45 cannon as the towed G5. The original manual-loading G6 howitzer was purchased by the armies of South Africa, Oman and the UAE. Its crew consisted of 4 gunners and a driver. In 2003, Denel Land Systems began production of the G6-52 with a 52 caliber cannon, which had a smaller ammunition load (40 versus 50), located in two carousel magazines at the rear of the turret, one with shells and one with charges. The automatic loader guaranteed a rate of fire of 6 rounds per minute, while the calculation was reduced to three people. The G6-52 howitzer is equipped with the INS / GPS navigation system and the AS2000 advanced target designation and guidance system, which allows you to open fire from the cannon 60 seconds after receiving the assignment. Although the G6-52 turret was installed on a modernized version of the original G6 chassis, it can also be installed on other chassis, mainly tracked. The G6-52, also known as the Renoster, has not yet received orders from foreign countries. In India, Denel is blacklisted and when they are allowed to return to the battle for orders, guess what. The artillery system in the T6 turret configuration could also be used to create a tracked SG based on the national chassis (Bhin based on the Arjun tank was proposed several years ago).
Although Norway has decided to withdraw from the program, BAE Systems still has a contract for 48 Archer systems with Sweden.
G6 / 45 is in service with the United Arab Emirates. The 52-caliber variant is in an advanced prototype stage and is currently awaiting its first customer.
Using the Emirates Defense Technology Enigma 8x8 armored vehicle as the base platform, BAE proposed an unusual solution to simplify the integration of its M777 155/39 ultralight howitzer with this vehicle. In the photo there is a model with a cannon in shooting positions and in a stowed position
In the mid-90s, studies were carried out on the possibility of installing a towed Bofors FH77 B05 52 cannon on a wheeled self-propelled howitzer. The system received the designation Archer. A modified Volvo A30E 6x6 articulated machine was chosen to maximize cross-country ability on the snowy lands of Northern Europe. The main features of the system are as follows: full automation (Archer serves a crew of three from inside a protected cockpit), MRSI mode up to six shots, time to take a position on the move and open fire less than 30 seconds, and protection against ballistic and mine threats. The howitzer can be thrown by A400M aircraft. Its range is 40 km with conventional ammunition and 50 km with Excalibur-type guided projectiles. Under this program, Norway joined Sweden in 2007, the system was officially designated FH 77 BW L52. The first 24 Archer systems ordered in 2010 were delivered to the Swedish Defense Property Agency in September 2013, but three months later Norway, which also signed a contract for 24 systems, decided to leave the program. Its decision was based on unnamed reasons that did not allow the system to comply with Norwegian requirements. This led to the signing of an amended contract between the Office and BAE Systems Bofors for a delivery schedule for Sweden only. Delivery of the last batch is scheduled for early 2016. To date, there are no details on the penalties. The Archer howitzer is also a possible candidate for the Danish M109 replacement program.
Rheinmetall used the experience of developing the PzH 2000 cannon and its Unterluβ barrel and created an autonomous turret with the same 155/52 cannon, capable of firing improved projectiles with a bottom gas generator at a distance of 42 km and V-LAP projectiles with a jet propeller for more than 52 km. The automatic loading system allows for a rate of fire of six rounds per minute or 75 rounds per hour in continuous firing mode. In MRSI mode, up to five rounds can be fired. When using a special ammunition replenishment machine, 40 shells and 40 charges for them can be loaded in five minutes. Having on board a ring laser gyroscope with GPS, an automatic gun aiming system, an AS4000 command and control system, the howitzer can shoot the first projectile 60 seconds after stopping and withdraw from the position in just 30 seconds. Rheinmetall claims 0.6% CEP when firing at low trajectory. The turret was designed in the hope of an Indian artillery systems contract and to that end was installed on the South African G6 chassis, giving birth to the RGW52 (Rheinmetall Wheeled Gun) system, but like other companies, Rheinmetall was blacklisted in India. The program is currently stopped, but Rheinmetall is ready to start again if the customer shows interest in the system. Since the tower is autonomous, it can be installed on wheeled and tracked chassis.
Initiated through two research programs funded in part by the Italian Ministry of Defense, development of the Centauro 155/39 LW by Oto Melara is currently halted due to the tight financial capacity of the Italian army. The system was shown at Eurosatory 2012. It is a turret armed with a 155/39 light cannon mounted on a Centauro 8x8 chassis, although the production system can be mounted on a Centauro 2 chassis. ammunition Vulcano (see the part "Guided munitions"), which can fly 55 km in a controlled version. Fully automatic loading was adopted for the system; 15 rounds are stowed at the rear of the turret, while the corresponding charges are placed in the chassis. The system automatically selects the type of projectile and charge in accordance with the data received from the commander or gunner. A guaranteed rate of fire of eight rounds per minute, the system is also capable of firing up to 4 rounds in MRSI mode. Ammunition consumption is reduced when firing guided munitions; however, an ammunition resupply vehicle with a conveyor reloads a full ammunition load of shells and charges in less than 10 minutes. The gun has a reactive muzzle brake of the "salt shaker" type, which significantly reduces the recoil forces; simulation has shown that supports are not necessary when firing. The tests at the moment have passed the gun itself, ammunition, charges and an automatic loading system. Oto Melara is ready to re-start development and even install the turret on a different chassis, if required by a foreign customer.
The stand-alone Artillery Gun Module can be installed on both tracked and wheeled chassis, for example, in the photo it is installed on the Boxer. The system has already been described in "Part 1. Hell on tracks"
Truck-mounted 155mm cannons
In the early 90s, Giat Industries (now Nexter) began developing a truck-mounted artillery system, which remained in the prototype stage until the French army decided to test it. For the system, designated Caesar (CAmion Equipe d'un Systeme dArtillerie - a truck equipped with an artillery system), an order was ultimately received; the French government decided to load the national industry and ordered five howitzers. The French army was not particularly enthusiastic about this concept at the time, but ten years later, the situation has changed significantly. She ordered another 72 Caesar systems at the end of 2004, deployed them in Afghanistan and Mali and is now fully convinced of the benefits of this mobile cannon. In Afghanistan, the 155/52 Caesar howitzer made it possible to cover the entire 15x40 km area of responsibility of the French contingent, operating from Nihrab in the north to Gwan in the south. The deployment of the systems was facilitated by good air transportability and also by their accuracy. The first sighting at long ranges requires only two shells in order to correct the fire with a circular probable deviation (CEP) of 100 meters, after which 10 shells are fired to neutralize the target. Whereas Caesar howitzers operated from forward operating bases in Afghanistan, tactical mobility was key in Mali. Working in two pairs, the Caesar SG were based in Gao, from where they could reach anywhere in the area of operation within two days.
The fully digital Caesar system allows you to quickly complete a firing mission: ready to fire in one minute, firing six rounds in a minute and ready to move in 45 seconds. French Ceasar howitzers are installed on the Sherpa 5 6x6 chassis manufactured by Renault Truck Defense, their cabins are optionally protected by additional armor kits. Currently, Caesar systems sold abroad are based on the Soframe / Unimog 6x6 chassis. This configuration was adopted by Saudi Arabia (a customer that was never named by Nexter, but this is a secret known to everyone) for 100 systems destined for the National Guard. Some of them were assembled at a local enterprise. Saudi Arabia also bought 60 Bacara (BAlistic Computer ARtillery Autonomous) LMSs plus six Caesar simulators.
Thailand ordered six Caesar howitzers, and Indonesia ordered 37 systems in 2012 to equip two artillery battalions. In November 2014, Saudi Arabia funded a rearmament program for the Lebanese army. The deal, signed with France, provides for the delivery of 28 Caesar howitzers. Nexter clearly does not take his eyes off the Indian Mounted Gun System mobile SPG program. To this end, the French company teamed up with Larsen & Toubro and Ashok Leyland Defense and offered the Caesar system mounted on the Ashok Leyland 6x6 Super Stallion chassis. Another agreement was signed with the Brazilian company Avibras for the installation of the Caesar system on the chassis used for the Astros 2020 MLRS. are described in the appropriate section of this series). The possibility of increasing the level of protection of the crew by means of additional booking of the cabin, as well as increasing the ammunition load on board (now 18 rounds) is being considered. Some of these solutions may impair air transportability, but some potential buyers do not require this capability. In addition to India, Nexter views the Middle and Far East as the most promising markets for its Caesar system, which could also compete for the replacement of M109 howitzers in Denmark.
Having acquired the Soltam company, the Israeli Elbit inherited with it the 155-mm Atmos self-propelled guns. Work was carried out to modernize this system, the loading system was modernized, characteristics and accuracy were increased. Elbit currently offers a 155mm / 52 variant equipped with a horizontal sliding bolt and a semi-automatic loading system. The platform can be either a 6x6 or 8x8 truck; the first shot can be fired 20-30 seconds after stopping. In order to maximize accuracy, a radar for measuring the initial speed is installed on the weapon. The Israeli company is also ready to install a 39 caliber cannon on the Atmos. The Atmos D30 variant was designed to provide a mobile system to those countries that still have Soviet-era 122mm cannons in service. Unlike the 155 mm cannon, the 122 mm cannon with a semi-automatic loading system can fire 360 ° (due to low recoil forces).
The recent market success of the 155mm Atmos SG is associated with an unnamed African country and Southeast Asia. There, Thailand chose a 39 caliber gun mount on a 6x6 chassis. Judging by the available information, the assembly of the first sample was carried out in Israel, and the remaining five systems are manufactured and assembled in Thailand.
Elbit Systems is very active in promoting its Atmos system. It is the base for the Polish Kril self-propelled gun, developed by Huta Stalowa Wola. The upgraded weapon system was installed on a Jelcz 6x6 cargo chassis specially designed for Kryl, which guarantees transportability by C-130 aircraft. The dry weight of the system is about 19 tons; The delivery of the first systems was slated for mid-2015. Currently, 24 production Kryl systems (divisional kit, three batteries of eight guns) have been ordered with the first deliveries expected in 2017. For the Indian bid, Elbit Systems has teamed up with Bharat Forge, but, like all other bidders, is awaiting the RFP. 18 Atmos systems are already in service with Romania, where they were installed on the Romanian 26.360 DFAEG 6x6 chassis and received the name Atrom. The main contractor for these systems is the Romanian company Aerostar SA of Romania. ACS Atmos is not adopted by the Israeli army, but is in service with several countries. Azerbaijan bought five systems, Cameroon 18, Uganda 6 and Thailand 6 with the possibility of additional orders. Looking at the successful development of mobile systems, the Chinese company Norinco developed its own 155mm SH1 system, introduced in 2007. It is based on a 6x6 chassis with a huge hydraulically driven rear opener. The howitzer is equipped with an autonomous orientation system, a radar for measuring the initial speed, an automated control system and a semi-automatic loading system. The system is mainly designed for overseas sales, but no orders have been received for it to date.
The Centauro 155/39 LW howitzer by Oto Melara was introduced in 2012. It embodies the company's experience in the development of land and ship systems. The program on it has been stopped due to the limited budget of the Italian army.
Lightweight mobile units
The development of 105-mm artillery systems mounted on a truck chassis began for various reasons: the need for fire support for special and airmobile forces on the one hand and, on the other hand, the need to increase the number of mobile installations within limited budgets.
In the United States, the Mandus Group took the first route and developed a hybrid soft rollback technology. In her cannon, the hydraulic system moves ahead of the swinging part of the carriage before firing, which made it possible to reduce the recoil force on the trunnions from about 13 tons, typical for 105-mm guns, to only 3.6 tons. This, plus the relatively small mass of the gun, makes it possible to create many viable platforms. In April 2013, the system was tested on a Ford F-250 chassis using four telescopic side supports. At the moment, the system, which received the designation Hawkeye, is armed with a 105 mm / 27 barrel from the M102 cannon, but the company is ready to install various barrels at the request of the customer. With an M102 barrel, the Hawkeye has a range of 11.5 km with conventional ammunition and 15 km of active rockets and can also fire in direct fire. The long-term rate of fire is six rounds per minute, the maximum rate of fire is 10-12 rounds. The azimuth angles of the gun are all 360 °, vertical angles are -5 ° / + 72 °. A huge advantage over other guns lies in its extreme simplicity, as it is assembled from only 200 parts, which is 10 times less than that of the light L119 / M119 Light Gun. Hawkeye is equipped with a digital OMS that electronically controls azimuth (horizontal) and elevation (vertical) angles. Mandus Group worked with Mack Defense to produce a lightweight mobile solution to mount a gun on the chassis of a Sherpa armored car. The module with 24 rounds of ammunition is located behind the cockpit, the entire system weighs less than 9 tons, that is, it can be easily transferred by helicopters. Fire tests carried out in 2012 showed that the Hawkeye / Sherpa system can fire even without supports, which reduces deployment time to 15-20 seconds.
In 2012, the Mandus Group began development, the goal of which is to create the upper part of the gun carriage and recoil system capable of accepting 155 mm barrels in calibers 39 and 52. Reducing recoil forces allows such artillery systems to be installed on a five-ton cargo chassis. Mandus is currently working on several projects that will soon be implemented, but no details have been provided yet.
The ATMOS from Elbit Systems, available with different barrel lengths, is fitted to a variety of trucks. In the photo, the cannon on the 6x6 chassis is firing
The purchase of Soltam brought Elbit Systems into the artillery business. The company uses its rich experience in the field of electronic components to integrate its products into artillery systems such as the ATMOS wheeled howitzer.
The Kryl prototype is presented by Huta Stalowa Wola at Milipol 2014. In fact, the ATMOS artillery system from Elbit Systems installed on a Polish 6x6 truck
In an effort to stay in trend, the Chinese company Norinco has developed the SH1 howitzer, which has not yet found orders in the export market.
One of the first companies to install a 105mm towed cannon on a truck chassis was Yugoimport. This system was designated M09. It is based on a 6x6 chassis with an armored five-seat cab in front, which has a protection level corresponding to STANAG level 1. The artillery unit is a modification of the M56A1 towed howitzer with a 105/33 barrel, which Yugoimport no longer produces. This allows you to fire all the ammunition designed for the American M101 howitzer. The maximum range is 15 km when firing an extended-range high-explosive fragmentation projectile and 18 km when firing a projectile with a bottom gas generator. Loading is manual, as is the lowering of the two main legs in front of the two rear axles and two additional legs in the rear. The shield provides partial protection of the gun crew from ballistic threats. Ammunition is stowed in two armored boxes installed behind the cockpit. The LMS of this installation allows you to quickly open return fire. The combat weight of the M09 SG is 12 tons.
A prototype ACS EVO-105, developed by the South Korean company Samsung Techwin, was shown at the end of 2011. The upper part of the American towed howitzer M101 was installed on the chassis. The 105 mm / 22 caliber weapon system can only fire backwards. The mobile SPG is equipped with the same control system as the tracked K9 Thunder. Judging by the latest information, the Korean army intends to purchase 800 EVO-105 howitzers mounted on a five-ton KM500 6x6 chassis. The first deliveries are expected in 2017.
At the SOFEX 2014 exhibition, a mobile artillery system was presented, consisting of a 105-mm towed cannon mounted on a 4x4 chassis. This system is being gradually improved.
At SOFEX 2014, the Jordanian company KADDB presented a similar system, but based on the M102 cannon with a longer 32 caliber barrel; the maximum range is 11.5 km. It was mounted on a DAF 4440 biaxial chassis, which is equipped with a base plate that allows rearward firing in a sector of ± 45 °. The base plate is driven by an electro-hydraulic system (with manual reserve branch), which is also a vertical guidance drive with angles in the –5 ° / + 75 ° sector. A shell box for 36 shots is installed behind the cockpit; in the firing position, two supports are lowered behind the first bridge; also in order to increase the working space for a crew of three, the sides of the truck are lowered. The vehicle is equipped with a GPS navigation / inertial system with an odometer, which allowed, during the first fire tests, to deploy the system in three and a half minutes and leave the position 45 seconds after the last shot. The first stage has already been completed, and the first prototype has been delivered to the Jordanian army for evaluation tests. At the second stage, the system will be installed on a pallet for quick transfer from one platform to another, and the LMS will be integrated. It is also expected to increase the amount of ammunition.
Mandus Croup offers its 105mm low recoil cannon mounted on a Mack Defense chassis. Mandus is currently working on a number of new programs, including a 155mm gun with very low recoil forces.
The Chinese company Norinco offers two lightweight SH2 and SH5 systems based on one 6x6 chassis. The first with a 122 mm D30 cannon, while the second, intended for foreign customers, is armed with a 105/37 cannon. The crew, located in the front protected four-seater cockpit, serves the gun on the rear platform. Equipped with automated guidance navigation systems and hydraulic supports in the rear, the SH2 and SH5 systems can quickly take, shoot and leave the position (for the 105-mm version, the figure is 40 seconds of removal from the position after the last round has been fired). The SH2 system has a maximum range of 27 km with an active rocket with a bottom gas generator, 18 km with a projectile with a bottom notch, while the SH5 system fires 15 km with a projectile with a bottom gas generator and 18 km with a projectile with a bottom gas generator. The system can fire American M1 ammunition at a range of up to 12 km. In order to increase tactical mobility at the chassis, both axles are steerable. The SH2 artillery system is most likely intended for the Chinese army, although it is not clear whether it is accepted into service, while the relatively inexpensive SH5, intended for export, is still waiting for its customer.
