German company develops self-propelled gun system that can be a competitor to Ukrainian “Bogdana”
The German concern Rheinmetall will show its version of a long-range self-propelled artillery system in the UK.
The German army command has tasked arms manufacturers with creating longer-range artillery systems and increasing the range of artillery fire. For this purpose, the Zukünftiges System Indirektes Feuer Mittlerer Reichweite (advanced medium-range system for firing from closed positions) program is being developed.
The goal of the program is to create a new self-propelled howitzer with improved characteristics. As part of this program, Rheinmetall has developed a new promising self-propelled howitzer.
The long-range 155-mm highly automated self-propelled howitzer will be demonstrated at the Ashton Gate stadium in Bristol. It can quickly change position, has a high rate of fire and extended range.
The system is mounted on the chassis of the RMMV HX3 heavy military truck with a 10×10 wheel configuration. This self-propelled artillery system is expected to become one of the most advanced and long-range Western artillery systems.
In May 2021, the Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) joint venture presented the promising HX3 family of military platform trucks for the first time.
Various variants of such chassis with a particular target load were demonstrated. In particular, the chassis with a 10×10 wheel formula became the basis for the self-propelled vehicle.
The new project of the German self-propelled vehicle is being developed by several companies from two countries. The chassis was presented by the German joint venture RMMV, the artillery part is being developed by Rheinmetall, and the combat section is being made with the participation of the Israeli company Elbit Systems.
Chassis
The HX3 is a cabover truck with a MAN D26 diesel engine and a ZF transmission. The main chassis systems are controlled by the MAN EE-Architecture integrated system. At the request of the customer, an armored cab and mine protection can be used.
The HX3 10×10 chassis is capable of carrying various loads, with a gross vehicle weight of 45-50 tons. This ensures high mobility on the highway and sufficient off-road mobility.
The aft part of the chassis, above the three axles, is equipped with a target load called the Artillery Truck Interface (ATI). This is a platform with folding jacks and a full-rotating turret.
The previously shown prototypes of the German self-propelled artillery system received a 155-mm howitzer based on the production weapon from the PzH 2000. This is a rifled weapon with a barrel length of 52 caliber.
It is automatically loaded. Along the sides of the combat compartment there is a place for shells and charges: 40 shells on the left and 192 modular throwing charges on the right. The stowage is placed in armored boxes and has external panels.
The ammunition is fed to the weapon using manipulators. Manual loading is also possible.
The combat compartment is equipped with a fire control system from Elbit Systems. It includes an integrated computer, communication and navigation equipment, etc.
