Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1446249
The aforesaid design trends pertaining to self-propelled howitzers are followed similarly, in all countries having top-level systems of this class at their disposal. The main means to achieve these objectives is the replacement of the barrels with counterparts that are 54- to 60-calibres long, as well as the use of chambers of greater volume. The automation, meanwhile, is implemented through complete mechanization of the ammunition/propelling charges feed. Noteworthy, Russia and Germany consider fully autonomous, remote control turret systems to be the way to go. Modern turret systems offer a rate of fire ranging from 8 to 12 rounds per minute. Contemporary self-propelled howitzers usu- ally carry 30 to 60 rounds of ammunition. The leading 155 mm projectiles, compliant with the Joint Ballistics Memorandum of Understanding, have a range of ~30 kilometers, or even ~40 kilo- meters if a base-bleed system is involved. Rocket-assisted pro- jectiles can reach ranges of 56 kilometers. The longer barrels and chambers of greater volume would allow for extending the ranges to - correspondingly - for projectiles without a base-bleed system, to around 48 kilometers, for projectiles with a base-bleed system - up to 64 kilometers. V-LAP munitions meanwhile would be capa- ble of reaching targets at a distance of more than 83 kilometers. Interestingly, no significant changes are happening in the domain of automated fire control systems. This is the case, as the previ- FUTURE OF THE ARTILLERY? The latest research and development efforts pursued in the United States, Germany, and Russia point to certain trends in the development of self-propelled howitzers. These are, in general, focused on two matters - extended range, and automation. These trends are expressed in the Rheinmetall's HX3 self-propelled howitzer, based on a 10x10 wheeled platform. The said system has been fitted with an automated turret system designed by KMW. Previously the said turret had been presented under RCH155 designation. Story by Jarosław Wolski Photos: Rheinmetall ARTILLERY