155 mm BAE Systems M777 L39 towed gun is the
most advanced combat system in its class. One of the future customers
will be most probably Indian Army willing to buy 145 units. Because of
involvement of the titanium alloys, the M777 is expensive but lightweight
– the complete system weight is around 4400 kilograms (the past model,
M198 howitzer, weighted around 7100 kilograms). The M777 was baptized
in fire during deployments in Afghanistan. The "Triple Seven" can utilize
GPS-controlled Excalibur precision strike munition with up to 40 kilometers
range.
The
CEASAR (CAmion Equipé d'un Système d'Artillerie) is self-pro-
pelled 155mm/52-caliber gun-howitzer, installed on truck chassis. The new
generation is mounted on 8x8 Tatra T815 platform and was fitted with au-
tomatic loading system. The complete vehicle is now heavier (weight was
raised from 18 to 30 tonnes) but the amount of ammunition is now thirty
rounds (instead of 18). The new CEASAR is also longer (12,3m) but the gun
requires less maintenance now. The truck has armored crew compartment for
four crewmen.
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