Wheeled self-propelled Howitzer
Highly mobile indirect fire support for the modern battlefield
The Rheinmetall wheeled howitzer provides rapid coming into/out of action and to leave the firing position swiftly, high rate of fire, increased firing range as well as enhanced precision through the use of the of the combat proven Rheinmetall 155mm L52 elevating mass and the use of JBMoU-compliant modular charges and projectiles. Core element of the wheeled howitzer is the fully automatic, electrically driven Artillery Turret with a digital controlled Ammunition Handling System. The link between the Artillery Turret and the highly agile Rheinmetall HX3 10x10 tactical truck is the Artillery Turret Platform with outriggers. The high degree of automation of the Artillery Turret allows a reduction of the crew to two persons. Received fire missions/commands are executed and monitored from the protected cabin without the crew having to leave the protection of the cabin.
As a mobility platform, the HX3 10x10 from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) is used. It leverages the heritage of the HX2 and the world’s largest military truck fleet. The HX3 combines the ability to cover long distances on its own, as well as to cope with difficult terrain in an agile manner. The HX3 10x10 has a high logistical commonality to the HX trucks already introduced in the German Army, e.g. UTF, WLS and GTF and several other countries including NATO members.
The HX3 has a modern electronic vehicle architecture and thus has a growth potential for remote-controlled (tele-operated) or semi-autonomous operation, e.g. with a platooning capability as a first expansion stage. Due to the 5,000kg free payload, the wheeled howitzer has additional system-inherent growth potential, which can be used as additional stowage space, e.g. for the integration of the L60 armament, for additional ammunition or an active protection system. The standardized open digital system architecture allows the integration into various command and weapon control systems.
Growth potential range
L52A1
Rheinmetall constantly invests in new and further product developments that optimise and extend the ranges of our tube artillery. A short-term increase in range can be achieved by combining the 155mm L52A1 elevating mass (under development) with the Extended Range Charge (range-enhanced propellant charge system) from Rheinmetall. This optimized version of the combat proven in service 155mm L52 armament of the PzH2000 has an increased charge chamber volume to achieve extended ranges up to 68km. The qualification is planned for the beginning of 2024 and will be completed by the end of 2025.
L60
In order to achieve a significant increase in the combat range to over 80km, Rheinmetall intends to increase the calibre length and the volume of the charge chamber. Rheinmetall has been working on this ambitious development project for several years. As a result, the first milestones have already been successfully completed, so that the design concept has been validated and blanks for tube production could be procured. The first steps of the processing have already been carried out. The first firing tests with the new weapon system are planned for 2022 and further ones for 2023 to achieve a maximum combat range.
Key capabilities
- Swift come into/out of action and move out of firing position
- Fully automated and unmanned Artillery Turret
- Proven and in service, electrified and automated 155/L52 elevating mass, NATO JBMoU compliant
- 40 ready-to-fire rounds in two magazines
- Arc of Fire 360°
- 8 rounds in 60 seconds, MRSI capability
- Direct firing capability via electro-optical sensors
- Load-through capability (firing from pile/stack)
- 40km with BB, 60km with V-LAP and Rheinmetall
- Extended Range Charge (range-enhanced propellant charge)
- Needed crew of 2 personnel
- Crew protected in cabin, full mission execution under protection
- Highest off-road and on-road mobility due to the fully militarised tactical HX3 truck
- Low Life Cycle Costs due to commonality with logistic HX truck fleets and low wear and tear
- Growth potential of 5,000kg free payload
- Growth potential and range increase due to optional integration of 155mm/L52A1 or 155mm/L60 elevating mass for ranges over 80km
- Standardised modern digital system architecture allows integration into command and control systems (networked battlefield)