Hell on tip-toe: gone are the days when steamrolling heavy artillery was primarily intended to indiscriminately pour fire and steel over the enemy lines before one's own mechanized cavalry and infantry could roll in--at least in the Western World. A new trend has since developed.

For quite a while the KMW-Rheinmetall PzH2000 is likely to remain the only Western post-Cold War heavy self-propelled howitzer to have been fielded and exported. Even the American revolutionary Crusader leviathan fell victim to the changing East-West picture and armies now have to be content with upgraded systems like the M109 or the AUF. Yet current conflicts show that the 'Queen of the Battlefield' is still needed, but probably more in the form of a Princess.

Recent years have seen the proliferation of lighter designs that, schematically, consist of existing barrels mounted on trucks. The advent was essentially made possible by the considerable technical advances achieved in truck design over the past ten to fifteen years. Inter-cooled turbo-charged diesels, new tyre designs, composite armouring, long-stroke suspensions and a high degree of commonality with commercial lorries (and even buses) all have combined to provide the military with speed, excellent off-road performance and sensible acquisition and running costs.

However, the market still appears to be hesitant. This is most likely caused by the fact that such truck-mounted howitzers imply quite a change in deployment and utilisation philosophy to which the military have not quite yet adapted. Not only do new doctrines need to be written and adopted, but also because of the growing range, flexibility and accuracy of new mortar and tactical missile systems (not to mention the development of high-technology howitzer rounds), the line between the 'job descriptions' of the various army units is also increasingly blurring--particularly if one throws urban warfare, collateral damage and 'CNN effect' into the equation.

What is the ultimate aim of those new systems? Basically, what Bofors (United Technologies soon-to-be BAE Systems), Denel, Giat, RDM, Singapore Technologies, Soltam and their likes offer is high mobility. Not only in terms of deployment. but perhaps and above all in terms of the ability of their systems to be laid within seconds, to enable the crews to fire between three and six rounds and to get out of a thence uncomfortable position as quickly as possible. These systems typically offer the possibility to complete the task in about three minutes (take or leave 30 seconds) from locking the brakes.

Common Ideas

Most systems described in this article not only offer high off-road performance, but also just as important they are all roadworthy on blacktop. This may sound of childish importance when considering a defence system as usually little gets in the way of the military, but it takes its significance in peace-time operations if one considers that no special convoy escorts are required, that virtually all bridges can be used and that, should need be, motorways can be accessed without tearing down toll stations (granted, the transportation of live rounds and propellant charges is a different matter in terms of security). Speed of deployment, flexibility and low cost are the common points of these designs. They of course all deploy some manner of hydraulically powered stabilisation, mainly a large spade at the rear of the vehicle, as well as an automated laying system fed by navigation systems.

Divergences

As far as the description of the individual systems on offer is concerned, this is a point where we meet substantial diverging philosophies: armouring and automation levels versus size and weight. One can't have one's cake and eat it too. It is as simple as that.

Some manufacturers, Giat and Singapore Technologies for example, quite rightly claim that if the system is light and fast, there is little need for heavy armouring. Key here is to be able to fire and move out before enemy counter-battery rounds reach the area. Thus protection against small calibre fire should suffice. This also guarantees that the vehicle will be within the size and volume constraints that enable it to be transportable by C-130 Hercules--the common yardstick by which military vehicles still tend to be categorised. This also implies that there is no autoloader, just a rammer, and that the operators are exposed to enemy small arms fire. However, one can argue that since the core purpose of such a system is essentially based on swiftness, there is little hope to see any enemy being able to reach the firing position (normally only known to the crew) before or at the same time as the howitzer itself.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the United Defense-Bofors Defence Archer (formerly known as the FH-77B AD). Based on an articulated roadwork dumper chassis it will include all the safety amenities that any crew could wish for, including an autoloader. However, it will require something slightly larger than a Hercules to be quickly despatched to a remote corner of the world (all data boxes provide the latest available characteristics).

The Types

Archer 08: This might well be the earliest modern howitzer-on-truck ever devised, originally built by Bofors before the Swedish firm was broken up and the gun section taken over by United Defense before the latter was in turn taken over by BAE Systems. In the early 1990s the Swedes had already sensed that the future lay in mobility since at the time the idea also included using the same Volvo dumper platform to carry a Trinity version of the famous Bofors 40 mm air defence gun.

Being the first on the start line does not mean being the first to catch the chequered flag. After a promising development debut the programme was plagued by Swedish defence finance problems, which also affected the hitherto exemplar and smoothly run Karlskoga-based company. The FB-77B AD programme, however, was given fresh impetus about two years ago when two prototypes were formerly ordered by the Swedish FMV (the name Archer 08 is a recent introduction) to develop the system for both the Swedish and Danish armies. The aim of the FMV is to ultimately transfer some of its existing L52 howitzers onto the Volvo chassis. The two current prototypes are now undergoing troop trials in Sweden and Denmark. These trials are expected to continue until mid-2006 and to be followed later that year by the award of a production contract with deliveries to start in 2008 (hence the 08 suffix to the designation). This would ultimately involve a total of 72 vehicles split in equal numbers for both nations.

In its earlier stages the design was simpler and devoid of autoloader and heavy armouring, although at some stage a crane was introduced to transfer the rounds from the front locker to the rear of the vehicle. In the current design the crew of three (possibly four) will operate the system from within the armoured cab, which means that the entire operation is automated. The magazines hold 20 complete rounds that can be fired in 2.5 minutes--there are another two 20-round magazines.

The Archer will fire the following range of Bofors Defence munitions: 155 mm high explosive extended range (normally filled with TNT/HNS although an IM configuration with PBX can be provided), 155 mm high explosive m77 (optimised against soft targets), 155 mm illumination Mira ER with a range of 27 km and 155 mm smoke 007 ER, also with a range 27 km. However, range could be extended to between 55 and 60 km with the GPS-corrected (courtesy of L-3) M982 Excalibur. The first deliveries of the Excalibur to the United States are scheduled to take place in 2006. Another round that the Archer can fire is the Bonus cargo that delivers two Bonus top attack anti-armour warheads. Interestingly, Bofors Defence suggests that the Excalibur (currently equipped with a unitary warhead) could eventually be used to spin out Bonus warheads. As for charges, the Archer will use the Uniflex 2, a system consisting of two types of modules: one full-charge module and one half-charge module; thus by adding a half-module to the system one doubles the number of increments to the system. Lowest charge consists of one module and the highest of six modules in a JB Mou barrel A special bottom charge module is not required for lowest charge (approx 300 m/sec). In other words, the Uniflex 2 enables one to fire one module, one and one-half module, two modules, two and one-half modules and so forth.

Operation is managed from the cabin via a computer that is linked to different types of national Internet protocol communication and combat management systems. The computer executes all the ballistic calculations according to Nabk (Nato Ballistic Kernal) and manages all gun controls like automatic laying, ammunition magazine management, etc.

Due to its weight and size, the Archer will need to upgrade its air ticket from C130 to A 400M, which should in any case become the European norm for military transportation.

Atmos: This must be the mystery number in this series, as its manufacturer, Soltam in Israel, remains extremely evasive on status and exact electronic suite designations. Even the system's designation appears to have officially drifted back to just Atmos, whereas it had been known as Atmos 2000 at some stage. The Atmos is based on a Tatra 6 x 6 platform <<or equivalent chassis>> (sic). Laying is automatic and, according to Soltam, three to six rounds can be fired and the system be on its way again within three minutes. The Atmos also features a crane to assist loading and can fire all Nato-standard ammunition. It carries a complement of 27 rounds and charges.

Caesar: Developed by Giat, the Caesar is probably the most mature and 'sorted' howitzer system of its class to date, but from that standpoint only will be virtually matched by the Archer after the latter has been ushered into service. Like other types examined here, it makes use of an existing gun adapted to a truck chassis. The five current preproduction units are based on a Unimog chassis, production of which was unfortunately discontinued by Mercedes-Benz two years ago. This chassis was much acclaimed by those in need of ultimate off-road characteristics and thus unsurprisingly a favourite amongst forest fire brigade units. According to Mercedes, it was an expensive item to produce and therefore irrational to proceed with. Giat thus had to find an alternative set of wheels when at long last the French Army confirmed its intention to acquire the system by placing a firm order worth 300 million [euro] for 72 units in December 2004.

This delay was all the more unfortunate that an earlier decision on the part of the French procurement agency would have probably helped Malaysia, who came extremely close to buying the Caesar, to make a firm commitment. Malaysia also had other urgent requirements and the scale slowly but surely tipped in favour of other acquisitions. The Caesar was extensively tested in Malaysia, driven through the most appalling jungle trails and even fired by Malaysian Army personnel. The Caesar was also tested in Brunei. In fine, the Caesar will rest on a Renault Sherpa 6 x 6 chassis, which is said to be very similar in weight and performance to its Germanic forebear. Interestingly, having operated the five prototypes mentioned above since 2003, the French Army, as understood by the author, has come to the conclusion that a new doctrine had to be implemented for the use of those howitzers (see remark in the third paragraph of this article). Delivery of its Caesars will commence in 2008 to equip eight batteries (the existing prototypes will eventually be upgraded to Sherpa standards and turned over to the Armee de Terre). In a new development for France, Giat is also under a fixed-price contract for the maintenance of the Caesars. The standard munition will be the LU 211M (M for Muratise = insensitive) of which the Caesar will carry a complement of 18. Navigation is courtesy of a Sagem inertial platform while the computer interfaces with the Atlas system developed by Thales and which is already a standard system in the French Army.

Abroad, things appear to be going apace and a deal was struck between Giat and United Defense in March 2004 regarding the marketing of the Caesar in the United States (it was demonstrated there in 2003) as well as with ADI in view of Australia's Land 17 artillery replacement programme. By the time these lines are read the Caesar will also have been tested by the British Army, which wishes to sense how it fares against the M777 (the Caesar will be a feature on the Giat stand at DSEi in September). Malaysia is still apparently very interested and officials made the trip to witness recent French Army tests in the French Alps last spring.

Condor T5-2000: Based on the famous G-5 52-calibre towed howitzer, the Condor is being developed by Denel and the Indian defence industry. It is based on a Tatra 8x8 that is produced under licence in India by Bharat Earth Movers. Tipping the scales at 28 tonnes and with its 'chesty' cross-section the Condor is not C-130 eligible, but at any rate is not being asked to hunt under the same scenarios as its other counterparts. However, it includes a semi-automatic, electric driven, positive chain rammer, a projectile magazine with three ready projectiles and an optional telescopic crane that is hydraulically operated and controlled, fitted with a projectile clamp which, with adjustment, can handle all Nato projectiles. These are automatically fed onto the rammer tray from the magazine, while charge loading is semi-automatic. It can fire the current M50 charges as well as the M90 bi-modular charges. The Condor carries a complement of 22 rounds plus 26 charges. Exception to the rule: the Condor being able to traverse over an arc of 25[degrees] to either side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, it can elevate from -5[degrees] to +75[degrees]. The Condor is thus equipped with massive side spades/outriggers. Only one prototype has been built to date and tested at Denel's Alkantpan firing range. A further round of tests will haven taken place by the time these lines are printed, followed, in September, by evaluation firing trials in the presence of an "undisclosed customer".

LWSPH: This unpronounceable acronym stands for Lightweight Self-propelled Howitzer. A development from Singapore Technologies, it is the odd mark in this series because it rests on a purpose-built open space-frame chassis with independent suspension all round. In doing so, it pushes the significance of light weight and swiftness to the extreme and could be regarded as a 'sports howitzer'. This comparison has to be taken with a touch of humour of course, but it illustrates the philosophy of the design: from a standstill it can dash out to 500 metres in under a minute, climb up 60 per cent gradients and, besides being C-130 transportable, can be moved about under a Chinook or a Stallion helicopter. This 155 mm midget also distinguishes itself by having the shortest barrel with only 39 calibres but can nevertheless speed trouble out to 30 km using base-bleed rounds. It has not officially found any takers at time of writing.

Mobat: Developed by RDM in the Netherlands the Mobat is the odd number in this series of howitzers as it uses a 105 mm 33 calibre gun, which explains why a lighter 4 x 4 platform suffices to move it around--a DAF YA4440 in this particular instance. First signs of the existence of the Mobat date back to 1998 although development had started a year earlier with a view to meeting a Royal Netherlands Army requirement. The scope is pretty obvious: very low cost and much quicker into-action-times compared with the M101/33 towed howitzer (which the Condor system actually uses as a basis). By 2000 the Mobat had already fired 300 shots demonstrating that it could reach position and then fire twelve rounds and move again in three minutes. It is helicopter transportable by Chinook or Stallion and carries 20 ready rounds in a magazine plus another complement of 20 rounds. The Mobat was also demonstrated in Thailand, but the export launch customer finally turned out to be Jordan, which ordered 18 units to the tune of 18 million [euro] with an option on 20 more in early 2003 for its special operations forces.

Archer Specifics

Calibre:             155 mm x 53 cal
Rate of fire:        ~15/min
Range [km]:          nominal - 27
                     Bonus - 35
                     Excalibur - 55 to 60
                     HE extended range - 40
Max. speed:          70 km/h
Range:               ~500 km
Weight:              33,000 kg
Crew:                3
Platform:            Volvo A30D, 340 hp

Atmos Specifics

Calibre:             155 mm x 52 cal
Rate of fire:        n/a
Range [km]:          41
Max. speed:          100km/h
Size [L x W]:        9.5 x 2.5 metres
Weight:              22,000 kg
Crew:                4 to 6
Platform:            Tatra T815 VVN

Condor T5-2000 Specifics

Calibre:             155 X 52 cal
Rate of fire:        3 rds in 18 sec (burst)
                     6 rds per min
Range [km]:          + 42,5 w/assisted projectiles.
                     55 w/rocket assisted projectile (V-Lap)
Max. speed:          85 km/h
Veh. range:          600 km
Size [L x H x W]:    10.1 x 3.8 x 2.9 metres
Weight:              28 000 kg
Crew:                4
Platform:            Tatra, 265 kW

Caesar Specifics

Calibre:             155 mm X 52 cal
Rate of fire:        6 rds per min
Range [km]:          42 w/base-bleed
Max. speed *:        110 km/h
Size [LxHxW] *:      10 x 3.7 x 2.55 metres
Veh. range *:        600 km
Weight *:            17.7 [combat]
Crew:                5

Platform: Renault Sherpa

* figures based on Unimog chassis: only
marginal fluctuations are expected with
the switch to Sherpa.

Mobat Specifics

Calibre:             105 X 33 cal
Rate of fire:        12 per min. max
Range [km]:          19.6 with base-bleed
Max. Speed:          80 km/h
Size [L x H x W]:    7.2 x 3.3 x 2.5 metres
Weight:              8900 kg empty
                     10,800 fully equipped
Crew:                3
Platform:            DAF YA4440, 153 hp

LWSPH Specifics

Calibre:             155 X 39 cal
Rate of fire:        3 rds in 15 sec
                     6 rds/min max
Range [km]:          30 with BB
Max. speed:          80 km/h
Veh. range:          600 km
Size [Lx H x W]:     10 x 2.6 x 2.5 metres
Weight:              7000 kg (w/o ammo)
Crew:                3
Platform:            proprietary, 125 kW engine