Country of origin |
Germany |
Entered service |
- |
Crew |
2 men |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight |
27 t |
Length (gun forward) |
10.42 m |
Hull length |
~ 8 m |
Width |
2.97
m |
Height |
3.06 m |
Armament |
Main gun |
155 mm howitzer |
Barrel length |
52 calibers |
Machine guns |
- |
Projectile weight |
43.5 kg |
Maximum firing range |
30 - 40 km |
Maximum rate of fire |
6 - 8 rpm |
Elevation range |
- 2.5 to + 65 degrees (?) |
Traverse range |
360 degrees |
Ammunition load |
Main gun |
30 rounds |
Machine guns |
- |
Mobility |
Engine |
Cummins VTA-903T diesel |
Engine power |
550 hp |
Maximum road speed |
60 km/h |
Range |
480 km |
Maneuverability |
Gradient |
60% |
Side slope |
30% |
Vertical step |
0.9 m |
Trench |
2.5 m |
Fording |
~ 1.2 m |
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The
Artillery Gun Module (AGM) 155 mm self-propelled howitzer was
developed as a private venture to meet potential future
requirement of the German Army. Prototype of the AGM was revealed
in 2004. Overall it proved to be a successful design.
The
Artillery Gun Module is based on the technology of the
PzH 2000
self-propelled howitzer, which is in service with German Army. It
provides the same performance of the PzH 2000, but is cheaper to
build has reduced crew and significantly lighter weight. The AGM is
air-transportable. It was developed as a supplement to the PzH 2000
where heavier weaponry is not available, recommendable or too
expensive.
The
Artillery Gun Module uses the 155 mm/L52 gun. The AGM has a fully
automatic loading system, which loads the projectiles and the
charges. The main gun components are from the PzH 2000. It also
retains features and performance parameters of the PzH 2000. The AGM
has a rate of fire of 6-8 rounds per minute and is capable of
multiple-round simultaneous-impact firing. If necessary the system
can be loaded and fired manually. The AGM is compatible with all
standard NATO munitions. Maximum range of fire is 30 km with
standard rounds and 40 km with base bleed rounds. A total of 30
projectiles are and associated charged are carried. The AGM can also
be adapted for a lighter gun, such as a shorter 155 mm/L39 or even
lighter 105 mm
gun.
Artillery
Gun Module is fitted with advanced fire control system. A muzzle
reference system feeds information into the fire control system. It
receives target data via radio or datalink. The AGM is fitted with
Global Positioning System. It takes approximately 30 seconds to
prepare to fire. Out of action time is also as short as 30 seconds.
Once the last round is fired it allows the vehicle to briefly leave
its firing position and avoid counter-battery fire.
The
artillery system
is operated by a two men crew. A lifting system is installed at the
front of the turret. It allows the crew to reload magazine from
outside of the vehicle.
Turret of
the Artillery Gun Module is made of lightweight aluminum armor and provides protection against small arms,
artillery shell splinters and against nuclear, biological or
chemical warfare attacks.
First prototype
of the AGM used a modified tracked chassis of a surplus US
M270 MLRS.
It had a combat weight of 27
tons. It was powered by the Cummins VTA-903T diesel engine,
developing 550 horsepower. Vehicle was fitted with auxiliary
power unit, which powered all necessary systems when the main engine
was shut down.
The AGM module weights 12.5 tons and
can be mounted on 6x6 or 8x8 trucks, tracked vehicles or main battle
tanks. The intention was to integrate the AGM into
available chassis for the customer country to provide modern and
cost effective artillery system. The artillery module can be even
used as a stationary stand-alone unit for defense of forward
operating bases.
A completely
different programme led by shipbuilders was developed during the
same timeframe. A MONARC
naval modular artillery gun integrates the gun turret and autoloader
from the PzH 2000 howitzer into the deck of a naval vessel.
Variants
Donar 155 mm
self-propelled howitzer is a further development of the AGM. It uses
a modified chassis of the
ASCOD 2
infantry fighting vehicle.
Boxer RCH
155 is a complete AGM turret integrated on
Boxer
8x8 armored personnel carrier chassis. This artillery system was
introduced in 2014. Initial firing trials took place during the same
year.
There is
also a proposed version, based on
IVECO Trakker 8x8 military truck chassis.
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