|
Country of origin |
United States |
|
Entered service |
- |
|
Crew |
2 men |
|
Dimensions and weight |
|
Weight |
~ 27 t |
|
Length (gun forward) |
? |
|
Hull length |
? |
|
Width |
? |
|
Height |
? |
|
Armament |
|
Main gun |
155 mm |
|
Barrel length |
38 calibers |
|
Machine guns |
? |
|
Projectile weight (M795 HE) |
47.5 kg |
|
Maximum firing range |
over 30 km |
|
Maximum rate of fire |
~ 10 rpm |
|
Elevation range |
? |
|
Traverse range |
360 degrees |
|
Ammunition load |
|
Main gun |
24 rounds |
|
Machine guns |
? |
|
Mobility |
|
Engine |
hybrid diesel |
|
Engine power |
? |
|
Maximum road speed |
90 km/h |
|
Range |
? |
|
Maneuverability |
|
Gradient |
60% |
|
Side slope |
30% |
|
Vertical step |
~ 0.7 m |
|
Trench |
~ 1.8 m |
|
Fording |
~ 1.2 m |
|
The XM1203 NLOS-C
or Non-Line-Of-Sight Cannon was a US development. This artillery system used technology from the
cancelled
XM2001 Crusader. The NLOS-C
system was a part of proposed Future Combat Systems development
program. It
was aimed to replace the
M109A6 Paladin
self-propelled howitzers. The first XM1203 prototype was completed in 2008.
However the NLOS-C never reached production due to funding problems
and other reasons. Some of its technologies were later used on the
M109A7 howitzer.
The NLOS-C
was fitted with a 155 mm/L38 howitzer and fully automated ammunition
loading system. It used
autoloader from the cancelled Crusader. This eliminated physical
handling of ammunition. The XM1203 fired shells at sustained rate
with a push of a button. Maximum range of fire was 30 km with a standard
High Explosive (HE) projectile. The XM1203 NLOS-C provides precision attack of
point and area targets. This artillery system is capable of multiple
round simultaneous impact firing. The XM1203 was also capable of
firing precision guided munitions, such as the
M982 Excalibur
extended range GPS-guided rounds. Estimated maximum rate of fire was
around 10 rounds per minute.
The NLOS-C
incorporated active and passive protection systems, including
specially designed ceramic armor and anti-RPG protection system to
enhance crew and platform survivability against all types of
battlefield threats. It was also fitted with an NBC protection
system.
Prototype
had no defensive armament, however this artillery system could be
easily fitted with a heavy machine gun for self-defense.
This
artillery system had
a crew of jus two. The crew was reduced due to full automation of the
system. Refueling of this artillery system was arranged
automatically. Reloading also did not required for the crew members to
step outside the vehicle.
The NLOS-C
used tracked chassis, which was a member of a Future Combat System family. This chassis was
designed to
have 75-80% commonality. The NLOS-C
was powered by a diesel engine and hybrid electric propulsion
system. This chassis was specially
designed to improve mobility, reduce fuel consumption and
offer silent mobility capabilities. The NLOS-C could be airlifted by
the
Airbus A400M and similar
military transport aircraft.
|