PzH 2000

   Development of the PzH 2000 (Panzerhaubitze) began in 1987. It evolved from the international SP70 programme, which was cancelled in 1980s due to funding problems. Prototype of the PzH 2000 was completed in 1993. Initially German Army planned to order a total of 1 254 new self-propelled howitzers, however in 1996 a contract was signed only for 185 artillery systems. First systems were delivered to the German Army in 1998. Export operators of the PzH 2000 are Greece, Italy and the Netherlands.

   The PzH 2000 is fitted with a 155-mm / L52 howitzer. Vehicle has a fully-automatic loading system with ammunition management system. The PzH 2000 is compatible with standard NATO 155-mm ammunition. Maximum range of fire is 30 km with standard HE-FRAG projectile and 40 km with rocket-assisted projectile. Maximum rate of fire is 9 rounds per minute. It is capable of Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) firing. A total of 60 rounds are stowed in a magazine.

   Secondary armament consists of a roof-mounted 7.62-mm machine gun.

   The PzH 2000 receives target data via datalink. The gun is automatically laid using the fire control data.

   Front armor of the PzH 2000 provides protection against 14.5-mm rounds. All-round protection is against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Explosive reactive armor can be fitted if necessary. The PzH 2000 is also fitted with automatic fire suppression and NBC protection systems.

   The PzH 2000 has a crew of five, including commander, gunner, two loaders and driver. Target engagements can be carried out by a crew of two men. Loaders are employed only when autoloader fails.

   Chassis of the PzH 2000 uses some components of the Leopard 2 main battle tank. Vehicle is powered by the MTU MT881 Ka-500 supercharged diesel engine, developing 1 000 hp. The PzH 2000 is also fitted with auxiliary power unit, powering all systems, when the main engine is turned off.

   The PzH 2000 is reloaded by two operators. Projectiles are automatically picked up from the back of the vehicle and stowed in the autoloader's magazine. This self-propelled howitzer is replenished in less than 12 minutes.

Variants

   AGM (Artillery Gun Module) 155-mm self-propelled howitzer. It is a variant of the PzH 2000, mounted on a tracked chassis of the M270 MLRS. This artillery system is operated by a crew of two men. It is significantly lighter alternative to the PzH 2000, but provides the same performance;

   Donar 155-mm self-propelled howitzer, further development of the Artillery Gun Module, based on the ASCOD 2 IFV tracked chassis. The Donar is mainly aimed at the export customers;

   MONARC (Modular Naval Artillery Concept), study about mounting turret of the PzH 2000 howitzer on a naval ship. It was mounted on the deck of Hamburg frigate.