23 May 2019
KMW's Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 moves ahead
by Christopher F Foss
Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) is continuing to invest in developing its private venture remote-controlled Artillery Gun Module (AGM) that, when integrated onto the rear of the Boxer 8×8 Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle (MRAV), is now being referred to as the Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 (RCH 155).
The AGM was originally mounted on a modified multiple-launch rocket system tracked platform, followed by a new tracked platform developed by General Dynamics European Land Systems – Santa Bárbara Sistemas (GDELS-SBS).
Firing trials with the RCH 155 were carried out at the German WTD 41 proving ground with the AGM traversed front, left, and right without the use of stabilisers, according to KMW.
The KMW RCH 155 mates the Boxer 8x8 MRAV platform with the KMW Artillery Gun Module mounted on the rear. (Christopher F Foss)
Trials demonstrated that it can come into action, carry out an eight-round fire mission, and then redeploy in less than 90 seconds. In addition, it can carry out multi-round simultaneous impact (MRSI) fire missions.
The German Army has a requirement for a wheeled 155 mm self-propelled (SP) artillery system that is expected to be met by the RCH 155. When deployed this would supplement, not replace, the legacy KMW PzH 2000 155 mm/52 calibre SPH.
KMW will complete an additional RCH 155 in about 18-24 months, which will have improvements including a lower profile by about 30 cm to enable the compete RCH 155 to be transported by rail.
A remote weapon station (RWS) armed with a .50 calibre machine gun will be fitted on the left side of the roof, and this could be used as a sight for use in the direct-fire role. When not required, this RWS would be folded forwards to reduce the overall height of the system.
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Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) is continuing to invest in developing its private venture remo...
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