News

2016-11-01

CAESAR 8x8 – A Pioneer in Wheeled Artillery Systems

The artillery piece incorporates an automated ammunition handling and loading system

Nexter’s weapon/ammunition combination is known to offer a complete range of products to equip artillery battalions, from guns through ballistic computers (BACARA) and firing control systems (FINDART) to ammunition.

Nexter was behind the creation and mass production of the first wheeled-chassis artillery system, the “CAmion Equipé d’un Système d’ARtillerie” (Truck equipped with an artillery system), CAESAR. The vehicle is a pioneer in its category of wheeled artillery systems. CAESAR has been designed to fulfil the requirements of current conflicts where artillery systems would be easily reconfigurable to provide the expected fire support with the expected terminal effect.

CAESAR has paved the way for truck-mounted guns, and proved the concept in many operations. The next logical step was to develop the concept to make allowances for new customer requirements, such as increased payload or fully automated loading. With the introduction of CAESAR 8X8 variant, in addition to the well-known CAESAR 6X6, the CAESAR family is growing.

The new CAESAR 8x8 variant is powered with standard Tatra air-cooled 410 hp Diesel engine. The current 6x6 CAESAR can carry up to 18 projectiles, but the new 8x8 version can up to 30 155mm projectiles and modular charge systems. It is equipped with an on-board computerised fire control system and a global positioning system/inertial navigation system.

CAESAR now equips four countries; over 270 have been sold and it is combat proven, notably in Afghanistan and in Mali with the French Army. The CAESAR 6x6 (18 tonnes/18 rounds) offering consists today of the same artillery on three different chassis – RTD, Unimog and Ashok Leyland.

The CAESAR 8x8 was exhibited at Eurosatory this year. It is representative of the Nexter Group’s continuous striving to adapt its systems to suit the threats. Developed on the basic CAESAR concept, it makes it possible to increase payload (30 tonnes/30 rounds) and is equipped with a brand new fully automated ammunition loading system.

With the CAESAR 8x8, the Nexter Group has a more extensive range enabling it to propose innovative, mobile, deployable artillery, the firepower of which remains unequalled.

CAESAR is simple to move and easy to deploy over a theatre of operation thanks to its excellent tactical, operational and strategic mobility (off-road capability, able to use public roads and winding roads, transportable by train, landing ship, C-130, A400M).

It is easy to use and can be operated with a 4/5-man crew ensuring a high degree of survivability through its shoot and scoot capability (1min40s after opening fire, CAESAR has already fired six rounds and left its position)

CAESAR provides powerful and accurate firepower (rate of fire: six rounds per minute, range: up to 42 km with ERFB, 55km with VLAP) with a large range of conventional and smart ammunition. Such mobility solutions contribute to reduce the life cycle cost of CAESAR.

The system is equipped with an inertial navigation unit and a ballistic computer, and can be connected to any C4I system.

Comments () Views (17320 ) Print

Send To Friend