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2018-07-01
Artillery Systems: A Decisive Factor In The War Zone
Today, armies around the world have made major advances by incorporating precision into artillery, as it could very well be a decisive factor in a war zone. Artillery systems offer the ability to employ precision during low-intensity conflict and armed forces use it to establish fire superiority and to shape the battle area.
Artillery firepower is used in a focussed and selective way, targeting high payoff targets of the opposing forces’ operating systems both at the operational and tactical levels of war. However, in a high-intensity conflict situation defined by combined-arms manoeuvre, the use of artillery based on a precise point on the ground is tricky, especially when the enemy has formations of moving armoured vehicles.
Artillery systems are divided into: self-propelled systems, towed artillery systems, turret systems, mortars and other artillery systems.
Here is a look at companies that have left an indelible mark in the artillery systems manufacturing industry:
Nexter Systems: Focus on Reliability
The French firm Nexter Systems, a KNDS company, is one of the leaders in land defence in Europe. It is a well-known player in the field of artillery systems, and some of its most sought after systems includes the CAESAR and 105LG1. These products have established Nexter Group's position as an innovative system operator integrator, mastering the field of artillery, right from intelligent ammunition, and precision aids to driving shot control systems.
CAESAR Self-Propelled Howitzer
It offers the simplicity of towed artillery, and the mobility of a self-propelled system. The systems firepower, reliability and low cost of maintenance make it a powerful product. Acquired by the French, Danish, Indonesian and Thai armies, as well as from a Middle Eastern country, and currently present in several theatres of operations, the 155mm self-propelled artillery system CAESAR is available on 6x6 and 8x8 chassis.
The latest version of CAESAR 8x8 chassis has automatic shell loading system. The device ensures constant and sustained firing rates, whatever the environmental conditions. A CAESAR battery pack on a "full automatic" 8x8 chassis is easy to use, and confirms its survival capabilities against counter-battery shots. The time between the arrival at the shooting point and the start, after delivering a six-round salvo, amounts to less than three minutes.
105 LG1 Towed Artillery System
The 105mm towed artillery system is deployable by light vehicle, helicopter, or even parachute. It is one of the world's lightest 105mm assault artillery piece, providing fire support to rapid reaction forces. The system is in service with the Singapore, Thai, Indonesian, Belgian, Canadian and Colombian forces.
BAE Systems: Providing Flexibility
BAE Systems UK designs, develops, manufactures and supports artillery systems, and its breadth of expertise meets critical needs in the air, on land, and at sea. Below is a look at its notable offerings.
ARCHER Self-Propelled Field Howitzer
ARCHER is an advanced artillery system with high mobility and precision. It is a self-propelled field howitzer that can operate autonomously in tandem with today’s command and control systems. The 155 mm, 52 calibre, long-range weapon features exceptional tracking capability and an intensive rate of fire, engaging ground and sea targets, both stationary and moving, with high precision.
The projectile magazines handle all types of 155 mm artillery ammo, including advanced sensor-fused and precision-guided munitions. Depending on customer requirements, the charge magazine can be adapted for either conventional bags or modular systems. Fire capabilities include direct fire and Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI).
Precision targeting is achieved using highly integrated components, such as ballistic calculation, in the gun computer system. Firing and operation of the gun computer can be handled both automatically or manually, providing ultimate flexibility. The crew cabin is protected against NBC threats, artillery fragmentation, mine attack and blast overpressure. Significant separation of the crew from the armament and munitions further enhances survivability.
The projectile magazines handle all types of 155 mm artillery ammo, including advanced sensor-fused and precision-guided munitions. Depending on customer requirements, the charge magazine can be adapted for either conventional bags or modular systems. Fire capabilities include direct fire and Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI).
Precision targeting is achieved using highly integrated components, such as ballistic calculation, in the gun computer system. Firing and operation of the gun computer can be handled both automatically or manually, providing ultimate flexibility. The crew cabin is protected against NBC threats, artillery fragmentation, mine attack and blast overpressure. Significant separation of the crew from the armament and munitions further enhances survivability.
The system also features a Remotely-Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) mounted on top of the crew compartment. ARCHER is mounted on a commercial articulated vehicle specially developed for high mobility in the most difficult terrain. It provides an average road speed of 70 km/h with a manoeuvre range of 1,000 km per day. An Ammunition Resupply Vehicle (ARV), designed to provide a complete reload of the howitzer within minutes, supports the system.
M777 Howitzer
Initially developed for the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army as their next generation medium force weapon, the M777, a lightweight field howitzer from BAE Systems, falls under the category of 155mm lightweight towed artillery systems. The weapon can strike over extended distances, regardless of terrain and obstacles.
It is compatible with all standard ammo types, as well as advanced rounds such as BONUS and EXCALIBUR. Its strengths have been proven in battle, particularly in Afghanistan where it has been in service since 2006. Over 360,000 rounds fired have proven its simple, dependable operation, even in harsh environments. To date, the M777 howitzer has been selected by U.S., Canadian, Australian, and Indian forces.
It is compatible with all standard ammo types, as well as advanced rounds such as BONUS and EXCALIBUR. Its strengths have been proven in battle, particularly in Afghanistan where it has been in service since 2006. Over 360,000 rounds fired have proven its simple, dependable operation, even in harsh environments. To date, the M777 howitzer has been selected by U.S., Canadian, Australian, and Indian forces.
General Dynamics: Provision of Net-Centric Defence
In artillery, General Dynamics focuses on the design and manufacture of a wide range of armaments and ammunition such as the towed 155mm calibre 52-howitzer system SIAC.
SIAC towed howitzer
It is a state-of-the-art 155/52 calibre-towed howitzer with self-propelled capabilities thanks to its integrated Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). This advanced design meets the most demanding requirements of modern field artillery and coastal defence missions. It features rapid deployability, excellent first round hit probability and a swift "shoot and scoot" capability for higher survivability.
The Automatic Gun Laying System (AGLS), the Digital Navigation Aiming and Pointing System (DINAPS) and the Fully Automatic Ramming System (FIRS) are integrated in the SIAC to provide superior performance on the battlefield. The first two can be also integrated in other indirect weapon systems (mortar, rocket launchers, etc.).
SIAC also incorporates a ballistic computer, which provides fast firing data calculations to optimise the ammunition selection. It can also be integrated within a Command and Control system (C2 to C4ISR). SIAC is suitable for forming part of a net-centric defence solution, which integrates multiple weapon systems that can be operated simultaneously, and is a noteworthy fit for coastal defence.
Norinco: Delivering Self-Sufficient Solutions
The Chinese entity Norinco Group is the main body for the R&D of weapons and equipment of China’s land forces. Some of its key artillery weapons include the 155mm self-propelled gun howitzer series and long-range rocket systems.
PLZ52 self-propelled gun howitzer
In 2012, Norinco unveiled PLZ52, a new generation of 155mm 52 Cal. self-propelled gun howitzer mounted on armoured tracked chassis. It is developed based on state-of-the-art artillery technologies of the Chinese Army, along with extensive experience and technical achievements accumulated in the proven PLZ45 155mm gun howitzer system, a flagship product of Norinco that has been exported in large quantities.
The Kuwaiti and Saudi Arabian armies use PLZ45. The PLZ52 SPGH features high engagement capabilities, highly automatic operation, a comprehensive fire control system and a high performance ammunition system. Its autonomous character allows for a consistent step towards networked, centralised command and control. PLZ52 can also be integrated into a C4ISR system seamlessly.
The Kuwaiti and Saudi Arabian armies use PLZ45. The PLZ52 SPGH features high engagement capabilities, highly automatic operation, a comprehensive fire control system and a high performance ammunition system. Its autonomous character allows for a consistent step towards networked, centralised command and control. PLZ52 can also be integrated into a C4ISR system seamlessly.
The PLZ52 155mm SPGH adopts 52 Cal. barrel length and achieves a maximum firing range of 53km with ERFB-BB-RA projectiles. Its arbitrary angle automatic projectile loading system and modular propellant charge realise a maximum firing rate of eight rounds per minute, a burst firing rate of three rounds per 15 seconds and multiple-round simultaneous-impact capability of four rounds, giving it fierce firepower to neutralise enemy targets.
A 12.7mm machine gun is mounted on the commander’s cupola for the self-protection of the vehicle and as an anti-aircraft weapon. Four smoke grenade dischargers are fitted to each side at the front of the turret. The PLZ52 has an automatic loading system with 30 rounds on-board ammunition. The 155 mm 52 calibre barrel is provided with a slotted muzzle brake and a fume extractor and, when in the travelling position, is held in place by a manually released travelling lock mounted on the glacis plate. The turret has full 360-degree turret traverse and elevation from -3° to +68°.
A 12.7mm machine gun is mounted on the commander’s cupola for the self-protection of the vehicle and as an anti-aircraft weapon. Four smoke grenade dischargers are fitted to each side at the front of the turret. The PLZ52 has an automatic loading system with 30 rounds on-board ammunition. The 155 mm 52 calibre barrel is provided with a slotted muzzle brake and a fume extractor and, when in the travelling position, is held in place by a manually released travelling lock mounted on the glacis plate. The turret has full 360-degree turret traverse and elevation from -3° to +68°.
Lockheed Martin: Employing Cutting-Edge Technology
For over 40 years, Lockheed Martin has supported the U.S. as well as the international defence market, in the field artillery needs. Here’s a look at its leading products.
ATACMS Missiles
Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is the U.S. Army's tactical long-range precision-strike surface-to-surface weapon system, and it provides combatant commanders with critical deep-strike capability to service high-value targets in all weather conditions. It can be fired from the entire family of Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) launchers.
The first production contract for the modernised ATACMS missiles for the U.S. Army was signed in August 2017, and called for the modernisation of 150 missiles.
As part of the U.S. Army's ATACMS Service Life Extension Programme, the modernisation process disassembles and demilitarises ATACMS Block 1 and 1A submunition warheads, replacing them with new unitary warheads and bringing them into compliance with the U.S. Department of Defense policy on cluster munitions. The modernisation process also resets the missile's 10 plus year shelf life. Each ATACMS missile is packaged in a Guided Missile Launch Assembly pod, and is fired from the MLRS family of launchers.
As part of the U.S. Army's ATACMS Service Life Extension Programme, the modernisation process disassembles and demilitarises ATACMS Block 1 and 1A submunition warheads, replacing them with new unitary warheads and bringing them into compliance with the U.S. Department of Defense policy on cluster munitions. The modernisation process also resets the missile's 10 plus year shelf life. Each ATACMS missile is packaged in a Guided Missile Launch Assembly pod, and is fired from the MLRS family of launchers.
HIMARS
High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is a technically advanced, affordable and sustainable artillery solution providing cutting-edge technology on an indigenous platform. It offers maximum commonality with M270A1 launch system and MLRS interoperability and simplifies coalition operations, training, logistics and coordination. It carries a six-pack of GMLRS rockets or one TACMS missile, and is designed to launch the entire MLRS family of munitions.
Additionally, HIMARS is capable of launching the new Guided MLRS and its unitary variant; the next major step in the evolution of the MLRS family of munitions, offering advanced capabilities, reduced logistics support and precision attack.
Designed to enable troops to engage and defeat artillery, air defence concentrations, trucks, light armour and personnel carriers, as well as support troop and supply concentrations, HIMARS can move away from the area at high speed following launch, before enemy forces are able to locate the launch site. HIMARS consists of a launcher loader module and fire control system mounted on a standard five-tonne truck chassis. A specialised armoured cab provides additional protection to the three occupants who operate the system. In addition to the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, HIMARS is also fielded internationally.
Designed to enable troops to engage and defeat artillery, air defence concentrations, trucks, light armour and personnel carriers, as well as support troop and supply concentrations, HIMARS can move away from the area at high speed following launch, before enemy forces are able to locate the launch site. HIMARS consists of a launcher loader module and fire control system mounted on a standard five-tonne truck chassis. A specialised armoured cab provides additional protection to the three occupants who operate the system. In addition to the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, HIMARS is also fielded internationally.
Because of its C-130 transportability, HIMARS can be deployed into areas previously inaccessible to heavier launchers. It also incorporates the self- loading, autonomous features that have made MLRS the premier rocket artillery system in the world. HIMARS carries a single six-pack of MLRS rockets, or one ATACMS missile. Its fire control system, electronics and communications units are interchangeable with the existing MLRS M270A1 launcher, and the crew and training are the same. HIMARS prototypes were successfully employed in Operations Iraqi Freedom.
Denel SOC Ltd: Offering Tactical Mobility
The South African company Denel Land Systems provides artillery products that fulfil the expectations of a modern army involved in both high-intensity warfare and peacekeeping operations. Some of its solutions include:
105 mm LEO
Light Experimental Ordnance (LEO) is the latest gun-howitzer developed by Denel. The gun system is accurate, transportable by helicopter and can be towed by a 4X4 type of vehicle.
The 105mm is being developed to satisfy the users requirement for modern day warfare, such as the need for fewer but more mobile forces to cover the same operational area and to ease the logistic burden placed on the system, hence ease of deployment. It reduces weight and makes it more transportable, offering tactically mobility and improves fire precision, requiring less ammunition to achieve the same end result. Also, it provides human machine interface and can be deployed under all possible conditions.
The 105mm is being developed to satisfy the users requirement for modern day warfare, such as the need for fewer but more mobile forces to cover the same operational area and to ease the logistic burden placed on the system, hence ease of deployment. It reduces weight and makes it more transportable, offering tactically mobility and improves fire precision, requiring less ammunition to achieve the same end result. Also, it provides human machine interface and can be deployed under all possible conditions.
Rising Demand
The artillery industry continues to witness an increasing demand, primarily driven by current conflicts, territorial disputes and countering insurgencies. Factors such as maintaining a sufficient inventory of second line of fire artillery systems and the rising requirement for training systems, has also had an impact on demand. The industry itself has seen major innovations and improvements being incorporated in the areas of range and lethal effects. Plus, on-going military modernisation programmes worldwide are driving its growth.
According to a recent report, the majority of spending in the Asia Pacific region is expected to come from countries involved in territorial conflicts and currently countering insurgencies, such as India, China, Australia, Pakistan, Afghanistan and South Korea. A report by MarketsandMarkets highlights, that in terms of spending, Asia Pacific will be followed by Europe, with nearly 24 per cent, and North America with over 19.7 per cent spending.
Europe’s robust spending in this market will be primarily driven by its expenditure on turret systems, while North America’s spending is more emphasised on upgrading and modernising its existing fleets of armoured vehicles. A majority of the European countries such as the UK, France, Russia and Germany are spending robustly on developing and acquiring new vehicles, boosting the demand for turret systems in the region.
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