RCH 155 German 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
RCH 155
Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
Other
Basic Information
Name
RCH 155 German 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
Designation
RCH 155
Alternate Designation
RCH 155
Equipment Type
Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
Manufacturer
The vehicle is produced by ARTEC GmbH, an industrial group formed by KMW and RMMV
Date of Introduction
2014
Description
In April 2014, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann decided to integrate the artillery gun module (AGM) onto the Boxer armored vehicle, with the system making an appearance at Eurosatory in June 2014. The Boxer has to prove it can deal with recoil forces without stabilization, but stabilization concepts can be added if needed to retain shoot and scoot and 360-degree firing capability. The Boxer-AGM system could be used as an upgrade option for countries with existing boxer fleets. Test firings were completed in 2014. Firing trials with the turret traversed front and to its sides were carried out at WTD 41 proving ground and were successful without the use of stabilizers. The trials also demonstrated the ability to fire an 8-round burst and redeploy under 90 seconds and carry out multi-round simultaneous impact missions. The combination of the Boxer vehicle with AGM became known as Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 (RCH 155) due to the turret module being remote controlled. Additionally, a remote weapons station with a .50 caliber machine gun has been fitted on the roof.
Ground Specifications
Crew
2
Mobility Type
Wheeled (8x8)
Main Weapon
155mm Howitzer
Engine
Diesel (711 hp)
Max Speed
103.0 km/h
Range
1050.0 km
System
Alternative Designation
RCH 155
Type
Self-Propelled Howitzer
Caliber
155 mm
Manufacturer
The vehicle is produced by ARTEC GmbH, an industrial group formed by KMW and RMMV
Configuration
8x8
Crew
2 ea
Emplacement Time
INA
Displacement Time
INA
Note
The RCH 155 German 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) highly modular design comprising a drive module common chassis with interchangeable mission modules that can be rapidly fitted in field conditions in approximately 30 minutes.
Dimensions
Length (gun forward)
10.5 m
Barrel Length
INA
Width
2.99 m
Height
3.5 m
Weight, Combat
35 tons
Automotive
Engine Name
MTU V8 199 TE20
Engine Type
Diesel
Engine Power
711 hp
Cruising Range
1050 km
Speed, Maximum Road
103 km/h
Speed, Average Cross
INA
Speed Maximum Swim
Not Amphibious
Gradient
60 %
Side Slope
30 %
Vertical Step
0.8 m
Fording Depth, without Preparation
1.2 m
Fording Depth, with Preparation
1.2 m
Trench
2 m
Main Weapon System
System
Name
Artillery Gun Module
Type
Howitzer
Length, Barrel
52 calibers mm
Weight
INA
Muzzle Velocity
INA
Maximum Rate of Fire
8 rds/min
Maximum Elevation
65 deg
Minimum Elevation
-2.5 deg
Traverse Range
360 deg
Traverse Left
180 deg
Traverse Right
180 deg
Maximum Firing Range
The maximum possible range depends of the type of projectile but firing an unassisted projectile a maximum range of over 40 km can be achieved.
Effective Firing Range
INA
Sights
INA
Note #1
A total of 30 rounds of ammunition are carried for the main gun. A lifting system is installed at the front of the turret. It allows the crew to reload magazine from outside of the vehicle. This artillery system can be adapted for a lighter gun, such as a shorter 155 mm/L39 or even 105 mm gun.
Ammunition (Option #1)
Name
INA
Type
Standard NATO projectiles
Caliber
155 mm
Shell
INA
Armor Penetration
INA
Basic Load
30 Rounds
Note #1
Maximum range of fire is 30 km
Ammunition (Option #2)
Name
INA
Type
Bleed projectile
Caliber
155 mm
Shell
INA
Armor Penetration
INA
Basic Load
30 Rounds
Note #1
Maximum range of fire is 40 km
Ammunition (Option #3)
Name
South African VLAP
Type
Rock-assisted projectile
Caliber
155 mm
Shell
INA
Armor Penetration
INA
Basic Load
30 Rounds
Note #1
Maximum range of fire is 50 km
Fire Control System
Name
INA
Computerized FCS
Yes. It receives target data via radio or datalink. The gun is automatically laid using the fire control data. This howitzer is aimed and fired by the crew remotely from the cab. Though in case of emergency or failure this artillery system can be loaded and fired manually. It takes approximately 30 seconds to open fire. Out of action time is also as short as 30 seconds. After firing the last round vehicle can leave its position in order to avoid counter-battery fire.
Main Gun Stabilization
INA
Direct Fire
Yes
Indirect Fire
Yes
Protection
Hull Armor
Vehicle hull has a modular hull armor with special ceramic mix. The triple hull floor is shaped for maximum protection against anti-tank mines and improvised explosive devices
Turret Armor
The turret is made of lightweight aluminum armor and provides protection only against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters.
Applique Armor
INA
Explosive Reactive Armor
INA
Active Protection System
INA
Mine Clearing
INA
Self-Entrenching Blade
INA
NBC Protection
Vehicle is fitted with NBC protection system for the crew
Smoke Equipment
INA
Note #1:
This artillery system has low radar and acoustic signatures, making it harder to detect.
Note #2:
The front arc can withstand hits from 30 mm projectiles.All-round protection is against 12.7 mm rounds. Damaged armor slabs can be easily replaced in field condition.
Details
Country of Origin
Germany
Category
Self-Propelled Gun/Howitzer Artillery Systems
Land > Artillery > Self-Propelled Gun/Howitzer Artillery Systems
Filter Label
R
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
10.5 m
Width
2.99 m
Height
3.5 m
Weight
35000 kg
Operators (2)
Germany
Ukraine
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