PzH 2000 German 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer
PzH 2000
Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
Other
Basic Information
Name
PzH 2000 German 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer
Designation
PzH 2000
Alternate Designation
PzH 2000
Equipment Type
Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
Manufacturer
KNDS
Date of Introduction
1998
Description
The PzH 2000 is a German 155mm self-propelled howitzer that offers high mobility and flexibility, making it suitable for both conventional missions and asymmetric scenarios as an indirect fire support system. With a fully automatic handling capability for an onboard supply of 60 projectiles and a highly effective 155mm/L52 gun, it achieves maximum impact against targets with a rapid rate of fire. The fire control system and ammunition matrix are compatible with both existing and future NATO ammunition types, ensuring its adaptability. These features make the PzH 2000 one of the most effective artillery systems in the world. Designed for joint operations, the PzH 2000 operates autonomously in command, navigation, and fire control, which opens up entirely new mission capabilities, such as targeting moving objects and defending encampments. The PzH 2000 meets all international standards for modern artillery systems, and nine nations currently depend on its versatile capabilities. To date, over 360 units have been manufactured and delivered.
Ground Specifications
Crew
5
Mobility Type
Tracked
Main Weapon
155mm/L52 gun
Engine
18.3 liter 8-cylinder turbocharged intercooler diesel (1 hp)
NBC Protection
Yes
Max Speed
60.0 km/h
Range
420.0 km
Variants
PzH 2000M
The Italian army variant expands the field capabilities, strengthening the systems in deployment scenarios, characterized by high temperatures, through the integration of Generator Cooling Systems and Charge Compartment Cooling Systems. Additionally, the upgrade improves crew safety by introducing a fire extinguishing system in the crew compartment, as well as a Live Firing Box consisting of a selection of tools that allow "in mission" cleaning and maintenance of the shooting mechanisms.
System
Alternative Designation
PzH 2000
Type
Self-Propelled Howitzer
Caliber
155 mm
Manufacturer
KNDS
Configuration
Track
Crew
5 ea
Accessories
The PzH 2000 is equipped with a panoramic day/night sight, a laser rangefinder, and a day/night direct fire sight. It is the only 155 mm 52 caliber artillery weapon system that features a fire control computer integrated with the NATO Artillery Ballistic Kernel (NABK), allowing for autonomous computation of firing commands.
The system simplifies the integration of new, country-specific types of ammunition into the onboard fire control computer by enabling the downloading of Fire Control Information (FCI) data and corresponding ammunition designations. It also includes an onboard ballistics computer, a muzzle velocity measurement and management system, as well as a GPS-based inertial navigation system that determines the position, bearing, elevation above sea level, and spatial position of the barrel. This makes the PzH 2000 a fully standalone weapons system.
While on the move or in defilade positions, the PzH 2000 can receive target data and engagement inputs from a higher-level command post via a data radio link. After conducting onboard laying and loading data computations, the firing command is executed, allowing the vehicle to leave its firing position immediately after the last round is fired. This "shoot and scoot" capability makes it nearly impossible for hostile reconnaissance to respond in time with counter-battery fire.
Standard equipment also includes a fire warning and extinguishing system for the engine compartment, along with a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) protection and ventilation system for the crew compartment.
Dimensions
Length
11.66 m
Width
3.58 m
Height
3.46 m
Weight, Combat
55,330 kg
Automotive
Engine Name
MTU 881 Ka-500
Engine Type
18.3 liter 8-cylinder turbocharged intercooler diesel
Engine Power
1.000 hp at 2.700 rpm;
3.000 Nm at 2.000 rpm
Transmission
Renk HSWL 284-C automatic
4 forward, 2 reverse
Fuel
1,000 liters
Maximum Range
420 km
Maximum Speed
60 km/h
Amphibious
No
Gradient
60%
Side Slope
30 %
Vertical Step
1.0 m
Trench
3.0 m
Fording
1.5 m
Ground Clearance
0.44 m
Main Weapon System
Note
The PzH 2000 is equipped with a primary armament consisting of a Rheinmetall 155mm 52 caliber gun. This gun features a chromium-plated barrel and a semi-automatic lifting breech block, along with an integrated magazine that holds 32 standard primers. The development of a new 155 mm 52 caliber barrel meets the range requirements of 30 km using NATO-standard shells and 40 km with base-bleed shells. The ordnance, which includes a chrome-plated and laser-hardened barrel bore, utilizes state-of-the-art technology and complies with the "Joint Ballistics Memorandum of Understanding," an international agreement that specifies design and ordnance parameters to enable the firing of all NATO-standardized charge systems.
The PzH 2000 provides a stable firing platform and high-precision gun-laying system, allowing it to achieve effective range requirements at all elevation angles, covering 360 degrees. It maintains exceptional accuracy, even at firing rates of 10 rounds per minute. A key feature of the PzH 2000 is its electrically powered and digitally controlled automatic shell loading system, which manages 155 mm shells during loading and unloading of the 60-round magazine. This system can load the gun from the magazine, as well as load from external sources, including inductive fuze setting.
Shells are rammed into the breach by a pneumatically operated flick rammer that adjusts the ramming pressure based on elevation angle across the entire gun control range. Two crew members can fully deploy the combat load of 60 x 155mm shells and the corresponding charges in less than 11 minutes. In addition to fully automatic operation modes, the system allows for degraded modes leading down to manual operation, ensuring a high rate of fire and responsiveness even in backup situations. The turret can rotate a full 360° and features an elevation capability of +65° and a depression capability of -2.5° for the gun.
Auxiliary Weapon System
Note
A 7.62 mm anti-aircraft machine gun is mounted on the left side top of the turret.
Protection
Armor
The hull and turret of the PzH 2000 are constructed from all-welded steel armor, providing protection against small arms fire and shell splinters. The vehicle consists of two main parts: a tracked chassis and a turret mounted at the rear of the hull. The driver is positioned at the front right of the hull, with the power pack located to the left. The turret features two roof hatches for access. Additionally, the PzH 2000 can be fitted with add-on armor on its roof to enhance protection against top attack weapons. This additional armor can be quickly attached by the crew using equipment available onboard.
Applique Armor
Available
NBC Protection
Yes
Smoke Equipment
A bank of four 76mm smoke grenade dischargers is mounted to each side of the gun at the front of the turret.
Image Sources
Notes
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panzerhaubitze_2000; https://www.armyrecognition.com/military-products/army/artillery-vehicles-and-weapons/self-propelled-howitzers/pzh-2000-germany-uk; https://knds.com/en/products/systems/pzh-2000; https://www.eurasiantimes.com/panzerhaubitze-2000-the-heaviest-warfare-machine-that-ukraine/; https://weaponsystems.net/system/863-PzH+2000
Details
Country of Origin
Germany
Category
Self-Propelled Gun/Howitzer Artillery Systems
Land > Artillery > Self-Propelled Gun/Howitzer Artillery Systems
Filter Label
P
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
11.66 m
Width
3.58 m
Height
3.46 m
Weight
55330 kg
Operators (9)
Germany
Italy
Ukraine
Croatia
Greece
Hungary
Lithuania
Netherlands
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