Rheinmetall, Elbit test-fire automated howitzer system
Rheinmetall and Elbit have conducted a live-fire demonstration of an automated 155mm L52 self-propelled howitzer based on an HX 10x10 truck chassis. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
Rheinmetall and Elbit have test-fired a new 155mm wheeled howitzer system aimed primarily at fulfilling Germany's Future System, Indirect Fire, Medium-Range (ZukSysIndF) requirement.
Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems have conducted a live-fire demonstration of an automated 155mm L52 wheeled self-propelled howitzer, the companies announced this week.
The demonstration took place in early March at the Shivta range in southern Israel, attended by officials from Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands and the UK.
Rheinmetall and Elbit signed a cooperation agreement in 2022 to develop, manufacture and market an automated wheeled self-propelled howitzer system.
Related Articles
Elbit Systems to deliver howitzers to IDF
UK artillery seeks greater range and accuracy
Lockheed and Rheinmetall team up on bespoke rocket artillery system for Germany
Led by Rheinmetall Landsysteme the team will compete for Germany’s Future System, Indirect Fire, Medium-Range (ZukSysIndF) programme, with the UK’s Mobile Fires Platform effort also a focus.
Additional potential customers, such as Hungary, have also expressed interest.
By leveraging wheeled self-propelled howitzer procurements that Elbit has worked on for Israel and other customers, a technically mature system is available, enabling integration of a Rheinmetall main gun into the unmanned turret.
According to the companies, this integration is currently in an advanced phase of the verification process.
Rheinmetall is carrying out modifications to customise the system to meet European operational requirements and Germany's regulatory approval process.
In addition to the 155mm L52 gun, Rheinmetall is supplying the HX 10x10 tactical truck platform with protected cabin, and electronic components for the fire control unit and sensor suite.
The howitzer system is also designed to integrate the L60 gun in the future. This has a larger chamber and longer 60cal barrel, and will be able to attain ranges of up to 83km.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
ATMOS Artillery Systems-Israel
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Fourth company looks to Texelis Celeris chassis to develop a new 4x4 vehicle]()
Fourth company looks to Texelis Celeris chassis to develop a new 4x4 vehicle
Finnish company SCATA will use the Texelis Celeris chassis for a new vehicle similar to the Serval 4x4 which Texelis is building with KNDS France for the French Army.
-
![Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers]()
Thales Storm 2 counter-drone system being evaluated by potential customers
The attack drone threat from first-person view uncrewed aerial systems has been highlighted by recent conflicts and Thales has adapted its Storm 2 counter-improvised explosive device jammer to provide protection.
-
![Rolls-Royce to lead powertrain development for MGCS in important step for the programme]()
Rolls-Royce to lead powertrain development for MGCS in important step for the programme
The move signals significant progress for the delayed Franco-German Main Ground Combat System programme with first powerpack prototypes set to be tested before the end of the decade.
-
![Australia’s DroneShield looks to Europe in a drive to massively increase production]()
Australia’s DroneShield looks to Europe in a drive to massively increase production
DroneShield has experienced significant growth in a short period of time, more than doubling its personnel to 500 people in the space of 18 months on the back of both military and civil demand.
