- Yes
- No
The PzH 2000 is a highly mobile and flexible weapon system which is deployed in both conventional missions as well as in asymmetric mission scenarios as indirect fire support. The fully automatic handling of the 60 round on-board ammunition reserve and a modern and precise 155 mm/ L52 ordnance enable the engaging of targets at a high rate of fire – within the shortest amount of time. These characteristics make the PzH 2000 to the most effective artillery system in the world – and to an absolute standard for modern artillery. The tube is an internally chrome-plated and laser-hardened 155 mm L/52 (60-rifles, right-hand spiral) 52-caliber long-stroke tube. Manufactured under the Joint Ballistics Memorandum of Understanding (Ballistics Agreement), all types of 155mm NATO ammunition can be fired.
Designed for joint operations, the full autonomy of the complete system in terms of handling, navigation, fire control as well as its system-based stability enable completely new tactical mission possibilities. The PzH 2000 satisfies all international requirements for a modern tube artillery system and is currently in use with four NATO member countries. More than 330 systems have been produced and supplied to date. Since September 2006 the PzH 2000 has successfully been deployed in Afghanistan. Together with the Canadian Forces the PzH 2000 of the Royal Netherlands Army could prove its international leading position, amongst others, during the Operation MEDUSA by reliably supporting the ISAF troops in Afghanistan.
Main characteristics of the PzH 2000:
- Long range with a 155 mm/ L52 ordnance
- High mobility
- Turret and hull made from armored steel
- Automatic aiming and round loading
- Autonomy through a navigation system and fire control computer with ballistic functions
- Superior range and area coverage
- Capable of Multiple Rounds Simoultaneous Impact (MRSI)
Protection:
The vehicle’s tower and tub are made of welded steel armor. This protects both the crew and stored in the tub ammunition. The inside of the vehicle was lined with a so-called Spall Liner to catch splinters of armor that peel off when fired inside the vehicle. The armor itself protects against shelling from weapons up to caliber 14.5 mm and splinters of 152 mm artillery shells. The top of the tub and the tower can be equipped with additional protection against bomblets, which is called ‘Hedgehog Armor’. The Bombletschutz consists of a rubber material and is walkable. The bluff bodies have a length of 60 mm and are intended to protect against shaped charges. The term ‘hedgehog armor’ results from the spiked form of the bluff body. The 48 shafts of the propellant charge magazine are separated from the combat area by three sliding doors, so as not to endanger the crew in the event of an explosion of the cargo. In addition, there are two outlet openings in the tower roof, which are intended to divert the pressure generated during an explosion to the outside. An ABC protection system in the right rear part of the vehicle pan complements the protective equipment.
The ‘Hedgehog Armor’ in detail
Ammo:
Manufactured under the Joint Ballistics Memorandum of Understanding (Ballistics Agreement), all types of 155mm NATO ammunition can be fired. The combat load of the PzH 2000 comprises 60 artillery rounds in caliber 155 mm in different, on order varying sorting. Explosive, Frag, Multispectral Smoke, Illumination, Bomblet, and SMArt projectiles are available. All types of ammunition are also available as base-bleed projectiles.
Direct Fire:
Sources:
https://www.bundeswehrentdecken.de/aktuelle-reportagen/panzerhaubitze-2000
https://www.kmweg.com/home/artillery/self-prop-howitzer/pzh-2000/product-information.html
Books:
Panzer der Bundeswehr seit 1956, Karl Anweiler, Manfred Pahlkötter, ISBN-10: 3613028514 / ISBN-13: 978-3613028517
Panzerhaubitze 2000, Tankograd 5025 Taschenbuch, ASIN: B0030HTZGU
