Posted on 02/18/2010 11:43:50 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Emanating from the world’s most combat proven and effective tube artillery system, the Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH2000 self-propelled howitzer), Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) developed an independent artillery module, fully meeting current military requirements.
Accurate fire power is and remains an important military requirement. In current conflicts such as in Afghanistan, the PzH2000 could prove that this system can be perfectly deployed in asymmetric combat theatres. During Operation Medusa and the Battle of Chora, the Dutch PzH2000 effectively supported coalition forces and eliminated targets up to a distance of 46 kilometres. Indirect fire support is and remains an important element in current, as well as in future conflict scenarios, and is an option that armed forces are less frequently prepared to abandon in operations abroad.
Requirement Profile
Current conflicts have proven that all future weapons systems will be expected to provide a high level of flexibility. In accordance with this new requirement and the profile of allied armed forces, the artillery system of the 21st century will need to have a high level of mobility, of independence for the integration onto various platforms, as well as of air-transportability with strategic transport aircraft such as the A400M. The next-generation artillery system is planned to be deployed for a variety of missions as a highly flexible fire-support component for the troops.
(Excerpt) Read more at defpro.com ...
What is the difference between a self-propelled howitzer and a tank?
As an old “tube” artilleryman I really appreciate this article. Great find and thanks for the post!
I just clicked on the link and I would say that there is a big difference. I would rather be in the tank. There is technical difference and each piece of equipment has its purpose, so I am sure there would be situations where I would rather be in the artillery piece, but I was just trying to be funny considering the picture on the link.
A howitzer is a relatively short cannon that delivers shells at a medium muzzle velocity,and fires a shell at very long trajectories. A tank, its is a tracked vehicle which combines a offensive ability and defensive abilities
I am a very big fan of artillery.
An old adage is that the Artillery is the King of Battle as it places the "balls" (various ordinance) right where the Infantry (Queen of Battle) needs them!
You said it much better. Very good!
I always dreamed to be the artilleryman who fired the Paris gun during WWI
Thanks, that rang my bell.
RIP Crusader.
Fied Artillery: “The King of Battle”
Greetings and salutations to all my “Redleg” colleagues.
FIST/AO/SWO/FDC/XO/BC/S2
155SP / 8”
My screen name “Outrance” - to the utmost- The motto of the 112th Field Artillery Regiment.
During the Cold War we trained to standard and stood on America’s wall toe to toe, and eyeball to eyeball with “Ivan”.
“Ivan” blinked.
We never fired a shot in anger but we were the big nasty dog on the other side of the wall that kept the barbarians at bay.
Isn’t that the weapon system Rumsfeld deleted? As I recall it was his first “get tough with defense spending” cut.
Saint Barbara watch over us!!!
M&A Team Leader (Nuclear) - Turkish/United States Logistics Group
Honest John Rockets
FIST/BNS4/XO/BC - 1 Bn (ABN) 319th FA
DIVARTYS4 - 82d Abn DIVARTY
G3 (Training) - XVIII Abn Corps
M102A1 105mm Towed
As to the difference between howitzers and tanks.
Tankers say, “Why walk when you can ride?”
Redlegs say, “Why ride when you can hide?”
Although artillery can be used in a direct fire capacity, it typically fires indirect in support of maneuver units in direct contact with enemy forces. The 155mm gun on a US M109 Howitzer has a range of (give or take) 20 km. Typically a battery (4 guns) will set up, and be able to place indirect fire on targets with in a 20km radius, provided there are "eyes on" the target to adjust fire. Artillery pieces are typically much more lightly armored, and slower than main battle tanks.
Tanks tend to move a lot faster and provide direct fire on an enemy working with infantry and/or as part of cavalry, aviation and other "maneuver units."
During the days of the US "Air-Land Battle Doctrine" the majority of Army officers making general came from the Field Artillery (i.e. Tommy Franks); the concept being they came up through the commissioned ranks with a "total battlefield" mindset in support of the other arms, who thought specifically in terms of the tactics of their branches.
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