A battery of French army Caesar truck-mounted 155mm guns during the April 22 firing demonstration at Canjuers training area. Note how the rear of the truck is raised by the hydraulic jack, and rests only on the rear ramp during firing. (D-A.com photo)
This is really quite a brilliant response to the fact of radar-guided counter-artillery fire. I’m impressed.
Caesar, fitted with a 52-caliber tube, is able not only to attain ranges of the order of 40 kilometers, but also to deliver fire support over an area 45% greater than with a 39-caliber tube,
I think they mean 52-calibers and 39-calibers respectively.
(That is to say: 52 and 39 times as long as the bore diameter)
An interesting gun. I wish The US forces had such a gun. Tracks are so heavy on maintenance requirements.
CAESAR has some nice features like enhanced range, but here is *why* the Army Staff dislikes truck-mounted artillery:
1. Prolonged use of the cannon on board jars loose fuel lines, transmission hoses, axle bearings, and driveshafts of the truck.
2. Loose fuel lines and transmission hoses spew flammable liquids in a combat environment.
3. Weakened axle bearings and loose driveshafts increase mechanical breakdowns in combat maneuvering.
4. Vehicle fires result in loss of vehicle and cannon.
5. Vehicle breakdowns require towing BOTH vehicle +cannon for further combat maneuvering.
SUMMARY: Towed artillery is superior for extended combat; vehicle mounted cannons are acceptable for limited combat.
Famous last words: Honest sir, I thought the freeway overpass was higher.......