Lt-Col A. Tack
06-08-2008, 11:10 AM
KMW, GD Launch Artillery System
Self-propelled Donar will include autonomous operation, remote firing
By THOMAS NEW****
Published: 15 Jun 14:31 EDT (10:31 GMT)
MUNICH - Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) will collaborate with General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) to develop and market a medium-weight 155mm self-propelled artillery system.
The two companies, both leading players in the European land systems market, say the system, known as Donar (after the Teutonic god of thunder), marries medium weight and high mobility with the hitting power of KMW's bigger PzH2000 howitzer.
The weapon system is based on earlier development work undertaken by the German contractor on a program known as the Artillery Gun Module. That mounted a turret on the tracked chassis of a multiple-launch rocket system.
Now the partners are to jointly develop and market the artillery module sporting a .52 caliber 155mm cannon integrated with a modified version of General Dynamics ASCOD 2 infantry fighting vehicle.
In a statement released June 5, the companies said Donar "addresses the growing need for precise indirect-fire capabilities that can augment or even replace close air support operations previously conducted by costly fixed- or rotary-wing aircraft".
The total weight will be in the 32-ton range, allowing transportation in the A400M airlifter. Once deployed, it will be capable of autonomous operation and will feature remote firing. The Donar will operate with a crew of two, who will be protected from shell and mortar splinters within an armored cab. The system is designed to minimize logistic demands.
The armament is a 155mm L/52 weapon that matches the range offered by the PzH 2000, although the ammunition magazine will be reduced from 60 to 30 rounds.
The companies say they aim to sell the system to operators of older self-propelled artillery, such as the widely used M109, BAE Systems AS90 and the Samsung Techwin K9.
A prototype has already begun mobility and firing trials in Germany. The system will get its first public airing at the Eurosatory 2008 exhibition in Paris later this month.
Defense News Link (http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=3564956&c=LAN&s=TOP)
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/4972/060508dndonarvsdtr3.jpg
The Donar self-propelled artillery system will feature autonomous
operation and remote firing. ( Krauss-Maffei Wegmann photo)
Self-propelled Donar will include autonomous operation, remote firing
By THOMAS NEW****
Published: 15 Jun 14:31 EDT (10:31 GMT)
MUNICH - Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) will collaborate with General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) to develop and market a medium-weight 155mm self-propelled artillery system.
The two companies, both leading players in the European land systems market, say the system, known as Donar (after the Teutonic god of thunder), marries medium weight and high mobility with the hitting power of KMW's bigger PzH2000 howitzer.
The weapon system is based on earlier development work undertaken by the German contractor on a program known as the Artillery Gun Module. That mounted a turret on the tracked chassis of a multiple-launch rocket system.
Now the partners are to jointly develop and market the artillery module sporting a .52 caliber 155mm cannon integrated with a modified version of General Dynamics ASCOD 2 infantry fighting vehicle.
In a statement released June 5, the companies said Donar "addresses the growing need for precise indirect-fire capabilities that can augment or even replace close air support operations previously conducted by costly fixed- or rotary-wing aircraft".
The total weight will be in the 32-ton range, allowing transportation in the A400M airlifter. Once deployed, it will be capable of autonomous operation and will feature remote firing. The Donar will operate with a crew of two, who will be protected from shell and mortar splinters within an armored cab. The system is designed to minimize logistic demands.
The armament is a 155mm L/52 weapon that matches the range offered by the PzH 2000, although the ammunition magazine will be reduced from 60 to 30 rounds.
The companies say they aim to sell the system to operators of older self-propelled artillery, such as the widely used M109, BAE Systems AS90 and the Samsung Techwin K9.
A prototype has already begun mobility and firing trials in Germany. The system will get its first public airing at the Eurosatory 2008 exhibition in Paris later this month.
Defense News Link (http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=3564956&c=LAN&s=TOP)
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/4972/060508dndonarvsdtr3.jpg
The Donar self-propelled artillery system will feature autonomous
operation and remote firing. ( Krauss-Maffei Wegmann photo)