Howitzer 2000 Tank Increases Range by More than 40 Percent

[Vertigo]

Howitzer 2000 (Panzerhaubitze2000) Tank Increases Range by More than 40 Percent
18.04.2006
The Howitzer 2000 Tank fired the long-range V-LAP ammunition from DENEL over a distance of more than 56 kilometers during ammunitions tests in South Africa. This result was achieved with six DM72 propellant system modules. This new benchmark for the PzH2000 represents an increase of more than 40 percent compared to ranges of 40 kilometers previously achieved with base-bleed artillery projectiles. The performance certificate was arranged by the German Federal Office of Defense Technology and Procurement (BWB) on behalf of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann at the Alkantpan test range (South Africa). Site boundaries of the testing grounds limited the elevation to a maximum of only 737 mils. Based on sea level standard conditions, the system has a potential range capability of more than 60 km m using an elevation of 980 mils. This capability extends the operational envelope of the Howitzer 2000 Tank as a classic 155 mm / 52 Cal. tube artillery weapon into the domain previously reserved for rocket artillery.

V-LAP Ammunition
V-LAP technology combines base drag reduction and rocket propulsion, and is deployed for both the Assegai and ERFB families of Denel 155mm Artillery projectiles. The V-LAP projectile shares an identical external interface with all other projectiles from each particular projectile family. VLAP projectiles use the identical fuzes, charges, packaging, storage and logistics that are required for the total projectile family.

The Assegai V-LAP projectile inlcudes an Insensitive warhead main filling as well as PFF (Pre Formed Fragmentation) warhead technology and is compatible with most 39-, 45- and 52-calibre artillery systems.


http://www.kmweg.com/gb/index.php

[b33f]

Good news. Sad though that chances are relatively low that it will ever see use against the FoE.

[ktk_ace]

its a prototype i guess....at least we get to see the XM8 in BF2142 or later i guess....= =

anyway the efficiency in the US is alarmingly "high" ...
the ACR program , the XM8 HK/COLT scandal , the HK416 upper reciever incident and now this uber artillery producing results pleasing the people who ARNT doing the actual fighting...WOW!

[Freibier]

its a prototype i guess....at least we get to see the XM8 in BF2142 or later i guess....= =

anyway the efficiency in the US is alarmingly "high" ...
the ACR program , the XM8 HK/COLT scandal , the HK416 upper reciever incident and now this uber artillery producing results pleasing the people who ARNT doing the actual fighting...WOW!
Off to the airsoft section with you, hush hush!

[ktk_ace]

Off to the airsoft section with you, hush hush!


oops wrong section...*runs to the airsoft section* ...kekekerofl

[Para]

I wonder just what the chances are of hitting any thing at that range

[GazB]

Artillery is rarely used against point targets. Against area targets one must assume the accuracy is good enough. This is a custom designed round to get as much range as the barrel length will allow. This is not a standard round that you fire off all the time, but a special round of long reach for that occasional or particularly dangerous target. No doubt accuracy has been reduced, but if it is compromised to the point where it can't hit anything useful then I doubt they would bother deploying it (or they'd add guidance to it).

[JoaMei]

Artillery is rarely used against point targets. Against area targets one must assume the accuracy is good enough. This is a custom designed round to get as much range as the barrel length will allow. This is not a standard round that you fire off all the time, but a special round of long reach for that occasional or particularly dangerous target. No doubt accuracy has been reduced, but if it is compromised to the point where it can't hit anything useful then I doubt they would bother deploying it (or they'd add guidance to it).

This round has already reduced space for explosives because of the base bleed and included rocket, so I dont know how much room is still available for a GPS guidance.
Dont forget that guided shells have also an increased range similar to this because of their gliding characteristics.
I think you are right on the point that they are meant for area targets like Infantry where guided shells would not make any sense.

[hedgehog]

Are they just developing this to mount the 155mm on the next generation F125 class frigate?

[JoaMei]

Are they just developing this to mount the 155mm on the next generation F125 class frigate?

F125 class is meant to be specialised for littoral warfare and will most probably have a 155mm Gun and a MLRS launcher to support special forces. This special Ammo of course can be used on any standard 155 system so it can be used on the Frigate too.

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=62468&highlight=f125

[akmarksman]

why not just use a Tomahawk?

[JoaMei]

why not just use a Tomahawk?

Ok, how cost effective is it to use a 1600000$ Tomahawk for the work of one 500$ artillery shell? Wanna fire one on tree Infantrymen in cover? rofl

In addition to that there are many specialised types of ammo for 155mm Artillery and MLRS, for example HE, HE-Airburst, Bomblet, Mines, Top attack anti Tank, laser guided shells.....

[akmarksman]

what about incid rounds..hot stuff.