Swedish FH77BD porté 155mm howitzer

[Backis]

http://www.artreg.mil.se/images/local/dumper_grupperad_sida_van.jpg
http://www.artreg.mil.se/images/local/dumper_grupperad_van.jpg
http://www.artreg.mil.se/images/local/dumper_ny_hytt_van.jpg
http://www.artreg.mil.se/images/local/dumperhytt_ny_inv_van.jpg

Link. In Swedish unfortunately. (http://www.artreg.mil.se/index.php?lang=sve&c=news&id=19573)

Due to enter service in 2007.

Just out of the blue, I had no info on the development of new RAM ammunition, the old stuff ranged 40km out of the same gun... now 60km and 6 round MRSI capability. p-)

I just thought this thing was an ordinary howitzer glued to an armored truck... now all of a sudden it gots an autolader and fully automatic remote gunlaying.

[mustamato]

Some really nice ****. The only thing that worries me is the amount that is going
to be used. In the worst of worlds it would be like 12 :oops: Still not credible,
but if they replace all the FH77B´s with these it would make it to 48, I doubt
it will be more than that though.

But...

http://www.artreg.mil.se/images/local/dumper_ny_hytt_van.jpg
Why not put a (heavy) MRLS on the back of this beauty? Kind a like...

http://www.army-technology.com/projects/himars/images/himars1.jpg
... would make for some nice firepower

[dumdidum]

The mrls already has an allterrain chassie. Wouldnt it be stupid to move it over to another allterrain chassie?

And further more, mrls does probably not fill a role in the swedish artillery and also its quite expensive. But a junior artillery officer from the has been in norway on mrls training, during the fall 2001 I think. I left the organisation before he came back so I have´nt had a chance to read his report.

[Backis]

Some really nice ****. The only thing that worries me is the amount that is going
to be used. In the worst of worlds it would be like 12 :oops: Still not credible,
but if they replace all the FH77B´s with these it would make it to 48, I doubt
it will be more than that though.

As in everything, it will depend on future defense policies... but enough units to equip a regiment isn't impossible. So far there is two mech brigades to get artillery support for.



Why not put a (heavy) MRLS on the back of this beauty? Would make for some nice firepower.

The system being contemplated is the same launcher that is on the HIMARS. So there are plans around. The question is wether they will be realized. This configuration will however be comparatively cheap since the dumper chassi will use commercial dumper truck components used in forest machines. These are actually stressed to higher tolerances than specified for the gun system, so they should be really reliable as well as cheap due to larger series produced.

The dumper will also be the basis for the ammunition supply vehicle, so the chassi has versatility enough to be adapted to differing roles at least. The 24 round magazine may be emptied really fast if the unofficial figures of a ROF at 8-12 rounds in 10 secs are true, so a resupply vehicle will definately be a necessity. ;)

[Backis]

The mrls already has an allterrain chassie. Wouldnt it be stupid to move it over to another allterrain chassie?


No, I don't see it as a bad idea at all. First the use of the same chassie will be cost savers since we will have to train technicians on a smaller sortiment of vehicles, and the spare parts will be common and interchangeable between the systems, giving logistical advantages.

We have great truck manufacturers in Sweden, and contracting this kind of work abroad and be forced to license produce parts or even import stuff will cost more in the long run.

The vehicle series will also probably be rather large since India is very interested in the FH77BD.

[mustamato]

The mrls already has an allterrain chassie. Wouldnt it be stupid to move it over to another allterrain chassie?

And further more, mrls does probably not fill a role in the swedish artillery and also its quite expensive. But a junior artillery officer from the has been in norway on mrls training, during the fall 2001 I think. I left the organisation before he came back so I have´nt had a chance to read his report.

If you mean this tracked one

http://www.army-technology.com/projects/mlrs/images/mlrs1.jpg

It´s a waaaaaay more expensive solution than something with wheels. Like
the HIMARS I put on the picture above. Just look at Norway/Denmark with
their MLRS, they couldn´t afford more than a couple of them. Sure for Denmark
it could be OK, they can cover their whole country with a salvo, Sweden is a
bit larger though. As for the "we don´t need them". Well, in Finland they have
made come to the conclusion that they do need heavy rocket/missile systems.
The light 122 mm rocket systems already in use in Finland lacks range and the
ability to carry submunitions. Sweden has its slightly oversized Air Force, so,
yeah they can fill the "long range attack"-function to some extenth still. But it
seems that the AF is not sacred anymore for the politicans, the amount of Gripens
will become "not that high", the Viggens will be scrapped etc. I wonder if there
will be much attack capability left when the Gripens have their hands full fighting
of Flankers and Fulcrums (yeah yeah I know).

The Finnish military wants a heavy MRLS that is capable of firing submunitions
up to 200-300 km. On number 2 on their wishlist is guided ammunition to artillery.
On number 3 ground attack weapons to the Hornets. And on number 4 a heavy
UAV capable of carrying something else than a camera. As for the attack helicopters,
they were doomed to be expensive to be realistic within the current budget :(

@ Aaah Backis, we are thinking in the same way in this issue :) I sure hope
that atleast make a "demonstrator" (god I hate that word) of a dumper and MRLS
combination will be built for testing atleast.

[Truthsayer]

Don't forget that half the point [for the military] is to act as 'live shop-windows' when selling it abroad, like the H77/B was sold to India, and so on. =)

[Javehn]

Hmm , very nice **** . Idea was implemented allready ;) , but still very nice . And it cost a little bit less , THEN MLRS Rockets , Mustamato !
Translation of the link ? :hug:

[Backis]

The really nice part is the magazine-fed autolader. The SOP would be to burst-fire from two locales and then resupply, wich will be done quickly since the hoppers are unitary. I'd guess a complete refill within 2 minutes is likely.

Article translation, bold is my addon/explanation:


The renovation and modification project of the howitzer 77 system (FH77) led by Major Johan Lundh is well on its way. The reason behind the project is that the current artillery tractors and gun lavettes are worn out and that new crew safety demands put limitations on firing with unprotected personell.

By starting the process based on existing materiele and earlier case studies we will acquire a new artillery system that improves the physical working environment for the gun crews and make possible a viable and rational training environment in peace time. The new system fits into the netcentric armed forces structures, will be available for international duties and be the base for future cost-effective system developments.

Modern technology.

The new artillery system will have a range of up to 60km, an automatic loading system capable of handling Excalibur and Bonus, as well as modular charges. It will be capable of six round Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact (MRSI), as well as engaging mobile targets. The system shall be capable of a roadspeed of at least 65km/h, and be transportable by rail and air. The operational mobility is a vital factor and the good all-terrain capability of the system gives ability to use modern tactics and capability of autonomous behaviour (? I think they mean individual positioning of guns within the battery). The system will be armored (shrapnel and small arms) and a secondary armament of a automatic grenade launcher (40mm Mk19) or 12.7mm HMG (.50cal M2HB). The system will from the start be equipped with an internal comminications system and will be upgraded with the gear that newer C3 systems will demand. The main idea of the FH77BD being a modular system based on civilian and commercial components. It will have a very low cost of usage and maintenance.

Deliveries starting in 2005

According to the current timeplan the industry in the spring of 2004 will start the completion of two new final production prototypes with the estimated delivery time of the spring of 2005, Two ammunition supply vehicles will be delivered at the same time. These will be used for systems training/integration during 2005/2006, and during the calendar year of 2006/2007 the first conscript crew will be trained on the system. According to the timeplan the series production deliveries are estimated to start in 2007 at the earliest.

Elisabet Bjelke

Sorry for the crappy translation... I tried to hurry on with it. :oops:

[dumdidum]

secondary armament of a automatic grenade launcher (40mm Mk19) or 12.7mm HMG (.50cal M2HB). I would like to add that this is very uncertain, we might very well end up with a "ksp58" as secondary armament.

[Backis]

secondary armament of a automatic grenade launcher (40mm Mk19) or 12.7mm HMG (.50cal M2HB). I would like to add that this is very uncertain, we might very well end up with a "ksp58" as secondary armament.

I'd actually think the ksp58 (MAG58 GPMG) is all that 's neccesary anyway. Maybe put the heavier stuff on the suppliers for assembly-point defense is enough.

I was just translating the article. :)

[Parzival]

That is a heavy CannoN!!!!

[Backis]

http://www.boforsdefence.com/images/nydump.jpg

Big ass CGI pic (http://www.boforsdefence.com/images/press/dumper-300.jpg)

Whoa, sustained ROF of 9 rounds/minute. Tha magazine seems to have been shrunk to 20 ready + 20 reloads on the vehicle. There will probably be a loader arm reminiscent of forestry machines handling the cassettes.

I think this black and yellow robotic arm is the loading arm.

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/fh77bgun.jpg

The new L52 barrel will be replacing the current 45 calibre ones as they wear out.


FH77 BW L52

The FH77 BW L 52 is now integrated with a 6x6 all terrain vehicle making it an extremely powerful, highly mobile artillery system.

The self- propelled howitzer is equipped with fully automatic magazines for 20 complete rounds.

There are ammunition boxes on the gun for additional 20 rounds. The gun has a range of more than 40 km.

It can fire 20 rounds automatically in 2½ minutes with a rate of 9 rounds per minute.

The FH77 BW L52 has its own land navigation system, own ballistic computer and own muzzle velocity radar giving the gun full autonomy on the battlefield.´



http://www.boforsdefence.com/images/FH-77-sand.jpg

The FH77B05. Export model offered to India.


The FH 77B05 L52 is a further development of the successful FH 77B02 L39 howitzer system. The system meets or supersedes all requirements for a modern, towed artillery system, which is made possible through a number of improvements.

The longer barrel and larger chamber volume result in extended firing range of more than 40 km and enable firing of the next generation smart ammunition.

Onboard ballistic computer enabling calculating firing data, automatic laying and firing control, automatic input of ammunition data and meteorological data.

The FH 77B05 L52 has its own land navigation system, eliminating the need for surveying and alignment giving the complete system a very low LCC.

Data:
Barrel - 155 mm, 52 calibre.
Burst rate of fire - 3 rds/13 seconds.
Sustained rate of fire - 78 rds within 25 minutes.
Intense rate of fire - 5 rds/30 seconds (9 rds/minutes).
Weight - 13.1 tons.
Elevation - -3 to + 70 degrees.
Traverse -/+ 25 degrees in all elevations.
Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) capability, up to 5 hits in a target within 5 seconds from one howitzer.

boforsdefence.com (http://www.boforsdefence.com/eng/home.asp)

[moughoun]

I wonder if there
will be much attack capability left when the Gripens have their hands full fighting
of Flankers and Fulcrums (yeah yeah I know).

If the RRF every find's itself up against a real opponant they just might have to :lol: