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PzH 2000


Panzerhaubitze 2000


Overview


PzH 2000

German army PzH 2000 in the field in 2018.
Source: US Army - © Public domain

Origin
Germany
Type
Self-propelled howitzer
Entered service
1998
Status
In service
Development
1986 - 1996
Developer
Germany - Wegmann
Production
1997 - present
Producer
Germany - Krauss-Maffei Wegmann
Italy - Iveco, Fiat, Oto Melara
Unit cost
DM 9 million in 1996
Number produced
Over 300
Designations
Pantserhouwitzer 2000 (Dutch service)
Notable users
Germany
Netherlands
Italy

Description


Introduction

The PzH 2000 is a modern self-propelled howitzer of German origin. The PzH 2000 was developed at the request of the German military following the cancellation of the SP-70 project. PzH 2000 stands for Panzerhaubitze 2000, or "self propelled gun 2000" in English. Two consortia set out to develop prototypes in 1986. The first consortium was headed by Krauss-Maffei and the second by Wegmann. In 1990 the contract was awarded to Wegmann. Testing and improvement lasted until 1996.

Design

The layout of the PzH 2000 is conventional. The engine is mounted at the front with the turret and ammunition in the rear. The driver is seated in the hull on the right of the engine. The rest of the crew is seated in the fighting compartment. The chassis is based on many proven components of the Leopard 1 main battle tank. The PzH 2000 is fitted with the Rheinmetall 155mm L/52 chromium lined howitzer connected to an automatic loader and Modular Charge System specifically designed for the PzH 2000. The PzH 2000 has a fully automated fire control system and has a multiple round simultaneous impact capability.

Firepower

The 155mm L/52 barrel allows for long range fire. Normal unassisted ammunition may be fired up to 30 km, base bleed rounds well over 40 km depending on type. During tests a range of 67 km has been achieved with the South African rocket assisted shells. The fully automated loading of charges and rounds results in a very high burst rate of fire. With the standard 24 Volt loading system 3 rounds can be fired in 9 seconds, with the sustained rate of fire being 10 rounds per minute. The optional 48 Volt loader has an even better performance. The advanced fire control systems in conjunction with the muzzle radar gives the PzH 2000 a high level of accuracy. A 7.62mm MG3 or MAG machine gun is mounted on the turret roof for self-defense.

Protection

For a self-propelled howitzer the PzH 2000 has a quite significant level of armor protection while its has an all welded and relatively thick steel hull. Add-on roof armor increases the level of protection versus top attack weapons. The PzH 2000 is operated from under armor protection. An NBC system, fire suppression system and smoke grenade dischargers are fitted as standard. Survivability is further increased with its shoot and scoot ability. The PzH 2000 can start a fire mission while on the move with the first round fired only seconds after coming to a halt. The dash speed allows the PzH 2000 to quickly leave after firing.

Mobility

The mobility of the PzH 2000 is quite good for such a heavy vehicle. The tracked chassis provides a good cross country performance. A MTU 1.000 hp diesel provides propulsion, while and APU provides power when the engine is not running. Even though the power to weight ratio isn't very high, especially when fully loaded and fitted with additional roof armor, the dash speed remains high.

Users

The PzH 2000 is used by various European nations, with the main user being Germany. Even though the PzH 2000 was introduced when the Cold War was over and demand shifted to lightweight wheeled self-propelled howitzer it sold reasonably well. The PzH 2000 remains in production today.

Details


Facts PzH 2000
General
Origin
Germany
Type
Self-propelled howitzer
Crew
5 (commander, driver, gunner, 2 loaders)
Dimensions
Weight
55.3 t combat load
57.7 t with applique roof armor
49 t empty
Length
11.67 m (gun forward)
7.30 m (hull)
Width
3.58 m
Height
3.06 m (turret roof)
3.46 m (overall)
Main armament
Type
155mm 52-caliber howitzer
Mount
Main gun in turret
Ammunition
60 shells
Elevation
-3 to +65°, powered
Traverse
360°, powered
Rate of fire
3 round burst in 9 to 15 seconds
Range
30 - 36 km with standard rounds
40 - 47 km with base bleed
56 - 70+ km with V-LAP
Stabilizer
No
Secondary armament
Type
7.62mm MG3 or MAG machine gun
Mount
Pintle mount on turret roof
Ammunition
1.000 rounds (estimate)
Traverse
Manual traverse and elevation
Stabilizer
No
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 7 roadwheels
Layout
Drive sprocket front, idler rear
Track width
0.55 m
Track on ground
4.91 m
Ground pressure
0.98 kg/cm²
Suspension
Torsion bar
Automotive
Engine model
MTU 881 Ka-500
Engine type
18.3 liter 8-cylinder turbocharged intercooler diesel
Power output
1.000 hp at 2.700 rpm
3.000 Nm at 2.000 rpm
Transmission
Renk HSWL 284-C automatic
4 forward, 2 reverse
Fuel
1.000 L
Mobility
Speed
67 km/h on road
45 km/h off road
Range
420 km
Power to weight ratio
18.1 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.44 m
Wall
1 m
Trench
3 m
Gradient
50 - 60 %
Slope
25 - 30 %
Fording
1.5 m
Protection
Armor type
Steel, welded
Applique armor
Optional roof armor against bomblets
NBC system
Yes
Smoke system
2x4 76mm smoke grenade dischargers
Fire suppression
Yes
Equipment
Night vision
Yes
Radio
Yes
Fire control system
ADLER fire control computer
Phased array muzzle velocity radar
Automated MRSI system
Laser range finder
Navigation
GPS and INS
Sights
PERI-R19 indirect fire sight
TN 80 8x direct fire sight

Media


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