Cookie Consent by Privacy Policies Generator

VCA


Vehiculo de Combate de Artilleria


Overview


VCA

Forward view of the VCA tracked self-propelled howitzer in Argentine service.
Source: www.extrados.mforos.com - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Argentina
Type
Self-propelled howitzer
Entered service
Late 1980's
Status
In service
Developer
Argentina - TAMSE
Production
1980's
Producer
Argentina - TAMSE
Number produced
20 turrets delivered
17 VCA produced
Designations
VCA 155 (full name)
VCA / Vehiculo de Combate de Artilleria
Spanish for "artillery combat vehicle"

Description


Introduction

The VCA is a tracked self-propelled howitzer of Argentine origin. It was developed in the early 1990's by TAMSE as a replacement for the Mk F3 in Argentine service. The name VCA stands for "Vehiculo de Combate de Artilleria", which translates into "artillery combat vehicle". Its role is to accompany armored units in combat.

Layout

The VCA is a combination of the Italian Palmaria turret and a lengthened TAM medium tank chassis. The crew of five consists of a commander, driver, gunner and two loaders. An ammunition carrier based on the same chassis supplements the limited number of rounds carried.

Firepower

The VCA is fitted with a 41-caliber 155mm howitzer that is connected to a semi-automatic loading system. A total of 28 rounds of 155mm ammunition are carried inside the vehicle. The maximum range is 24 km with standard ammunition and 30km with base bleed ammunition. The maximum rate of fire is 4 rpm. A MAG machine gun is mounted on the roof for self defense.

Protection

The VCA is operated under full armor protection. The armor on both hull and turret protect the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. Additionally eight smoke dischargers are fitted to the turret and an NBC system is fitted.

Mobility

The VCA is based on the tracked TAM chassis and therefore has good cross country mobility. A 720hp MTU diesel powers the VCA. An APU allows for operation when the engine is not running.

Users

Argentina is the sole user of the VCA. The production has been completed with 15 to 20 vehicle having been delivered. It is expected to remain in service for many years to come.

Variants


VCA

VCA self-propelled howitzer with armament at maximum elevation.
Source: www.fuerzasarmadasargentinas.files.wordpress.com - © copyright lies with original owner

The VCA is a self-propelled howitzer based on a lengthened tracked TAM chassis and is fitted with a Palmaria turret. Only a single variant this howitzer exists, although the TAM chassis is also used for other purposes. The VCA is fitted with a 155mm L/41 howitzer. The driver is seated on the front left of the hull with the engine to his right. The turret is mounted to the rear and houses the other four crewmembers. A semi-automatic loader rams the shells and the charges are loaded manually.

On the same chassis an ammunition resupply vehicles was designed. This features an enlarged superstructure and carries additional ammunition and associated charges.

Factsheet


Facts VCA
General
Origin
Argentina
Type
Self-propelled howitzer
Crew
5 (commander, driver, gunner, 2 loaders)
Dimensions
Weight
40.0 t combat load
Length
10.30 m gun forward
7.69 m hull
Width
3.30 m
Height
3.20 m overall
Main armament
Type
155mm L/41 howitzer
Mount
Main gun in turret
Ammunition
28 rounds, 23 ready to fire
Elevation
-5 to +70°, powered
Traverse
360°, powered
Rate of fire
4 rpm maximum
1 rpm sustained
Range
24.7 km with standard shells
30 km with rocked assisted shells
Secondary armament
Type
7.62mm MAG machine gun
Mount
Pintle mount on turret roof
Traverse
Manual traverse and elevation
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 7 roadwheels
Chassis layout
Drive sprocket front, idler rear
Ground pressure
0.82 kg/cm²
Suspension
Torsion bar
Automotive
Engine
MTU MB 833 Ka-500 V6 diesel
Power output
720 hp at 2.400 rpm
Transmission
Renk HSWL 204 planetary
Gears
4 forward, 4 reverse
Fuel
873 + 400 L
Mobility
Speed
55 km/h
Range
719 km incl external fuel
Power to weight ratio
18.0 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.45 m
Wall
1 m
Trench
2.5 m
Gradient
60 %
Slope
30 %
Fording
1.4 m
Protection
Armor type
Steel hull
Aluminum turret
NBC system
Yes
Smoke system
2x8 76mm smoke grenade dischargers

Media


Related articles


Palmaria

The VCA uses an Italian designed and produced Palmaria turret. This turret was originally intended for use on OF-40 chassis.