HISTORY
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. It was to comply to the Joint Ballistics Memorandum of Understanding (JBMOU) and a whole range of demands set by the German military. In short the PzH 2000 was to have a longer range, much higher rate of fire and survivability and improved accuracy than the M109A3 fielded by the German army. 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 and testing and improvement lasted until 1996. The production of 185 units for the German army started in 1997 with first deliveries in 1998. In the following years the PzH 2000 has been adopted by various European nations. Most PzH 2000 are produced in Germany, only the Italian units with be largely produced in Italy. The ordnance of the PzH 2000 has been used on the Artillery Gun Module (AGM) prototype developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. For trails purposes the turret of the PzH 2000 has been fitted to a Sachsen class frigate of the German navy under the MONARC program.
DESIGN
The layout of the PzH 2000 is very similar to other self-propelled howitzers. The engine is mounted at the front with the turret and ammunition in the rear. The PzH 2000 is normally operated by a five men crew, although it could be operated by only three men. The crew consists of a commander, driver, gunner and two loaders. 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. Especially the automotive parts and suspension have many parts in common. The PzH 2000 features seven roadwheels each side. The strong torsion bar suspension makes outriggers unnecessary. The PzH 2000 is propelled by a 1.000 hp MTU diesel engine coupled to a Renk automatic transmission with integrated clutch. The engine and transmission can be removed and replaced as a complete unit for quick maintenance and refitting. The PzH 2000 also is very well armored to survive counter battery fire. The whole vehicle is fitted with lugs for mounting additional armor against top attack weapons.
Firepower
The PzH 2000 is fitted with the Rheinmetall 155mm L/52 chromium lined cannon with a 23 litre chamber. The ubiquitous multislotted muzzle brake increases muzzle velocity while decreasing the muzzle flash and recoil. The cannon is connected to the Modular Charge System specifically designed for the PzH 2000. The six zone Modular Charge System is fully automated and allows for a high rate of fire. The turret can traverse a full 360 degrees and allows for high levels of elevation. The lightweight bore evacuator ensures a gas free crew compartment. The PzH 2000 has a fully automated and integrated fire control system. The gun can be layed automatically due to its advanced navigation system. The target coordinates can be entered manually or sent to the PzH 2000 by encrypted transmission. A phased array radar is fitted above the barrel to measure the true the ballistics and this is information is used for increasing the accuracy. The PzH 2000 also has a multiple round simultaneous impact capability. The PzH 2000 carries 60 rounds of ammunition in the carousel below the turret. An electrically driven projectile system allows for a high rate of fire and reduces crew fatigue. The carousel can be fully loaded from the rear of the vehicle. A 7.62mm MG3 machine gun is mounted on the turret roof for self-defense.
PERFORMANCE
Overall performance
The PzH 2000 is the most advanced and capable self propelled howitzer currently fielded. It combines a long range, high accuracy and high rate of fire with a high level of survivability, automation and mobility. These capabilities come at a price as the PzH 2000 is a very expensive weapon system. During the many tests and evaluations of the PzH 2000 it proved to be very reliable and effective in the European climate, ranging from the Norwegian cold to the Greek summer. Upon deployment in Afghanistan with the Dutch forces it showed defects similar to many other military vehicles deployed in the desert. The air filters couldn't handle the sand and the air conditioning is not powerful enough when temperatures rise above 40 degrees Celsius. As a result the PzH 2000 had to be parked in the shade. The gun and firing mechanism proved to function well and the PzH 2000 has been used on many occasions to support NATO forces. The PzH 2000 has proved to be very mobile. Even though the power to weight ratio isn't very high, especially when fully loaded and fitted with additional armor, the dash speed remains high for a heavy tracked vehicle. The level of fire control and automation in the PzH 2000 is even higher than in the US M109A6 Paladin, while the range is near similar to the South African G6-52 while having a much higher rate of fire. According to the manufacturer the PzH 2000 has the firepower of three standard M109A3 howitzers. The PzH 2000 has been sold to various European nations. Even with the increased demand for lightweight wheeled self propelled howitzers it is expected to sell well in the future as many outdated Cold War era howitzers are replaced.
Firepower
The PzH 2000 is known for its enormous firepower. The PzH 2000 is currently unmatched for the combination of range, accuracy, rate of fire and survivability. The long 52 caliber barrel allows for very long ranges. Normal unassisted ammunition may be fired up to 30 km, base bleed rounds well over 40 km depending on type. A range of 56 has been achieved with the South African Assegai rocket assisted round, with ranges of 60 km claimed to be achievable. The 155mm round was a natural choice for the PzH 2000 as it has been standardized by NATO and many rounds have been stockpiled for the M109, even though other rounds may show more potential. The 155mm rounds have proven to be a good mix between damage and rate of fire resulting in maximized firepower. The fully automated loading of charges and rounds results in a very high 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. When fitted with the improved 48 Volt loader 3 rounds can be fired in 8 seconds and 13 rounds per minute until the barrel heats up too much. The combination of the long barrel and advanced fire control in conjunction with the muzzle radar gives the PzH 2000 a very high accuracy. This high degree of accuracy and quick time to action allows the PzH 2000 to engage targets much closer to friendly forces than was previously possible. The Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) capability makes the PzH 2000 much more effective against infantry while multiple rounds have landed before they can reach for cover. The MRSI capability can be used up to ranges of 17 km with standard ammunition The time between the impact of the first and fifth round is only one second.
Survivability
For a self-propelled howitzer the PzH 2000 has a high level of armor protection while its has an all welded and relatively thick steel hull. The level of protection versus top attack weapons is very high as well, especially when fitted with additional roof armor. The PzH 2000 is operated from under armor protection. This keeps the crew safe from counter battery fire and small arms fire. It also keeps the crew within the NBC protected compartments. The PzH 2000 remains vulnerable to anti-tank rockets, heavy autocannon, cannon fire and aircraft bombs. The survivability is further increased with the 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 high dash speed allows the PzH 2000 to quickly leave after firing.
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. It was to comply to the Joint Ballistics Memorandum of Understanding (JBMOU) and a whole range of demands set by the German military. In short the PzH 2000 was to have a longer range, much higher rate of fire and survivability and improved accuracy than the M109A3 fielded by the German army. 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 and testing and improvement lasted until 1996. The production of 185 units for the German army started in 1997 with first deliveries in 1998. In the following years the PzH 2000 has been adopted by various European nations. Most PzH 2000 are produced in Germany, only the Italian units with be largely produced in Italy. The ordnance of the PzH 2000 has been used on the Artillery Gun Module (AGM) prototype developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. For trails purposes the turret of the PzH 2000 has been fitted to a Sachsen class frigate of the German navy under the MONARC program.
DESIGN
The layout of the PzH 2000 is very similar to other self-propelled howitzers. The engine is mounted at the front with the turret and ammunition in the rear. The PzH 2000 is normally operated by a five men crew, although it could be operated by only three men. The crew consists of a commander, driver, gunner and two loaders. 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. Especially the automotive parts and suspension have many parts in common. The PzH 2000 features seven roadwheels each side. The strong torsion bar suspension makes outriggers unnecessary. The PzH 2000 is propelled by a 1.000 hp MTU diesel engine coupled to a Renk automatic transmission with integrated clutch. The engine and transmission can be removed and replaced as a complete unit for quick maintenance and refitting. The PzH 2000 also is very well armored to survive counter battery fire. The whole vehicle is fitted with lugs for mounting additional armor against top attack weapons.
Firepower
The PzH 2000 is fitted with the Rheinmetall 155mm L/52 chromium lined cannon with a 23 litre chamber. The ubiquitous multislotted muzzle brake increases muzzle velocity while decreasing the muzzle flash and recoil. The cannon is connected to the Modular Charge System specifically designed for the PzH 2000. The six zone Modular Charge System is fully automated and allows for a high rate of fire. The turret can traverse a full 360 degrees and allows for high levels of elevation. The lightweight bore evacuator ensures a gas free crew compartment. The PzH 2000 has a fully automated and integrated fire control system. The gun can be layed automatically due to its advanced navigation system. The target coordinates can be entered manually or sent to the PzH 2000 by encrypted transmission. A phased array radar is fitted above the barrel to measure the true the ballistics and this is information is used for increasing the accuracy. The PzH 2000 also has a multiple round simultaneous impact capability. The PzH 2000 carries 60 rounds of ammunition in the carousel below the turret. An electrically driven projectile system allows for a high rate of fire and reduces crew fatigue. The carousel can be fully loaded from the rear of the vehicle. A 7.62mm MG3 machine gun is mounted on the turret roof for self-defense.
PERFORMANCE
Overall performance
The PzH 2000 is the most advanced and capable self propelled howitzer currently fielded. It combines a long range, high accuracy and high rate of fire with a high level of survivability, automation and mobility. These capabilities come at a price as the PzH 2000 is a very expensive weapon system. During the many tests and evaluations of the PzH 2000 it proved to be very reliable and effective in the European climate, ranging from the Norwegian cold to the Greek summer. Upon deployment in Afghanistan with the Dutch forces it showed defects similar to many other military vehicles deployed in the desert. The air filters couldn't handle the sand and the air conditioning is not powerful enough when temperatures rise above 40 degrees Celsius. As a result the PzH 2000 had to be parked in the shade. The gun and firing mechanism proved to function well and the PzH 2000 has been used on many occasions to support NATO forces. The PzH 2000 has proved to be very mobile. Even though the power to weight ratio isn't very high, especially when fully loaded and fitted with additional armor, the dash speed remains high for a heavy tracked vehicle. The level of fire control and automation in the PzH 2000 is even higher than in the US M109A6 Paladin, while the range is near similar to the South African G6-52 while having a much higher rate of fire. According to the manufacturer the PzH 2000 has the firepower of three standard M109A3 howitzers. The PzH 2000 has been sold to various European nations. Even with the increased demand for lightweight wheeled self propelled howitzers it is expected to sell well in the future as many outdated Cold War era howitzers are replaced.
Firepower
The PzH 2000 is known for its enormous firepower. The PzH 2000 is currently unmatched for the combination of range, accuracy, rate of fire and survivability. The long 52 caliber barrel allows for very long ranges. Normal unassisted ammunition may be fired up to 30 km, base bleed rounds well over 40 km depending on type. A range of 56 has been achieved with the South African Assegai rocket assisted round, with ranges of 60 km claimed to be achievable. The 155mm round was a natural choice for the PzH 2000 as it has been standardized by NATO and many rounds have been stockpiled for the M109, even though other rounds may show more potential. The 155mm rounds have proven to be a good mix between damage and rate of fire resulting in maximized firepower. The fully automated loading of charges and rounds results in a very high 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. When fitted with the improved 48 Volt loader 3 rounds can be fired in 8 seconds and 13 rounds per minute until the barrel heats up too much. The combination of the long barrel and advanced fire control in conjunction with the muzzle radar gives the PzH 2000 a very high accuracy. This high degree of accuracy and quick time to action allows the PzH 2000 to engage targets much closer to friendly forces than was previously possible. The Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) capability makes the PzH 2000 much more effective against infantry while multiple rounds have landed before they can reach for cover. The MRSI capability can be used up to ranges of 17 km with standard ammunition The time between the impact of the first and fifth round is only one second.
Survivability
For a self-propelled howitzer the PzH 2000 has a high level of armor protection while its has an all welded and relatively thick steel hull. The level of protection versus top attack weapons is very high as well, especially when fitted with additional roof armor. The PzH 2000 is operated from under armor protection. This keeps the crew safe from counter battery fire and small arms fire. It also keeps the crew within the NBC protected compartments. The PzH 2000 remains vulnerable to anti-tank rockets, heavy autocannon, cannon fire and aircraft bombs. The survivability is further increased with the 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 high dash speed allows the PzH 2000 to quickly leave after firing.