theoderich hat geschrieben: ↑Do 23. Mai 2024, 09:12
Future Artillery 2024: PzH 2000 system improvements proposed
KNDS Deutschland, where does the PzH 2000 go?
Currently PzH 2000 A4s are being produced for Germany [1] and Ukraine. First deliveries to Germany are expected in late 2025, production lasting until early 2027 with contracts already signed.
The PzH 2000 A4 upgrade compared to A2 is mostly in the electronics area. One of the main steps forward is the adoption of a new fire control computer, the Centurion (from KNDS Deutschland Mission Electronics), which is replacing the MICMOS, provided by then EADS, now Hensoldt, used in the older versions. The MICMOS was based on 1980/90s technology, the Centurion having a much higher computing power. The SP howitzer electronics architecture was improved, the A4 remaining however an analog/digital weapon system. Another step forward is the integration of the Vulcano programming system into the howitzer; Germany acquired Vulcano 155 mm ammunition, the long-range/guided munition developed by Leonardo, Diehl Defence providing the semi-active laser seeker for the SAL version. Power generation was also considered, as today platforms tend to have an increasing number of subsystems installed, some of them quite power hungry.
While the A4 is under production, EDR On-Line understanding that in late September the final configuration was very close to be frozen, KNDS Deutschland is working on the A5 standard, will be the German Army MLU standard and should become reality in less than three years’ time.
EDR On-Line understood that the PzH 2000 A5 upgrade will have a core capability common to all customers, with some optional elements that each nation might decide to adopt or not.
The core of the programme aims at transform the self-propelled howitzer in a full-digital system with a semi-open electronic architecture. It will maintain the new Centurion fire control computer from the A4, however this will be plugged into a new full-digital electronic architecture, that will allow a much easier integration of new subsystems, should the need arise, as well as a much greater flexibility should some foreign customers adopt the A5 with different subsystems, thanks to standardised electronic interfaces. New sensors will be adopted, the ammunition autoloader will be improved as well as the gun laying system, a two slip ring solution being also adopted for the turret to cope with the new ammunition handling system, while the fuse programming station adopted on the A4 will remain.
Among optional upgrades we find a new driver indirect vision system, new high definition optronics, a portable fuse programming station, and the three-person crew concept, something which is generating considerable discussions also in the main battle tank community. Currently the five-man crew is maintained to allow the howitzer to be fired even in degraded mode, should for example the autoloader fail; in perspective adding the capacity to operate in degraded mode with only three crew members is being considered. Another option is the adoption of a remotely controlled weapon station; it is hard to imagine this being a fixed item, its positioning obviously being on top of the PzH turret, as it would exceed the allowed dimensions for railway transport. The PzH turret architecture does not allow a sliding solution such as that adopted by KNDS Deutschland on its RCH 155, therefore other ideas are being debated between the company and the military.
As already discussed, power generation is an issue. Currently the PzH 2000 has a combined generator and cooling system. Considering mass and volume reduction of those items, KNDS Deutschland is proposing to split the two functions, installing in the same volume two independent and much more capable units.
Three nations are considering the A5 MLU, these being Germany, the Netherlands and Lithuania, which are cooperating to request an offer from KNDS Deutschland. The company awaits the request to be filed within year end or early next year. In the end those who fields the A4 will upgrade also those howitzers, however older ones will be the first to undergo the MLU.
www.edrmagazine.eu/knds-deutschland-whe ... zh-2000-go
