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RCH 155 – One of the world’s most advanced barrelled artillery systems

The new protected howitzer RCH 155 (Remote Controlled Howitzer 155mm) combines the fire power and range of the automatic and remote-controllable Artillery Gun Module (AGM) with the protection and mobility of the field-tested BOXER wheeled armoured vehicle.

The RCH 155 is a combination of automated artillery firepower and protected wheeled mobility.

A large ammunition supply and rapid replenishment, the stable gun platform, maximum aiming precision, autoloader, combined with autonomy in navigation and fire control make the RCH 155 the new standard for modern wheeled barrelled artillery.

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Largely logistically identical to the already introduced BOXER system

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Maximum mobility on and off the road

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Heavily armoured crew compartment for a two-person crew

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High firepower

The 155mm/L52 PzH 2000 gun is state-of-the-art, in line with the Joint Ballistics Memorandum of Understanding (JBMOU) and currently boasts a range of approx. 54 km (depending on ammunition).

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Unmanned, fully automatic AGM artillery gun module©

Largely logistically identical to the already introduced BOXER system

Maximum mobility on and off the road

Heavily armoured crew compartment for a two-person crew

High firepower

The 155mm/L52 PzH 2000 gun is state-of-the-art, in line with the Joint Ballistics Memorandum of Understanding (JBMOU) and currently boasts a range of approx. 54 km (depending on ammunition).

Unmanned, fully automatic AGM artillery gun module©

Facts about the RCH 155

Maximum fully automated artillery efficiency and network-based system architecture with great potential for expansion

The synthesis of the time-tested NATO-JBMoU 155mm/L52 main gun and the unmanned AGM on BOXER chassis results in a unique level of artillery effectiveness with a present range of up to 54 km through 360° azimuth and all charge and elevation ranges without requiring support.

Developed and refined from  joint operations, the complete autonomy of the overall system in command, navigation and fire control, as well as its system-inherent stability open up entirely new mission options (such as firing on moving targets, encampment defence, etc.).

Thanks to its network-based system architecture, the RCH 155 will also be possible to implement autonomous driving and action (remote-controlled) in the future.

The fire control system and ammunition matrix can support already introduced as well as future NATO ammunition types (JBMOU-compatible).

These special characteristics make the RCH 155 the world’s most future-oriented barrelled artillery system.

Equipment features of the RCH 155

  • Superior combat range (currently < 54 km) and large battlefield coverage thanks to the 155mm/L52 gun
  • Combat load with 30 primed projectiles
  • Fully automated operation with degraded operating modes
  • Fully automated projectile loading system with inductive ignition programming
  • Fully automated loading system for modular charges
  • Fully automatic electrical gun laying system
  • Optional capabilities for direct laying via optronics
  • Fire control computer with integrated ballistics calculation and radio data transmission connection to an artillery control system
  • High-precision navigation system, with or without GPS support
  • Optional all-round self-protection with weapon station and smoke grenade launching system
  • NBC protection and ventilation system
  • Cooling and heating system for AGM  and crew
  • Automatic fire detection and extinguishing system in power pack compartment and a fire extinguishing system for the crew compartment
  • Built-in test equipment system (BITE)

A systematic development of the PzH 2000, the RCH 155 is a lighter, more flexible and long-range artillery weapon for all areas of use which provides a high level of protection for the crew.

In addition to high flexibility and top mobility, the BOXER drive module of the  RCH 155 provides its crew with exceptional survivability and superior protection from mines, IEDs and ballistic threats.

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RCH 155 – The key element for future joint operations

Increased protection for the crew by separating the crew compartment and operator stations while retaining the artillery capabilities of the PzH 2000.

  • Product specifications
  • Performance features
  • Downloads
Primary armament

155mm/L52 main gun (JBMoU-compatible)

Rate of fire

9 rounds per minute

Laying range

Azimuth: 360° (+/- 200°) with up to 6 charges without vehicle support

Elevation: From - 2.5° to + 65° (- 45 mil to + 1.150 mil)

Combat range

Depending on the combination of projectile, charge and ignition
e. g. up to 40 km with base-bleed; up to 54 km with V-LAP
longer combat ranges possible depending on ammunition,
e. g. VULCANO, EXCALIBUR

Ammunition supply

30 primed projectiles/144 modular charges (direct access)

Ignition programming

Inductive programming during the charging process

Secondary armament

Optional remote-controllable weapon station

Direct laying

Optionally available with optronics or remote-controllable weapon station

Combat weight

< 39.0 t

Dimensions (LxWxH)

~ 10.40 m/2.99 m/3.60 m

Engine performance

up to 600 kW/815 HP (MTU power pack)

Speed

> 100 km/h (road)

Range

> 700 km/h (road)

  • Highly mobile, protected and automated artillery system
  • Unmanned, fully automated remote-controllable AGM artillery gun module
  • Superior range and enormous area of effect thanks to the 155mm/L52 main gun capable of firing JBMOU-compatible 155mm projectiles
  • Long range and high rate of fire
  • Future JBMOU-compatible projectiles up to a length of 1,000 mm can be used
  • Autonomous navigation and fire control
  • Automatic weapon alignment system with coincidence monitoring of the barrel position
  • Fully automated loader for projectiles and charges
  • Projectiles and charges can be loaded and fired at any elevation and azimuth position
  • The stable weapon platform enables firing in 360° throughout the entire elevation range with maximum number of charges without support (see image area).
  • “Shoot and scoot” and “multiple round simultaneous  impact” (MRSI) capability (see image area)
  • Able to fire upon targets in motion (land and sea) (see image area)
  • High level of protection for the crew
    • Ballistic protection from 14.5 mm HMG and artillery shrapnel
    • Protection from anti-tank and anti-personnel mines
    • NBC protection ventilation system
  • Maximum tactical mobility, flexible wheels
  • 2-person crew in armoured BOXER drive module
  • Heating and cooling system for crew and gun module
  • High reliability (use of technology and component assemblies from the PzH 2000)
  • Optional day/night 360° surveillance and self-protection via remote-controllable weapon station, optional Barracuda camouflage net
  • Great potential for expansion thanks to network-based system architecture, e. g. for unmanned use of the system (remote-controllable driving and firing)

The RCH 155 in the endurance test

One of the most modern barreled artillery systems in the world

One of the world’s most advanced barrelled artillery systems

The RCH 155 in pictures

Image material of the RCH 155 from testing facilities and Bundeswehr troop training grounds

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