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.
The RCH 155 is a combination of automated artillery firepower and protected wheeled mobility.
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
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
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.
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 |
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
The RCH 155 in pictures
Image material of the RCH 155 from testing facilities and Bundeswehr troop training grounds