The Panzerhaubitze 2000 is a highly mobile and flexible weapon system, which is deployed in both conventional missions as well as in asymmetric mission scenarios as indirect fire support. The fully automatic handling of the 60 round on-board ammunition reserve and a modern and precise 155 mm/L52 ordnance enable the engaging of targets at a high rate of fire – within the shortest amount of time. These characteristics make the PzH 2000 to the most effective artillery system in the world – and to an absolute standard for modern artillery.
Most modern tube artillery system in the world
Designed for joint operations, the full autonomy of the complete system in terms of handling, navigation, fire control as well as its system-based stability enables completely new tactical mission possibilities. The PzH 2000 satisfies all international requirements for a modern tube artillery system and is currently in use with four NATO member countries. More than 330 systems have been produced and supplied to date. Since September 2006, the PzH 2000 has successfully been deployed in Afghanistan. Together with the Canadian Forces, the PzH 2000 of the Royal Netherlands Army could prove its international leading position, amongst others, during the Operation Medusa by reliably supporting the ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) troops in Afghanistan.
Main characteristics of the PzH 2000:
- Long range with a 155 mm/L52 ordnance;
- High mobility;
- Turret and hull made from armored steel;
- Automatic aiming and round loading;
- Autonomy through a navigation system and fire control computer with ballistic functions;
- Superior range and area coverage;
- Capable of Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI);
- Built-In Test Equipment (BITE) System.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Kraus-Maffei Wegmann |
| Crew | 3+2 |
| Main armament | Rheinmetall 155 mm/L 52 ordnance (60 rounds) |
| Secondary armament | Rheinmetall MG 3 7,62 mm (1000 rounds) |
| Maximum range | 30 km with standard 155-mm round; 40 km with assisted projectiles |
| Ammunition | L 15 A1; M 483 A1 (US); Explosive; Smoke; Illumination; Modulares TreibLadungsSystem (MTLS); Base Bleed/RAP (Rocket Assisted Projectiles); SMArt (SubMunition for Artillery) |
| Combat load | 60 Projectiles/288 Charges |
| Rate of fire | 3 rounds/10 sec; 8-10 rounds/1 min; 20 rounds/2,5 min |
| Length | 11.7 m |
| Width | 3.5 m |
| Height | 3.4 m |
| Ground clearance | 0.40 m |
| Combat Weight | 57 t |
| Empty weight | 48.6 t |
| Speed road | 60 km/h |
| Speed off-road | 45 km/h |
| Cruising range | >420 km |
| Maximum obstacle heights | 1.00 m |
| Engine | MTU MT 881 Ka-501 V8 Diesel engine; 736 kW/986 hp/1000 PS (Metric horsepower) |
Operators
Germany: 173 (31 for conversion to AGM mobile artillery module)
Italy: 70
Netherlands: 57
Qatar: 24
Croatia: 12
In total: 336 (31 for conversion to AGM mobile artillery module)
MTU MT 881 Ka-501
(Engine Specifications)
| Rated power maximum | 880 kW |
| Speed maximum | 3,000 rpm |
| Length | 1,108 mm/43.6 in |
| Width | 972 mm/38.3 in |
| Height | 742 mm/29.2 in |
| Mass (dry) | 1,400 kg/3,086 lbs |
| Bore/Stroke | 144/140 mm/5.7/5.5 in |
| Cylinder displacement | 2.28 L |
| Displacement, total | 18.2 L/1111 in3 |
