CAESAR self-propelled howitzer

 

The CAESAR (CAmion Équipé d'un Système d'ARtillerieFrenchTruck equipped with an artillery system) is a French self-propelled 155 mm/52-calibre gun-howitzer firing NATO-standard artillery shells up to 42 kilometres (26 mi) when Extended Range, Full Bore (ERFB) or over 50 kilometres (31 mi) when rocket assisted, installed on a 6x6 or 8x8 truck chassis. Examples built for the French Army use a 6x6 Renault Sherpa 5 chassis, examples built for export utilize the 6x6 Unimog U2450L chassis or the 8x8 Tatra 815 chassis. The CAESAR platform was developed by the former GIAT Industries (now known as Nexter) and is operated by the Danish, French, Indonesian, Lebanese, Saudi Arabian, Thai, and Ukrainian military forces.

The CAESAR is a wheeled, 155mm 52-caliber self-propelled howitzer. It holds 18 rounds and is typically operated by a crew of five, though if necessary, the CAESAR can be operated by as few as three persons. It can be transported by C-130 or A400M, and has a firing range of approximately 42 kilometres (26 mi) using an Extended Range, Full Bore (ERFB) shell, and more than 50 kilometres (31 mi) using rocket assisted shells. The system is integrated with a fully computerized system, providing automatic control. During Eurosatory 2006, CAESAR was exhibited with an automated laying system based on the SIGMA 30 inertial navigation system.

Nexter is developing an armored cab for the CAESAR in response to demand for more protection for the crew. The additional armor will protect against IEDs and roadside bombs, anti-vehicle mines and 155 mm shells landing as close as five meters (16 feet) away from the vehicle. It can be added to the cabs of existing CAESARs. Heavier armor will increase its weight by 400 kilograms (880 lb) and raise the price by 4–5 percent.

In February 2022, Nexter was awarded a contract by the French Direction générale de l'armement (DGA) for the development of the CAESAR 6x6 Mark II new generation (NG) artillery system. The Mark II features a new chassis with a more powerful 460 hp engine and new automatic gearbox, new fire control software, and a Level 2 mine and ballistic armored cabin. The contract begins a four-year development phase, after which the Mark II will enter production. In 2024, the DGA will choose whether to launch production of 109 new-built Mark IIs or to procure 33 new vehicles while retrofitting the 76 CAESARs already in service.



copied by wikipedia.

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