The Elbit Systems’ Autonomous Towed Howitzer Ordnance System (ATHOS) is a long-range 155mm/52 calibre gun. The ATHOS has been field-tested for accuracy, stability and reliability during moving and ?ring manoeuvres and is based on in service systems and components.
ATHOS is a fully autonomous and manoeuvrable system. It is capable of a range of 40km and utilises a self-propelled capability and automatic laying mode. It is integrated with fully-computerized systems, achieving automatic control, accurate navigation and target acquisition. When deployed in the battlefield, the ATHOS can manoeuvre itself using its own diesel engine and special hydraulic-driven road wheels, which are also ideal for shoot-and scoot positioning. The hydraulic system enables a team of seven crew members or less to easily deploy the ATHOS within minutes.
The ATHOS utilizes inertial navigation and aiming systems -including a GPS and an onboard firing computer as part of its autonomous capabilities. The gun laying is performed using the INS without any external reference point. The laying system can be slaved to the computer to achieve automatic laying.
The ATHOS is designed to operate under harsh environmental conditions, using all qualified 155mm ammunition in use worldwide. To ease the crew’s workload and enhance gun performance, the ATHOS is equipped with an ammunition loader that dramatically reduces the physical effort needed to operate the gun.
Ammunition Loading System
The ATHOS automated ammunition loading system consists of a loading tray, a ramming mechanism and a crane with a projectile carrier. The system supports a range of firing rates:
• Burst rate 3 rounds in 30 seconds
• Intense rate 12 rounds in 3 minutes
• Sustained rate 42 rounds in 60 minutes
Electronic System
The ATHOS electronic system control, computation, navigation and aiming – includes inertial navigation and aiming systems, an onboard firing computer, a laying system, optical backup sights and other control units.
Carriage Assembly
The carriage is the main support of the weapon, both in action and during transport. The carriage consists of a central structure with a main bearing, trails and road wheels. The carriage carries all the auxiliary propulsion unit components, including the driver’s compartment. The Auxiliary Propulsion Unit (APU) supplies continuous energy to the automotive, hydraulic and electric systems, enabling autonomous system operation and short reaction going into or out of action.
Key Features
• Fully automatic operation with manual backup
• Integrated with complete electronic suite from gun level and up
• Integrated with system command and control at all levels including FDC and FCS
• Rapid deployment and short response time
• Long range, with all 155mm/52 calibre ammunition
• Massive and accurate ?re power
• Integrated logistic support and all level maintenance program
• Self manoeuvrable artillery howitzer with automated ammunition loading system
Operational Characteristics
Direct fire
Day >1.5km
Night >1 km
Indirect fire
With HE standard ammunition >30km
With assisted HE
(ERFB-BB) ammunition >40km
Minimum range <5km
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Elbit Systems – ATHOS 155 mm Autonomous Towed Howitzer System
Trajan 155mm/52 calibre Gun by Nexter
The Larsen and Toubro and France-based defence major Nexter showcased their TRAJAN 152mm/52 caliber cannon artillery system at DefExpo show on 5-9 February.
The L&T-Nexter consortium has been working since 2011 in building the partnership around one of the main Indian artillery programmes.
Trajan had undergone extensive firing and mobility trials by the Army in rigorous climatic conditions.
It is based on the strengths of the TR-F1 towed artillery piece and the main gun fitted to the Caesar self-propelled vehicle platform in service with the modern French Army.
The Trajan is a complete 13-ton combat system that is made air-transportable in the belly of a heavy-lift hauler such as the Airbus A400M “Atlas” and Boeing C-17 “Globemaster III”. When moved by air, the Trajan is transported as a whole unit and is ready-to-deploy as a single piece when landed with only the typical preparation required of the crew. When made ready for transportation by mover vehicle, the wheeled split-trail carried of the weapon can sustain road speeds of up to 80 kmh and off-road speeds reaching 30 kmh. The crew numbers six men and can have the gun system arranged, ready-to-fire in 1.5 minutes.
