The 155mm x 52 calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) project was started in 2013 by DRDO to replace older guns in service with a modern 155mm artillery gun. DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) partnered with Bharat Forge Limited andTata Power Strategic Engineering Division for this purpose.
The gun has an all electric drive to ensure reliability and minimum maintenance over a long period of time. It has advanced features like high mobility, quick deployability, auxiliary power mode, advanced communication system, automatic command and control system with night capability in direct fire mode. The gun is two tons lighter than guns in the same category and is designed to provide better accuracy and range and is capable of firing five successive rounds in short duration. It is compatible with C3I systems like Artillery Combat Command and Control System (ACCCS) called Shakti for technical fire control, fire planning, deployment management, operational logistics management of the Indian Army.
The development of the complex system has been carried out in a very short time of four years. ATAGS was first publicly showcased at the Republic Day parade on 26 January 2017.In August 2018, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the procurement of 150 ATAGS with an estimated cost of ₹3,364.78 crore.
Trials
DRDO successfully conducted the proof firing of armament for the 155/52 calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System on 14 July 2016.
DRDO achieved technological breakthrough by successfully conducting maiden dynamic firing trials of two fully integrated ATAGS. The trials conducted at Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur, from 13-20 December 2016, successfully met the mission objectives.
During trials in 2017, ATAGS broke the world record for 155 mm gun by firing the round to a distance of 47.2 kilometres. It again registered a maximum distance of 48.074 kilometres with high explosive–base bleed (HE–BB) ammunition, surpassing the maximum ranges fired by any artillery gun system in this category.
The gun successfully completed trials and the manufacturing of first lot of 40 guns is to start soon.
Many Firsts
There are many firsts in the design, development and manufacturing of ATAGS. The designers and developers went straight for the large calibre, ie, 155mm/52 calibre, much more than the Bofors 155mm/39 calibre. It meant a longer barrel, which had to sustain higher chamber pressure (>465 MPa) and larger chamber capacity (>23 litres).
The ATAGS has enhanced accuracy and consistency. It has proven platform stability in trials. Laying accuracy with servo-based drives has been excellent. The inertial navigation system provides accurate positioning and pointing characteristics. Muzzle Velocity Radar and sensors provide data on barrel wear, temperature online. Real time met data update is available. The fire control computer provides digital fire control computation.
ATAGS provides enhanced performance through INS-based Automatic Gun Alignment and Positioning System, sighting system and superior barrel parameters and safety features.
The ATAGS is configured with all-electric drives to ensure maintenance free and reliable field operations. The automation ensures five Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI), automatic shell loading and ramming, higher rate of fire, and fast coming into/out of action in the day/night war scenario. It is equipped with Integrated Fire Control system consisting of INS-based Automatic Gun Alignment and Positioning System (AGAPS), Muzzle Velocity Radar (MVR) and Ballistic Computer to carry out online computations. The system comprises a Tactical Computer (TC) that commands and controls a battery of six to eight guns over radio and line and has been configured to be integrated as per ACCCS Shakti network protocol of the Artillery regiment.
ATAGS - Salient Features
Range BT>35km. BB>45km
Accuracy & Consistency 0.6% in Range, 0.2% in Line
Rate of Fire Burst of 5rds per min
Direct Fire 2km
Gun Laying ILNS in loop
Communication SDR, VDCU, DIS
Automation All electric
Compactness Back Pack
Self-propelled mobility 18km/hr
