Wheeled Self Propelled Artillery is all the rage today. The US Army has even proposed a version of the Stryker to fulfill the mobile howitzer requirement. What follows is what I consider the top 5 vehicles. I'm basing this off mobility, armor protection, IED protection, firepower and fire control systems.
5. 155mm SpGH ZUZANA
The Warsaw Pact are the fathers (at least in modern times) of the wheeled self propelled artillery concept. This vehicle was an original and would prove devastating. Luckily allied forces never faced its firepower.
4. Archer.
This is possibly the most advanced wheeled system in the world. It has an armored cab to protect against small arms fire, shell splinters and IEDs, and a very sophisticated fire control system. Its greatest threat? Artillery dies to pay for the F-35. Don't believe me? Ask the Norwegian Army why the Archer was cancelled for "late delivery" but the F-35, NH-90 still continue. Artillery is and will remain the greatest killer on a modern battlefield.
3. Caesar.
The Caesar is always lauded as the new breed of artillery systems. I remain unimpressed. Quite honestly if BAE married a few M-777's with MTVR's we'd have the same thing only better. Don't get me wrong---the Caesar is good. It has strategic and tactical mobility. It fires the full range of ammunition, it only falls short in protection. Its main claim to fame would be that it mounted a howitzer on a truck instead of towing it and the truck uses standard automotive components reducing operating costs.
2. Donar.
If the USMC wasn't having trouble finding money to take care of basic needs...and if the US govt was running a budget surplus, I'd be screaming for the Marines to at least evaluate the DONAR autonomous howitzer. This is a howitzer that fulfills the dream that was DRAGON FIRE (the original 120mm mortar concept)....only in a bigger package. Click on the link and read more about it yourself. This is a winner that KMW just can't seem to sell.
So what is the best wheeled self propelled artillery system? Drum roll please.....
The G6.
It has a big gun, outstanding mobility...including cross country, fires all modern ammo, was capable of dealing with IEDs before it was cool and is battle proven in some of the most inhospitable terrain found on this planet. The G6 is without a doubt the best wheeled self propelled artillery system on this planet.
5. 155mm SpGH ZUZANA
The Warsaw Pact are the fathers (at least in modern times) of the wheeled self propelled artillery concept. This vehicle was an original and would prove devastating. Luckily allied forces never faced its firepower.
4. Archer.
This is possibly the most advanced wheeled system in the world. It has an armored cab to protect against small arms fire, shell splinters and IEDs, and a very sophisticated fire control system. Its greatest threat? Artillery dies to pay for the F-35. Don't believe me? Ask the Norwegian Army why the Archer was cancelled for "late delivery" but the F-35, NH-90 still continue. Artillery is and will remain the greatest killer on a modern battlefield.
3. Caesar.
The Caesar is always lauded as the new breed of artillery systems. I remain unimpressed. Quite honestly if BAE married a few M-777's with MTVR's we'd have the same thing only better. Don't get me wrong---the Caesar is good. It has strategic and tactical mobility. It fires the full range of ammunition, it only falls short in protection. Its main claim to fame would be that it mounted a howitzer on a truck instead of towing it and the truck uses standard automotive components reducing operating costs.
2. Donar.
If the USMC wasn't having trouble finding money to take care of basic needs...and if the US govt was running a budget surplus, I'd be screaming for the Marines to at least evaluate the DONAR autonomous howitzer. This is a howitzer that fulfills the dream that was DRAGON FIRE (the original 120mm mortar concept)....only in a bigger package. Click on the link and read more about it yourself. This is a winner that KMW just can't seem to sell.
So what is the best wheeled self propelled artillery system? Drum roll please.....
The G6.
It has a big gun, outstanding mobility...including cross country, fires all modern ammo, was capable of dealing with IEDs before it was cool and is battle proven in some of the most inhospitable terrain found on this planet. The G6 is without a doubt the best wheeled self propelled artillery system on this planet.
