The new wheeled self-propelled howitzer on PIRANHA HMC

KNDS Germany and General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) present AGM on PIRANHA Heavy Mission Carrier at this year's Future Artillery Conference in Paris. The jointly developed system solution combines the fully automated, unmanned 155mm cal. 52 artillery gun module AGM from KNDS Germany with the recently introduced PIRANHA HMC from GDELS – we have reported.

With an allowable total weight of 40t and a turning radius of less than 18m achieved thanks to the four-wheel steering, AGM on PIRANHA HMC combines outstanding tactical mobility with superior artillery firepower. AGM on PIRANHA HMC can be operated with a crew of 2 persons without restrictions. Optionally, the vehicle offers enough space for an additional crew member (2+1) or additional storage space. The firing range of the artillery gun module from KNDS Germany is 360°. Thanks to the robust 10×10 Multi-Link chassis, a mechanical support during firing, as with other conventional wheeled howitzers, is not required and allows firing the main weapon on the move. The AGM offers the complete autonomy of the entire system in command, navigation and fire control, as well as completely new mission options due to its inherent stability. The consistent use of system-supported intelligence in combination with robotics is a key factor in reducing the workload for the crew. The special "Shoot & Scoot" capability, as well as MRSI (Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact) capability and the ability to aim indirectly and directly at moving land and sea targets underline the superior artillery capabilities of the system.

With the new wheeled howitzer, two significant European defense companies continue their collaboration, which began with the artillery system DONAR on the tracked vehicle of the ASCOD infantry fighting vehicle family. The artillery module AGM is also offered by KNDS on the 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle BOXER in the RCH 155 variant, making it a cross-sectional system. With the AGM on the two leading wheeled armored vehicle families in the Western world, not only the capabilities in the field of indirect fire support, but also interoperability in the NATO context can experience a significant increase. The cooperation between KNDS Germany and the European Business Unit of the American General Dynamics Corporation also strengthens transatlantic cooperation.

KNDS Germany on the internet

GDELS on the internet