German 155 mm self-propelled howitzer
The Artillery Gun Module (AGM, Artillerie-Geschütz-Modul) is an air-portable 155 mm self-propelled howitzer designed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. It is based on technology used in the German Army Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH 2000) system, to provide more air portable self-propelled artillery, transportable by Airbus A400 aircraft.
The system is fully autonomous, the crew sitting in the cab, with similar performance to the PzH 2000, but with reduced cost, crew levels and weight. The AGM uses the PzH 2000 ballistic fire-control computer with integrated NATO Armaments Ballistic Kernel and the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann Artillery Command and Control System. It is a modular system, the gun module can be fitted on a tracked or wheeled chassis. Costs can be reduced by fitting it to a user's suitable chassis of choice. Current development vehicles use a MLRS chassis. A vehicle independent auxiliary power unit (allowing the gun to be used with the carrier engine shut down) and an inertial reference unit with a Global Positioning System (GPS) connection are fitted. During trials in 2006, a demonstrator vehicle fired a volley of ten 155 mm rounds in 2 minutes and 19 seconds with a crew of two being seated in the fully armoured protected cab.[1]
Platforms
Donar
A further development of the AGM was revealed in 2008 as the Donar 155 mm self-propelled artillery system. The system uses a modified ASCOD 2 IFV chassis with a newer, more efficient two-man turret with a fully automatic ammunition loading and handling system.
Boxer 8×8
This variant is known as the RCH-155 (Remote Controlled Howitzer). The development was announced in April 2014, KMW decided to integrate the module onto the Boxer 8×8 armoured vehicle. The concept was shown at the Eurosatory weapon trade fair in June 2014. [2]
Contrary to all other wheeled artillery systems, the RCH-155 doesn't require an additional ground support to ensure the precision and the durability. It is stable enough as it is, and doesn't require hydraulic stabilisers. It is a highly capable shoot and scoot system, and demonstrations have shown its capability to shoot at 360°, and even with some shooting in movement. All the Boxer can receive this module, but as it is a heavy vehicle, some modifications to bring it to the A3 chassis standard are required. And a remote weapons station with a .50 caliber machine gun can be fitted on the roof, but with a rather low profile to remain in the railroad loading gauges.[3]
As of 2019, firing trials with the turret traversed front and to its sides were carried out at WTD 41 proving ground. The trials demonstrated the ability to fire an 8-round burst and redeploy under 90 seconds, and carry out multi-round simultaneous impact missions.[4]
A variant of the Boxer for resupply has been designed. It enables the resupply of the artillery module without being outside.
Boxer tracked
KMW designed a tracked variant of the Boxer that would be able to use all the weapon modules of the existing wheeled Boxer. Therefore it can become with a lot of ease one of the next tracked artillery system.[5]
Piranha IV
In 2023, Switzerland selected 2 systems to compete for the replacement program of the M-109 ("Artillerie Wirkplattform und Wirkmittel 2026"), the RCH-155, and the BAE Archer. For the RCH-155, two platforms are offered by KNDS, the Boxer and the Mowag Piranha IV 10×10.
As 132 Piranha IV will enter service of the Swiss Army from 2023 (48 "12 cm Mörser 16 [de]" and 84 "PI PZ 21" combat engineer vehicle), the variant of the RCH-155 based on the Piranha IV is a likely winner.[6]
Iveco Trakker 8×8
A design of such a vehicle exists. It is based on a 40t capable military truck which is already in use in the German Army. It keeps the capability to be used in direct hit fashion with optronics capabilities. It is equipped with a hydraulic compartment, and can receive an auxiliary power unit to power the turret and the electronic while keeping the engine of the truck off. [7]
Operators
Future operators
Ukrainian Ground Forces
- 18 RCH 155
Ordered in 2022 for €216 million, to be delivered from 2024 or 2025. The purchase is financed by Germany as military aid.[8]
Potential operators
German Army
As part of the program ZukSysIndF
(“Zukünftiges System Indirektes Feuer großer Reichweite"), the German Army is looking for the future indirect fire, longer-range system. The Bundeswehr mentioned a target of 168 Self-Propelled Howitzer.
The RCH-155 on a Boxer 8×8,[9] is the preferred option. A contract award for a first batch of around 50 howitzers is expected in early 2024 with deliveries stretching from 2026 to 2031
Swiss Armed Forces
As part of the program "Artillerie Wirkplattform und Wirkmittel 2026", the Swiss Army is evaluating the Archer against two variants of the RCH-155 offered by KMW. One is based one the Boxer 8×8, and the other is based on the Mowag Piranha IV 10×10.
Failed sales
Israeli Army
The Artillery Gun Module was a potential choice for the Israel Defense Forces as they seek to replace the M109 in their service. However, in 2017, it appeared that the IDF had selected a development of the ATMOS 2000 instead, possibly because they preferred a wholly Israeli produced system for legal reasons.[10]
