The companies KNDS and GDELS presented at the competition on future artillery that concludes this Thursday in Paris (Future Artillery Conference) the first 10×10 self-propelled howitzer. Basically, it is a 155mm 52 cal cannon from the Franco-German firm KNDS mounted on the new platform. Piranha HMC that the European company based in Spain GDELS (General Dynamics European Land Systems) presented last month.
This is a jointly developed solution that combines the artillery module (AGM) fully automated and unmanned with the aforementioned cannon and the new vehicle, to make up an armored vehicle weighing 40 tons. Its developers also highlight its turning radius, less than 18 meters, thanks to its four-axis steering. The new development “combines exceptional tactical mobility with superior artillery,” according to information provided by KNDS.
He AGM about him Piranha HMC It can be operated by a crew of only two people “without restrictions.” Although the vehicle offers enough space for a third crew member, or to increase its storage capacity.
The weapon, capable of firing at a full 360-degree angle, can also be used on the move. The system, which benefits from the robust 10×10 multi-arm chassis, employs intelligence developments in conjunction with robotics and can conduct both direct and indirect fire against moving land and sea targets and deliver simultaneous impacts of multiple volleys (MRSI).
Heavy Mission Transport
When a few weeks ago GDELS presented its new HMC Piranha (acronym for Heavy Mission Carriertranslated as Heavy Mission Transport), the company noted that in addition to the advanced technologies of the mechanical and suspension groups of the new vehicle, the development includes “a 10×10 all-wheel drive drive system and an exclusive multi-link suspension system (MLS) with 1st-2nd and 4th-5th axle steering”. The information provided by the company highlights that these features “allow minimum axle loads to comply with European road standards, superior cross-country mobility and ditch crossing capabilities with a reduced turning radius of less than 18 meters.”
