The No-Line-Of-Sight cannon-
http://www.uniteddefense.com/prod/concept_demonstrator.htm
http://www.uniteddefense.com/prod/nlos_cannon.htm
In 1999, the Army set its course for the future with a vision to transform into a fighting force more lethal, agile and rapidly deployable than any ground combat system in the world. The centerpiece of this dominating force is the Future Combat System (FCS), a system of unmanned and manned ground and aerial vehicles that will enable the Army to see first, understand first, act first and finish decisively on the battlefield of the future.
Included in FCS is a system of Manned Ground Vehicles (MGVs), including a non-line-of-sight cannon (NLOS-C). The MGVs will provide a network of eight vehicle types that integrate advanced technologies, and enhanced survivability into, 20-ton platforms. These vehicles will replace the army’s existing fleet of heavy armored vehicles. They will be the most lethal, best-networked and most responsive ground combat units in the world thanks to a number of common, digital command-and-control elements and advanced weapon technologies. The vehicles are scheduled to begin production by 2008, with full operational capability achieved by 2012.
The NLOS-C System Demonstrator is the first look at what Army platforms of the future could look like. Its primary purpose is to serve as a proof-of-principle test-bed that will demonstrate the feasibility of a 20-ton cannon platform and several advanced mobility technologies. These demonstrations will provide the data that the Army and its industry partners require as they develop the NLOS-C and its accompanying fleet of manned ground vehicles that will serve as the key combat systems for FCS.
To ensure the U.S. Army maintains its superiority and dominance against future adversaries, in 2002, Congress mandated that a self-propelled non-line-of-sight cannon (NLOS-C) be developed for the Army by 2008.
As part of that mandate, United Defense, L.P. was awarded a year-long Concept, Technology and Development (CTD) contract to demonstrate the feasibility of a 20-ton cannon system.
In only six months, United Defense responded by taking a 20-ton, 155mm, tracked cannon platform from the virtual drawing board to a fully operational demonstrator that will undergo firing and mobility assessments beginning August 2003 at Yuma Proving Ground near Yuma, Ariz.
The demonstrator features a modified BAE Systems M777, 155mm howitzer tube mounted on a platform developed by United Defense’s Ground Systems Division in San Jose, Calif. The 23-ton demonstrator also features a fully automated ammunition loading system, a magazine capable of holding 24 100-pound artillery projectiles and an advanced band-track system propelled by a hybrid-electric diesel engine.
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This new self propelled artillary looks amazing. The cannon is of an entirely new design. I'm estimating increased range. Perhaps in the 60-70 km range. Although it's operative range is currently 30 km.
It has drive by wire technology, making steering it a cinch. It will also have support for an unmanned modification.
The army is pushing it for operating service by 2008 and full operational status by 2012. Quite amazing. It has targeting computers, its lighter than the PALADIN and better than the cancelled CRUSADER. It's fully automated, can fire 8-12 rds a minute.
Using multiple propellent increments it's the future of in-direct fire.
http://www.uniteddefense.com/prod/concept_demonstrator.htm
http://www.uniteddefense.com/prod/nlos_cannon.htm
In 1999, the Army set its course for the future with a vision to transform into a fighting force more lethal, agile and rapidly deployable than any ground combat system in the world. The centerpiece of this dominating force is the Future Combat System (FCS), a system of unmanned and manned ground and aerial vehicles that will enable the Army to see first, understand first, act first and finish decisively on the battlefield of the future.
Included in FCS is a system of Manned Ground Vehicles (MGVs), including a non-line-of-sight cannon (NLOS-C). The MGVs will provide a network of eight vehicle types that integrate advanced technologies, and enhanced survivability into, 20-ton platforms. These vehicles will replace the army’s existing fleet of heavy armored vehicles. They will be the most lethal, best-networked and most responsive ground combat units in the world thanks to a number of common, digital command-and-control elements and advanced weapon technologies. The vehicles are scheduled to begin production by 2008, with full operational capability achieved by 2012.
The NLOS-C System Demonstrator is the first look at what Army platforms of the future could look like. Its primary purpose is to serve as a proof-of-principle test-bed that will demonstrate the feasibility of a 20-ton cannon platform and several advanced mobility technologies. These demonstrations will provide the data that the Army and its industry partners require as they develop the NLOS-C and its accompanying fleet of manned ground vehicles that will serve as the key combat systems for FCS.
To ensure the U.S. Army maintains its superiority and dominance against future adversaries, in 2002, Congress mandated that a self-propelled non-line-of-sight cannon (NLOS-C) be developed for the Army by 2008.
As part of that mandate, United Defense, L.P. was awarded a year-long Concept, Technology and Development (CTD) contract to demonstrate the feasibility of a 20-ton cannon system.
In only six months, United Defense responded by taking a 20-ton, 155mm, tracked cannon platform from the virtual drawing board to a fully operational demonstrator that will undergo firing and mobility assessments beginning August 2003 at Yuma Proving Ground near Yuma, Ariz.
The demonstrator features a modified BAE Systems M777, 155mm howitzer tube mounted on a platform developed by United Defense’s Ground Systems Division in San Jose, Calif. The 23-ton demonstrator also features a fully automated ammunition loading system, a magazine capable of holding 24 100-pound artillery projectiles and an advanced band-track system propelled by a hybrid-electric diesel engine.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
This new self propelled artillary looks amazing. The cannon is of an entirely new design. I'm estimating increased range. Perhaps in the 60-70 km range. Although it's operative range is currently 30 km.
It has drive by wire technology, making steering it a cinch. It will also have support for an unmanned modification.
The army is pushing it for operating service by 2008 and full operational status by 2012. Quite amazing. It has targeting computers, its lighter than the PALADIN and better than the cancelled CRUSADER. It's fully automated, can fire 8-12 rds a minute.
Using multiple propellent increments it's the future of in-direct fire.