The ISAF-employed self-propelled howitzers of the type 2000 A2 will be equipped with a mobile multispectral camouflage system (MMT) as of April 2012. Apart from providing camouflage, the MMT equipment also relieves the stress on the AC system by reducing the solar heat load in the crew compartment.
The verification procedure for the equipment was rounded off with a live firing test of the camouflaged PzH 2000 A2 on 24 January 2012. The MMT equipment “survived” a total of 74 rounds fired without taking a scratch.
Following the successful trials of the prototype, the Bundeswehr Technical Centre for Protective and Special Technologies (WTD 52), which has been in charge of testing the equipment, can thus authorize the full release of the MMT.
According to current plans, the PzH 2000 A2 howitzers used in Afghanistan will be fitted with the camouflage equipment in April 2012 with technical support from WTD 52.
In 2011 already, an experimental prototype of the PzH 2000-adapted MMT developed by the company Saab-Barracuda was tested for fit, durability and conformity with the Road Traffic Licensing Regulation on the occasion of several driving tests conducted by the Bundeswehr Technical Centre for Automotive and Armoured Vehicles (WTD 41) in Trier. Minor deficits revealed during these tests were remedied immediately.
The enhanced MMT has proved its acceptability for service use on the occasion of comprehensive tests carried out by the Bundeswehr Artillery School in Idar-Oberstein from 16 to 20 January 2012.
