The 21st century artillery systems of Nexter with new TRAJAN 155mm towed howitzer IDEX 2013 2402137

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IDEX 2013
Tri-Service defence exhibition
17 - 21 February 2013
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
 
Nexter Systems artillery at IDEX 2013
 
 
Friday, February 22, 2013, 07:42 PM
The 21st century artillery systems of Nexter with new TRAJAN 155mm towed howitzer at IDEX 2013.
The French Company Nexter Systems presents for the first time its new 155mm/52 calibre towed gun, the TRAJAN at IDEX 2013, defence exhibition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Artillery systems are important part of Nexter Systems offer with the CAESAR, the highly mobile self-propelled 155mm, the 105LG lightweight towed gun which are also presented on Nexter booth.
     
The French Company Nexter Systems presents for the first time its new 155mm/52 calibre towed gun, the TRAJAN at IDEX 2013, defence exhibition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Artillery systems are important part of Nexter Systems offer with the CAESAR, the highly mobile self-propelled 155mm, the 105LG lightweight towed gun which are also presented on Nexter booth.Nexter Systems TRAJAN 155 mm towed howitzer at IDEX 2013 defence exhibition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
     

TRAJAN 155mm towed howitzer

TRAJAN® combines two well-known Nexter’s systems, the 155 mm/39 calibre TR Towed Gun System and the 155 mm/52 calibre CAESAR® truck-mounted artillery (deployed in Afghanistan and in Lebanon).

TRAJAN® integrates the fire power of CAESAR® into a modern and very efficient towed artillery gun for all firing missions from direct support firing to in-depth action.

Thanks to embedded electronics as INU (Inertial Navigation Unit), Automatic Laying and Relaying System, TRAJAN® is a formidable, efficient, and very accurate system. The 155 mm/52 calibre artillery (Joint Ballistic MoU) is compatible with all NATO standard ammunition, but also ERFB shells with smart ammunition (BONUS, SPACIDO, etc.). The maximum range is similar to CAESAR®, up to 42 km with an ERFB and even 55 km through the use of rocket-assisted projectile. Day and night sight devices can engage a target in direct firing at up to 2000 m.

The TRAJAN® system can be put into action in less than 1'30". The gun is served by a six-man crew and is very much facilitated by automation of operations for putting it into or taking it out of action, for aiming and by an automatic loading of shells. These elements also make operations more secure. The TRAJAN® firing rate is six rounds per minute.

     

Nexter Systems CAESAR 155mm self-propelled howitzer at IDEX 2013 defence exhibition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
     

CAESAR 155mm self-propelled artillery howitzer

The CAESAR® is a pioneer in its category and is the fruit of Nexter innovation and know-how in Artillery. This system, consisting of a 155 mm / 52 calibre gun mounted onto 6x6 chassis, combines fire power and amazing mobility. In this respect and due to its extreme versatility, CAESAR® is an alternative to heavy versions such as heavy tracked or wheeled self-propelled artillery systems. Fitted with up-to-date equipment and functionalities, CAESAR® strikes accurately and effectively at long range.

The CAESAR® has an excellent tactical and strategic mobility. Configured at 15.9 tonnes for air transport, it can easily be deployed in a C 130, A 400M or IL 76. Its autonomy of more than 600 kilometres and its road speed of more than 80 km/h make it agile and reactive. Nexter has demonstrated the versatility of CAESAR® by developing a Renault Trucks Defense SHERPA 6x6 chassis version and a SOFRAME chassis (Mercedes-Unimog base) version. Such mobility solutions coming from a commercial civilian range contribute to reduce the Life Cycle Cost of CAESAR® and optimize the logistics maintenance package burden. Other chassis versions can be developed in answer to specific customer Army requirements and some studies are in progress.

The CAESAR® is fitted with a 155/ 52 calibre gun (Joint Ballistic MoU) and it can fire any 155 mm NATO standard ammunition (39 or 52 calibre) and particularly Nexter LU211 shell. It can also fire ERFB shells, BONUS type shells, or VLAP ammunition extending its range up to 55 km. Its five-man (or four-man) crew can make the CAESAR® system ready for action in less than one minute and set it out of action equally quickly, thus avoiding counter-battery firing. Each CAESAR® carries from 18 complete rounds on-board. The system is equipped with an inertial navigation unit and a ballistic computer, and is autonomous and can be connected any C4I system. For the French Army, it is fully integrated into the "ATLAS" Artillery Firing Control System (AFCS). Its firing rate of 6 rounds per minute, its 42 km range (ERFB), and its excellent accuracy put it in the lead for in-depth firing. CAESAR® is adaptable to various missions and operational doctrines. Options are available such as ballistic protection add on armour kits (Level 2 STANAG 4569) and a muzzle velocity radar.
     
Nexter Systems 105 LG1 105mm towed artillery gun at IDEX 2013.
     
105 LG1 105mm towed artillery gun

The 105 LG1 was developed by Nexter Systems and is the lightest 105 mm towed artillery gun worldwide. Air transportable by light helicopters, towable by light vehicles, reliable in harsh environment and easy to use and maintain, the 105 LG1 is an excellent assault artillery gun and is used as fire support for fast reaction forces.

The 105 LG1 gun is easily operated by a crew of 3 to 5 men. It only takes 30 seconds to set it into or take it out of action. The gun can be laid thanks to its inertial positioning and aiming system. A ballistic computer is suggested as an option to increase the autonomy.

The 105 LG1 can fire the M1 ammunition range worldwide used. The 11 km range achieved with this type of shell is considerably extended with the use of Nexter long range ammunition, the HE-ER G3, able to strike beyond 17 km. With a 5- man gun crew, the 105 LG1 can achieve a firing rate of 12 rounds per minute. Its excellent accuracy and its computerized and instantaneous fire capabilities make the 105 LG1 gun a formidable weapon.