Caesar Sherpa 5 Nexter 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer

: 19 March 2021

Version française

Caesar Renault Sherpa 5 Nexter wheeled self-propelled howitzer

Description

Technical Data

Specifications

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Description

The Caesar (French designation: Camion Équipé d’un Système d’Artillerie) was designed and manufactured by the French Company Nexter Systems. The CAESAR® is a 155 mm / 52 calibre gun self-propelled wheeled howitzer which, today, constitutes the spearhead of 21st century artillery. The first version of the Caesar was shown in public for the first time in June 1994. The first version of the GIAT Caesar used a Unimog chassis 6x6 U2450. During the edition 2006 of the International Defnse Exhibition Eurosatory, Nexter Systems presented for the first time to the public, the Caesar with a chassis and cabin of a Sherpa 5 truck from Renault Trucks Defense. Its low weight, less than 18 tons in combat configuration, reduces both complexity and cost. Its strategic, operational and tactical mobility is superior to that of other materials, while matching the reactivity of the self–propelled guns and the light weight of the towed guns.

Variants

- Caesar Nexter Systems with Unimog chassis U2450 6x6
- Caesar Nexter Systems with Renault Trucks Defense Sherpa 5 chassis 6x6

Technical Data

Armament

At the rear of the CAESAR is mounted the gun, it’s a complete upper part of the 155 mm 52 calibre upgraded version of the TRF1 towed artillery system. The 155 mm 52 calibre ordnance is fitted with a double baffle muzzle brake and when travelling the ordnance is held in position by a clamp, located to the immediate rear of the cab, which is operated by remote control. The 52 calibre gun gives a range of 25 miles when firing standard shells. The CAESAR® can fire six rounds, shut down the battery configuration and leave its firing position, all in less than two minutes, thus avoiding counter-battery fire.

Protection

The Caesar in Renault Sherpa 5 configuration is equipped with an armour cabin, which provides a protection against direct small armes calibre of 7,62 mm and the shell splinters of the battlefield.

Propulsion

The CAESAR® Sherpa is based to the chassis of a all-terain truck 6x6 Renault Sherpa 5, designed and manufactured by Renault Trucks Defense. The Sherpa 5 can carry a 7 t payload over road surfaces or the most challenging terrains (sand, stones and mud). The Sherpa 5 Renault truck is motorised with 6 cylinders EURO 4 engine with a power of 177 kW at 2300 rpm. The Sherpa 5 can run at a maximum speed of 90km/h on road.

Accessories

The Caesar Sherpa 5 wheeled self-propelled howitzer Nexter Systems is equipped for the firing with, an artillery gun fire control system, with a computer in the cab and a remote information display at the rear of the gun, a three-axis gyrolaser inertial navigation unit, facilitating the setting up of the battery configuration and enabling automatic aiming and an automatic shell loading system.

Operational Capacities

When compared with a towed gun and its hauler, the CAESAR® is shorter and requires less space, is far more mobile and manoeuvrable, both cross-country and on the road, and requires fewer gun crew members (5 operators instead of at least 7). When on the move, gun crew survival is ensured by an armoured cab, and the time spent stationary at the firing position is now very short.
The CAESAR® meets the command requirements of precision, a fast fire capability and crew safety, while avoiding collateral damage. To achieve these requirements, the CAESAR® works in a network with the higher command systems (battery, battalion, regiment, brigade, etc.). It can be integrated into a C3I firing control system. The CAESAR® also has automatic systems to ensure simple and safe operation. The CAESAR® is air transportable in a single load by a C130 Hercules, and has a road driving range of up to 370 miles.

Specifications