Caesar Mk2 Nexter 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer
 
 
 
Caesar Mk2 wheeled self-propelled howitzer technical data sheet specifications description information intelligence identification France French Nexter
 
Description
Multi-purpose, mobility, ease of implementation, sustained firing capability and survivability are the key features of the CAESAR® arms system (compliant with the JB MoU 155mm / 52 caliber standard). It is fully interoperable with NATO 39 & 52 caliber ammunition. It meets the operational requirements, whatever the conflict level, theatre of operation or nature of the forces involved, thanks to its tactical mobility and maneuverability (6x6 truck chassis). Thus, CAESAR® is capable of supporting all types of motorized, mechanized or armored units, including rapid deployment forces. The CAESAR® firepower is enhanced by its speed of operation, longer range and improved accuracy. It fires six rounds and is out of action in less than 2 minutes. CAESAR® is effective in all combat missions, such as direct support fire, in-depth action fire, counter-battery fire and even coastal defense. Already available on two different 6x6 chassis, CAESAR® can be integrated on other carriers, depending on the user’s needs.

At Eurosatory 2010, the French Defense Company Nexter presented a new version of its wheeled self-propelled howitzer, the Caesar Mk2. This version is equipped with a new armor cabin which gives protection ballistic level-2 and 3A/2B mine aggressions, with standard Sherpa truck chassis. Caesar® Mk2 offers all the strong characteristics that have made Caesar® a success (long-range, accuracy, fully automatic aiming, and setting-up/salvo firing/exit time lower than three minutes. A crew from the French Army recently managed to fire eight munitions in less than one minute, during a demonstration. Caesar® artillery system is currently deployed in Afghanistan and has already been sold to four customers: France, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
 
Variants
- Caesar Nexter Systems with Unimog chassis U2450 6x6
- Caesar Nexter Systems with Renault Trucks Defense Sherpa 5 chassis 6x6
- Caesar Nexter Systems with Ashok Leyland chassis 6x6
 
Technical Data
Back to top
Armament
The main armament of the Caesar Mk2 is the same as the standard version of Caesar. At the rear of the CAESAR is mounted the gun, it’s a complete upper part of the 155 mm 52 calibers upgraded version of the TRF1 towed artillery system. The 155 mm 52 caliber ordnance is fitted with a double baffle muzzle brake and when traveling the ordnance is held in position by a clamp, located to the immediate rear of the cab, which is operated by remote control. CAESAR® is able to provide powerful and accurate firepower (rate of fire: 6 rounds per minute, range: up to 42 km with ERFB) with a large range of conventional and smart ammunition. 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.
Design and Protection
The Caesar Mk2 in Renault Sherpa 5 configuration is equipped with a new armor cabin which ensures protection against small arms and splinters. The new cabin of Caesar® Mk2 is in fact capable of withstanding ballistic level-2 and 3A/2B mine aggressions (as per Stanag 4569). Optional add-on armor for ballistic Level 2 – STANAG 4569 and optional armored cab Level 2 – STANAG 4569 for ballistic protection 2a and 2b against mine, and IED protection.
Propulsion
CAESAR® consists of a 155 mm/52 caliber gun mounted onto a 6x6 chassis coming from a commercial civilian range. Such mobility solutions contribute to reducing the Life Cycle Cost of CAESAR®. The CAESAR® Mk2 Sherpa is based on the chassis of an all-terrain truck 6x6 Renault Sherpa 5, designed and manufactured by Renault Trucks Defense. 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 motorized with 6 cylinders EURO 4 engine with a power of 177 kW at 2300 rpm. Sherpa 5 can run at a maximum speed of 90km/h on road.
Accessories
The Caesar Mk2 Sherpa 5 wheeled self-propelled howitzer Nexter Systems is equipped for the firing with, an artillery gun fire control system, 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
CAESAR® is easy to use and can be operated with a 4/5-man crew ensuring a high degree of survivability through its shoot-and-scoot capability (1min40s after opening fire, CAESAR® has already fired 6 rounds and left its position). CAESAR® is simple to move and easy to deploy over a theatre of operation thanks to its excellent tactical, operational and strategic mobility (off-road capability, ability to use public roads and winding roads, transportable by train, landing ship, C-130, A400M).
 
Specifications
Back to top
Armament
One 155 mm / 52 calibre gun
a
Country users
France, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Thailand
Designer Company
Nexter Systems
Accessories
Gun fire control system, navigation unit system, firing control computer system
Crew
4/5 soldiers
Armor
Protected cab STANAG 4569 - Level 1 or 2 (optional add-on armor for Level 2)
Armored cab (optional)
Weight
Less than 18 tons
Speed
80 km/h on road, 50 km/h off-road
Range
More than 600 km
Dimensions
Length: 10.0 m; Width: 3.7 m; Height: 2.55 m
 
Details View
 
Caesar Mk2 wheeled self-propelled howitzer technical data sheet specifications description information intelligence identification France French Nexter
Caesar Mk2 wheeled self-propelled howitzer technical data sheet specifications description information intelligence identification France French Nexter

Caesar Mk2 wheeled self-propelled howitzer technical data sheet specifications description information intelligence identification France French Nexter
Caesar Mk2 wheeled self-propelled howitzer technical data sheet specifications description information intelligence identification France French Nexter
 
 
 
Pictures - Video
Back to top