Donar AGM Artillery Gun Module 155mm self-propelled howitzer

: 31 January 2020

Donar 155mm self-propelled autonomous air deployable howitzer

AGM Artillery Gun Module

Description

Technical Data

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Description

The DONAR or AGM (Artillery Gun Module) is a new generation, air-deployable, autonomous and remotely operated 155mm artillery system that addresses the growing need for precise indirect-fire capabilities that can augment or even replace close-air-support operations previously conducted by costly fixed- or rotary-wing aircraft. KMW and General Dynamics land Systems through SBS have decided to jointly develop and market a new generation air deployable (<32 tons), autonomous and remotely operated 155 mm artillery system. Late in 2004, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann revealed that it had built the prototype of a 155 mm self-propelled artillery gun based on the chassis of the US-developed Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). This system is called the Artillery Gun Module (AGM) and has been developed as a private venture to meet the future potential operational requirements of the German Army. DONAR changes conventional artillery doctrine through reduced crew and logistics footprints as well as autonomous operations its is targeted to replace legacy systems as M109, AS90, K9 etc in service in modern armies. The mission spectrum of DONAR ranges from classic artillery fire support missions to active field protection. The autonomous character of the DONAR system allows a consistent step towards networked, centralized command and control.

Variants:

No variants at this time

Technical data

Armament

The DONAR or AGM is armed with a 155mm (52 cal.) cannon. DONAR’s maximum range amounts to more than 56 kilometers. This 155 mm / 52. caliber artillery system combines a full automatic and independent firing module, fully automated loading and laying system with 30 shell magazine. Despite a marked reduction in weight and size, the gun module is operational without any additional stabilization and provides a 360-degree azimuth range. Maximum range of fire depends on projectile and charge combination. It is 30 km with standard and 40 km with rocket-assisted projectile, however using the South African VLAP projectile a range of 56 km can be achieved. The maximum rate of fire is 6 rounds per minute; however, this might be increased to 8 in production systems. The DONAR gun is the same as that used for the self-propelled howitzer PzH2000.

Protection

The DONAR or AGM hull is made in all-welded steel armor that provides the occupants with protection from small arms fire and shell splinters. As an option mine protection system and armor kit can be fitted for a higher level of protection. To the front of the crew position are three large bulletproof windows.

Propulsion

The DONAR or AGM uses a modified chassis of General Dynamics ASCOD 2 IFV. The vehicle is fitted with an MTU diesel engine, developing 720 hp and auxiliary power unit. Suspension is of the torsion bar type with either side having seven dual rubber-tired road wheels with the drive sprocket at the front, idler at the rear and track return rollers. Upper part of the suspension is protected by a rubber skirt. The DONAR can run at a maximum speed of 60 km/h with a maximum range of 500 km.

Accessories

Thanks to the system's autonomy, the DONAR fits seamlessly into the networked and centralized command and control system (network-centric warfare). The Donar is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems. Standard equipment includes an inertial reference unit with a GPS (Global Positioning System) connection. It also has a muzzle velocity measuring system that feeds information into the onboard fire-control system. Krauss-Maffei Wegmann claims that the AGM can engage moving as well as stationary targets. A vehicle independent auxiliary power unit is installed as standard and this allows the complete AGM to be run with the main MLRS carrier engine shut down. The DONAR can be airlifted by the Airbus A400M, however it is too large for current C-130 Hercules and C-160.

Specifications

Armament

one 155/52 gun
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Country users

No customer at this time

Designer Company

General Dynamics European Land Systems and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann

Accessories

NBC protection system, Automatic fire control system

Crew

Armor

Basic protection against light and heavy machine gun and artillery splinters