PzH 2000
Channel: Main Battle Tank
Date: 2023-02-10

In 1987, the German Ministry of Defense began the self-propelled howitzer development program designated as the PzH 2000 (or "Panzerhaubitze 2000"). The roots of the new gun platform stemmed from the SP70 international howitzer project sponsored by West Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy in the late 1960's. All three countries came to the conclusion that improvements had to be made in the indirect fire control system. Five prototypes were ultimately produced but the project was shelved in the 1980's because of funding, technical issues and interest in the American M109 155-mm self-propelled howitzer. The three participating countries from the SP70 program did, however, gain valuable experience in the development of self-propelled platforms and this experience resulted in the British AS90 "Braveheart", the export-minded Italian OTO-Melara Palmaria, and the German PzH-2000 artillery systems. German firm Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and their subcontractor, Rheinmetall Landsysteme, designed the PzH 2000 in 1996 and began production in 1998. The German Army subsequently purchased 185 such units with future plans to buy 53 more examples.

The Germans proved their mastery of armored warfare in World War 2. By the end of the conflict, there were soundly-developed doctrines fielding combinations of battle tank, tank destroyer and self-propelled gun (SPG) platforms as cohesive mobile units. SPG platforms could bring their artillery-minded power to bear on fortifications and troop positions whilst battle tanks and destroyers could concentrated on enemy armor. While the end of the war brought about a divided Germany, West Germany went on to develop the impressive Leopard 1 main battle tank in 1965, leaving the East with access to a general supply of Soviet armor designs during the Cold War. The Leopard 2 was a much-improved extension of the Leopard 1 series, this follow-up German design beginning operation in 1979 and quickly established herself as one of the more potent main battle tank offerings in the world. It was only understandable that, once Germany (and thusly the German military) was again unified after 1989, the German Army would eventually turn to an indigenous self-propelled gun platform to compliment her fast-moving Leopard tanks.

Though there is always more to a weapon's success than just the hardware inside, there are, however, times when the job simply needs a very big, capable gun. The PzH 2000 self-propelled gun is aptly-fitted with a 155mm/L52 caliber main gun comprised of and a 25-foot long barrel designed to use standard NATO 155mm ammunition. The barrel is fitted with a muzzle break and projectile case ejector. The turret rotating and howitzer aiming devices are based on electric mechanisms which are generally safer and more reliable than hydraulic units. Built into the 55-ton behemoth is storage for up to 60 projectiles. Projectiles maintain a maximum range of 30km when firing the HE/FRAG standard round and up to 40km with rocket-assisted projectiles. The maximum rate-of-fire is almost 10 rounds-per-minute in a 360-degree arc. The excellent range and inherent rate-of-fire is an advantage of the PzH 2000 system. The main gun has an elevation range from -2.5 to +65 degrees and the traverse range is a full 360-degrees allowing for maximum coverage.

The PzH 2000 is powered by a supercharged MTU MT881 Ka-500 diesel engine that develops upwards of 1,000 horsepower. The power-to-weight ratio is 13.4 W/t with a rating of 736kW. The MTU system is tied to a Renk HSWL 284C transmission. When the main engine is off, a small auxiliary engine is provided to operate command-and-control systems as well as systems required for crew comfort. The engine and transmission are fitted towards the front of the hull for improved forward protection while the turret is mounted towards the rear.