Land Weapons

Self-Propelled Gun (1998)

Krauss-Maffei Wegmann

PzH 2000

PzH 2000

The Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH 2000) is a German-designed 155-mm self-propelled howitzer that was designed following the cancelation of the multinational SP-70 program for a new SPG to replace the M109 which was in service with most NATO countries at the time. The PzH 2000 is constructed of all-welded steel which contrasts to the aluminum hull of the M109, the driver is seated at the front right with the powerplant to his left. Both engine and transmission can be removed as a complete unit which facilitates maintenance. The PzH 2000's turret is located at the rear and houses as purposely-built 155-mm L/52 howitzer which is considerably longer-barreled than late-version M109s, and can fire at ranges of 30-40 km; in one trial a range of 67 km was achieved. Equally impressive is the rate of fire which can achieve eight rounds per minute with sustained fire as well as a burst rate of three rounds in just over nine seconds. An integrated fire-control system as well as datalinks to external command posts allows it to fire accurately from unprepared firing positions and gives it excellent shoot-and-scoot capabilities to avoid counter-battery fire: the PzH 2000 can undertake a fire mission just two minutes after receiving the order. Defensive armament consists of a 7.62-mm machine gun and additional armor can be fitted to the roof for protection against top attack munitions. NBC protection is also provided. Following its adoption by the German Army, the PzH 2000 received numerous orders by other NATO allies who were also seeking a replacement for the M109, these included Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, and Netherlands, in addition to Croatia and Qatar. Dutch and German units have been used in combat in Afghanistan. More recently, the PzH 2000 has been provided to Ukraine where they have been used extensively with no known losses recorded by the end of 2022.

Prototypes of the PzH 2000 began development following the cancellation of the SP-70 program in 1986, with the design selected in 1990. There are no variants aside from the original model, although license-produced versions are known to use domestic components from their respective countries.

Preceded by:

M109 (1963)

Succeeded by:

None

Datafile

DesignPzH 2000
TypeSelf-Propelled Gun
Year1998
Crew5
Dimensions
Length (w/Gun)7.30 m (11.67 m)
Width3.580 m
Height3.460 m
Ground Clearance0.440 m
Track0 m
Track Width550 mm
Track on Ground4.910 m
Weight
Combat55,330 kg
Ground Pressure0.98 kg/cm²
SuspensionTorsion bar
Performance
Speed (Off-Road)60 km/h
Range (Off-Road)420 km
AmphibiousNo
Vertical Obstacle1 m
Trench3 m
Gradient50%
Side Slope25%
Powerplant
Engine1 x 1,000-hp
MTU
881
FuelDiesel
Power/Weight18.07 hp/t
Armament
Main
Secondary:
1 x 7.62-mm
MG 3
Armor
TypeSteel
Thickness-
Max Effective-
Production
Builtn/a
Total0

Gallery