20 April 2006

56 Kilometers

the newly-established range of America's Howitzer 2000. From Global Defence Review:

The Howitzer 2000 Tank fired the long-range V-LAP ammunition from DENEL over a distance of more than 56 kilometers during ammunitions tests in South Africa. This result was achieved with six DM72 propellant system modules. This new benchmark for the PzH2000 represents an increase of more than 40 percent compared to ranges of 40 kilometers previously achieved with base-bleed artillery projectiles. The performance certificate was arranged by the German Federal Office of Defense Technology and Procurement (BWB) on behalf of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann at the Alkantpan test range (South Africa). Site boundaries of the testing grounds limited the elevation to a maximum of only 737 mils. Based on sea level standard conditions, the system has a potential range capability of more than 60 km using an elevation of 980 mils. This capability extends the operational envelope of the Howitzer 2000 Tank as a classic 155 mm / 52 Cal. tube artillery weapon into the domain previously reserved for rocket artillery.

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