Built on proven artillery systems such as the AMF3 gun, the 155 GCT AUF1 self-propelled gun and the 155 TRF1 towed gun, CAESAR® is the optimum combination of their features.
Versatility, mobility, easy to operate, combat readiness and survivability are the key features of this new 155 mm/52-calibre weapon system which is fully interoperable with the NATO 39 cal. equipment and 52 cal. JB MoU.
From a mobility and maintenance viewpoint, the self-propelled artillery systems are penalized both by their weight and their tracked chassis.
Towed guns are disadvantaged in terms of manœuvrability and survivability by their size and their design. The genuinely versatile CAESAR® as to it, fills the gap with the innovative solutions it offers and meets the operational requirements, whatever the conflict level, the theatre of operations and the nature of forces involved.
CAESAR® can support all types of motorised, mechanised and armoured units, including rapid deployment forces.
CAESAR® offers enhanced firepower through quicker response, longer range and improved accuracy. It covers larger areas with fewer guns and favours initiative, manœuvring and quick reaction time while minimizing risks.
CAESAR® is effective in each fire mission such as: direct support fire, in-depth action fire, counterbattery fire and even in coastal defence missions.
Specifications
Compactness -
Combat weight < 18 tonnes
Length (châssis) 10 m
Height (châssis) 3,7 m
Width (châssis) 2,55 m
Airportable in a C130 class aircraft (as a single load)
Protection -
Armoured cab
Additional armour (optional)
Mobility -
Tactical mobility and manœuvrability of a 6x6 truck chassis
Road speed > 85 km/h
Cross-country speed 50 km/h
Range ~ 600 km
Central tyre inflation system
Crew and comfort -
Gun and crew 5 men (3 in crisis)
Air conditioned and soundproof cab
Firepower and responsiveness -
155 mm/52-calibre gun conforming to JB MoU.
Capable of firing NATO-standard (39 or 52 calibres) 155 mm and ERFB ammunition.
Automatic laying.
Elevation + 1,160 mils
Traverse ± 300 mils
Gradient and side slope allowed for firing : ± 10°.
18 complete rounds on board.
Hydraulic loading tray (shell) and hydraulic rammer.
Hydraulically-operated screw-breech mechanism.
Automatic primer loading (14-primer drum).
Time into and out of action: less than 1 minute.
Rate of fire: 6 rds/min.
Range: 4.5 km to 42 km.
Reliability of operation -
CAESAR® offers a high level of reliability thanks to numerous monitoring and inhibition systems in particular:
chamber temperature check by sensor (in real time),
presence of backup modes,
fire inhibition prior to breech locking,
emergency stop manual control.
Self-contained ordnance -
Onboard ballistic computer and navigation system.
Hopping frequency radio set.
Muzzle velocity measurement radar.
Can be integrated into any fire control system.
Operators
The first CAESAR® artillery system were delivered on Wednesday 16 July 2008 to the French Army following the qualification pronounced by the French procurement agency (DGA) in June.
71 additionnal systems will be delivered till 2011 according to the contract signed with DGA in December 2004. The five year logistic support will be implemented under the same time frame.
In April 2006, Thailand placed an order for six Caesar systems for the Thai Army, the first export order for the system. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2009.
In July 2006, an order for 80 systems was placed by the Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG). These will be mounted on a Unimog 6x6 chassis. Deliveries are scheduled from 2009 to 2011.