Analysis: Discover Higher Combat Capabilities of RCH 155 Howitzer Compared to Conventional Artillery Systems.

A combat simulation conducted by KNDS Germany reveals the potential of the future German Army RCH 155 wheeled howitzer in the context of anti-tank defense. According to KNDS, the simulation shows some surprising effects of the RCH 155 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer- which can conduct fire combat while moving - even in comparison with the most modern artillery systems such as the tracked howitzer PzH 2000: The wheeled howitzer could not only attack more targets, it also had a 50 percent lower failure rate due to enemy action.
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The results from the KNDS simulation highlight several key advantages of the RCH 155 wheeled howitzer over the conventional PzH 2000 tracked howitzer.  (Picture source: KNDS Germany)

The basic idea behind the combat simulation is based on the idea that in the future, enemy tanks should be struck when these enemy forces themselves are not yet in a position to take effect. In order for this to succeed, both the ability to keep a distance and sufficient precision are required. In this context, a successful strike against the enemy would describe a situation in which the enemy has lost at least 70 percent of its forces, which, according to Westerman's statements, can only be achieved in a direct combat unit against combat unit based on current knowledge. However, the simulation showed that this is also possible through indirect fire.

Both artillery batteries were equipped with a typical combat load - as is also common in the German army. The howitzers therefore also had a certain contingent of SMArt ammunition (search-fuzed artillery ammunition). While the first battery was tasked with fighting in depth (e.g. holding down advancing forces, fighting enemy artillery), the second battery was to devote itself exclusively to fighting mechanized forces using precise indirect fire. The targets were reconnaissance using a large number of inexpensive micro-drones.

As a variation, the second battery was equipped with RCH 155 wheeled howitzers in one run and with PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers in another run. There were also variations in the use of the RCH 155. On the one hand, the RCH 155 was used in one of the simulation runs in the classic "shoot & scoot" manner, just like the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer. In this procedure, the RCH 155 had to stop for the duration of the firefight and conduct it from a standing position. Furthermore, one of the variations envisaged that the RCH would conduct mobile firefight, where the wheeled howitzer itself did not remain stationary for the duration of the firefight. The ability to fire while moving is unique in the world and was derived by the KNDS engineers from the functioning of stabilization systems such as those used in main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. A computer constantly calculates the current position of the vehicle and the gun. If the barrel direction deviates from the calculated target point, the gun is adjusted. The computer only fires the shot when the gun is aimed exactly at the target.

The results were remarkable, as von Westerman explained in an interview with hartpunkt. According to him, the RCH 155 was able to "fire so much and so early that dramatic effects occurred from the enemy's perspective." While the classic "shoot & scoot" runs resulted in losses of around ten wheeled howitzers and self-propelled howitzers and around 31 enemy combat vehicles were eliminated, an average of 35 enemy systems were destroyed in the "mobile" operation, with only 5.6 RCH 155s failing.

In this context, the KNDS manager pointed out that the simulation in the "mobile" variant was over after just 40 minutes because all of the wheeled howitzers had used up their entire ammunition supply. In a simulation variant in which the entire combat load consisted of SMArt ammunition, 250 percent more kills were achieved in mobile operations, compared to just 30 percent in classic operations.

In addition, other parameters were experimented with and their effects on the result were investigated. For example, an increased sensor range of the drones increased the effectiveness of the RCH 155 by around 10 percent. An increased guidance range of the SMArt ammunition also increased the effectiveness of the mobile wheeled howitzer by around 10 to 20 percent.

The results from the KNDS simulation highlight several key advantages of the RCH 155 wheeled howitzer over the conventional PzH 2000 tracked howitzer. One of the most significant capabilities of the RCH 155 is its ability to fire while moving, a feature derived from advanced stabilization systems. This capability not only enhances the survivability of the artillery unit by reducing its exposure time to enemy counterfire but also allows for continuous repositioning, complicating enemy targeting efforts.

In terms of effectiveness, the RCH 155's ability to engage more targets and achieve higher kill ratios with lower failure rates showcases its superior combat performance. The wheeled howitzer's performance in the "mobile" mode was particularly noteworthy, achieving an average destruction of 35 enemy systems compared to 31 in the "shoot & scoot" mode, with significantly fewer losses of its own units.

Furthermore, the simulation results indicated that the integration of advanced munitions like SMArt, along with improved drone reconnaissance capabilities, substantially boosts the RCH 155's effectiveness. The dramatic increase in kill rates during mobile operations when using SMArt ammunition underscores the importance of precision-guided munitions in modern artillery warfare.

In conclusion, the RCH 155 wheeled howitzer demonstrates considerable advancements in mobility, precision, and survivability compared to traditional tracked systems like the PzH 2000. Its ability to conduct effective fire missions while on the move, combined with its reduced vulnerability to enemy actions, positions it as a formidable asset in modern and future combat scenarios. The enhancements in sensor and guidance technologies further amplify its potential, making it a pivotal component of the German Army's artillery capabilities.