Saha Expo International Defense Exhibition Turkey Istanbul

CAESAR Unimog

Version française

Caesar Unimog Nexter Systems wheeled self-propelled howitzer

Description

Technical Data

Specifications

Details view

Pictures - Video

Description

The Caesar (French denomination of Camion Équipé d’un Système d’Artillerie) was designed and manufactured byr the French defense company GIAT, now Nexter Systems. It was unveiled to the public in June 1994. Following trials with this system a decision was taken by Giat Industries to build a pre-production CAESAR and following company trials, this was evaluated by the French Army late in 1998. During these trials, over 120 rounds of 155 mm ammunition were fired. Giat Industries believed there was a significant untouched market for a weapon of this type to bridge the gap between 155 mm heavy self-propelled artillery systems, tracked and wheeled, and 155 mm towed artillery systems. The weapon system is in service and exports followed in large numbers. The system combines all the essential elements of an artillery gun, enabling intensive utilization in any present or future conflict. Mobility, straightforward operation, digitalization, continuous fire capability and survivability are the key points of this weapon system, which is fully interoperable with NATO 39 and 52 calibers through its conformity with the JB MoU 52 caliber equipment. With its mobility (strategic, operational and tactical), its multi-role capability and its firepower, the CAESAR provides land forces with solutions that meet the specific requirements related to projected military actions. It can treat direct support fire, counter-battery fire and in-depth action. In September 2000, the French Ministry of Defence has notified GIAT Industries of a contract concerning the supply of five Caesar howitzers and certain associated services. This order falls within the scope of preparation for the replacement of 155 mm towed howitzers now in service in the Army. In June 2003, five Caesar will be delivered to the French Army. In March 2004, Giat Industries and United Defence Industries of United-States have entered into a joint cooperative agreement to lead marketing efforts in the United States for the Caesar wheeled self-propelled howitzer. The French General Delegation for Armaments (DGA) delivered on July 16 2008 the first series production artillery cannon CAESAR (truck equipped with an artillery system) to the French Army. Seven additional guns will be delivered before the end of 2008. The contract CAESAR notified in December 2004 to Nexter Systems, foresees the development, acquisition and support of 77 guns with deliveries spread until 2011. CAESAR is already a success in the export market. Two contracts were signed, one with Thailand (6 systems), the other with an undisclosed Middle East country (80 systems). Another Cæsar® advantage is its economy. Cost of ownership is about one-quarter of that of a self-propelled track-laying armored vehicle, or two-fifths of that of a wheeled armored vehicle, and is equivalent to that of a towed gun with its hauler.

Variants

- Caesar Nexter Systems with Unimog chassis U2450 6x6
- Caesar Nexter Systems with Renault Trucks Defense Sherpa 5 chassis 6x6

Technical Data

Armament

At the rear of the CAESAR is mounted the gun, it’s a complete upper part of the 155 mm 52 caliber upgraded version of the TRF1 towed artillery system. The 155 mm/52caliber ordnance is fitted with a double baffle muzzle brake and when traveling the ordnance is held in position by a clamp, located to the immediate rear of the cab, which is operated by remote control. The 52 caliber gun gives a range of 25 miles when firing standard shells. The CAESAR® can fire six rounds, shut down the battery configuration and leave its firing position, all in less than two minutes, thus avoiding counter-battery fire.

Design and Protection

A fully enclosed cab has been mounted at the front of the Caesar Nexter Systems and has individual seats for the crew of six. The cab is of welded steel armor and provides protection from small arms fire up to 7.62 mm in caliber and shell splinters. The cab windows are 26 mm thick and the cab is fitted with an air conditioning system.

Propulsion

The CAESAR® gun is built on a Soframe-Unimog 6x6 U2450 cross-country truck chassis. UNIMOG trucks are used by many armed forces and spare parts and logistic support are available in most parts of the world. The engine of the Caesar is a Mercedes-Benz LA 6 cylinder turbocharged diesel developing 240 hp at 2,600 rpm. The transmission is manual, with 8 forward and 1 reverse gear. The mobility of the CAESAR is further improved by the installation of a central tire-pressure regulation system. This allows the driver to adjust the tire pressure to suit the terrain being crossed. All tires are of the run-flat type and power-assisted steering is fitted as standard to reduce driver fatigue.

Accessories

The Caesar wheeled self-propelled howitzer Nexter Systems is equipped for the firing with, an artillery gun fire control system, with a computer in the cab and a remote information display at the rear of the gun, a three-axis gyrolaser inertial navigation unit, facilitating the setting up of the battery configuration and enabling automatic aiming and an automatic shell loading system.

Operational Capacities

When compared with a towed gun and its hauler, the CAESAR® is shorter and requires less space, is far more mobile and maneuverable, both cross-country and on the road, and requires fewer gun crew members (5 operators instead of at least 7). When on the move, gun crew survival is ensured by an armored cab, and the time spent stationary at the firing position is now very short.
The CAESAR® meets the command requirements of precision, a fast fire capability and crew safety, while avoiding collateral damage. To achieve these requirements, the CAESAR® works in a network with higher command systems (battery, battalion, regiment, brigade, etc.). It can be integrated into a C3I firing control system. The CAESAR® also has automatic systems to ensure simple and safe operation. The CAESAR® is air-transportable in a single load by a C130 Hercules and has a road driving range of up to 370 miles.

Specifications