Leonardo Unveils RH1-155/52 HITFIRE Wheeled Artillery System With Full Specs and Features

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Leonardo has unveiled its latest artillery innovation, the RH1-155/52 HITFIRE, a fully automated wheeled artillery system designed to meet the evolving operational needs of the Italian Army. The system was conceived in response to the army’s requirement for wheeled artillery to support two medium brigades, a capability gap that has become increasingly evident in modern conflicts. The ongoing war in Ukraine has highlighted the decisive role of indirect firepower, driving demand for advanced artillery systems capable of delivering rapid, precise, and long-range strikes.

Photo: Leonardo

Developed entirely with Leonardo’s internal funding, the RH1-155/52 HITFIRE represents a bold step forward in European artillery design. While the Italian Army has not yet committed to the program, the system is clearly positioned for both domestic adoption and international export markets. Leonardo’s strategy reflects a growing recognition that modern armed forces require highly mobile, survivable, and technologically integrated artillery platforms to maintain battlefield superiority.

Technical Specifications of RH1-155/52 HITFIRE

At the heart of the RH1-155/52 HITFIRE is a fully automated turret weighing less than 13 tons in combat configuration. The turret houses 30 ready-to-fire rounds and 180 modular charges, ensuring sustained firepower during extended missions. The system is armed with a 155/52 mm gun, derived from the modernization program of the M019L and the Palmaria 155/41 self-propelled howitzer.

Photo: Leonardo

The gun features a chrome-plated 23-liter chamber and a barrel with 48 grooves, capable of elevation from -2.5° to +70°. Recoil forces have been reduced to less than 55 tons, with a recoil length under 900 mm, enhancing stability and accuracy. The automatic loading mechanism is a standout feature, incorporating dual carousel magazines for ammunition and modular charges, robotic arms for handling, and a rigid chain rammer to insert rounds into the chamber. Reliability is ensured by limiting the use of electric motors to just seven, with the remainder of the system relying on mechanical components.

The RH1-155/52 HITFIRE achieves a rate of fire of 10 rounds per minute, a significant benchmark for modern artillery. Its range extends to 42 km with base-bleed projectiles and up to 70 km when firing advanced Vulcano ammunition. The system also supports Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) capability, enabling 5–6 rounds to strike a target at the same time. Importantly, the system is designed to fire while on the move, a critical requirement set by the Italian Army to ensure survivability and responsiveness in dynamic combat environments.

Platform and System Integration

The RH1-155/52 HITFIRE is mounted on a modified VBM Plus 8×8 wheeled platform, with an extended wheelbase of 450 mm to accommodate the turret. The vehicle maintains a combat weight under 35 tons and is powered by a 720 hp engine, delivering a power-to-weight ratio exceeding 20 hp per ton. Its dimensions—11 meters in length, less than 3 meters in width, and under 3.6 meters in height without the Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS)—make it suitable for rapid deployment and maneuverability across diverse terrains.

Photo: Leonardo

Flexibility is a core design principle. The turret can be integrated not only on wheeled platforms but also on tracked vehicles and heavy-duty trucks, offering adaptability for different operational doctrines. The system incorporates Leonardo’s NVGA vetronic architecture, ensuring seamless integration of sensors, fire control, and command-and-control systems. Compatibility with the Joint Digital Indirect Fire Support System (JDIFSS) further enhances interoperability with NATO-standard digital fire support networks, positioning the RH1-155/52 HITFIRE as a future-proof solution for coalition operations.

Protection and Self-Defense Capabilities

Survivability is a critical aspect of modern artillery, and Leonardo has equipped the RH1-155/52 HITFIRE with advanced protection measures. The turret is shielded by composite armor, which can be upgraded depending on mission requirements. The system is fitted with a laser warning receiver and multispectral smoke grenade launchers, providing effective countermeasures against enemy targeting systems.

For close-range defense and counter-drone operations, the platform integrates the HITROLE RCWS mounted on the roof. This remote weapon station can be armed with the Blaze30 30×113 mm cannon capable of firing airburst munitions, or alternatively with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. This dual-option configuration ensures that the RH1-155/52 HITFIRE can defend itself against aerial threats, including drones, as well as ground-based adversaries.

Crew and Operational Efficiency

The RH1-155/52 HITFIRE is designed for maximum automation, reducing crew requirements to just two operators: a driver and a commander, seated in tandem configuration. Both crew members have the ability to control the RCWS, enhancing situational awareness and defensive capability.

Leonardo is developing a fully automated reloading system that will allow the crew to remain protected inside the cabin during ammunition replenishment. Manual loading is limited to primers, a process that is quick and efficient due to the small number required. This high level of automation not only reduces manpower but also minimizes exposure to battlefield threats, aligning with modern doctrines of crew survivability.

Timeline and Development Milestones

The RH1-155/52 HITFIRE has already undergone initial testing, with a technology demonstrator successfully trialed at Nettuno. Leonardo aims to deliver a complete system by mid-2026, with industrial qualification expected by late 2026 or early 2027. This timeline reflects Leonardo’s commitment to rapidly advancing the system from prototype to operational readiness, ensuring that both the Italian Army and potential export customers can access the capability within the next two years.

Military Significance and Export Potential

The introduction of the RH1-155/52 HITFIRE marks a significant milestone in European artillery development. By combining automation, mobility, and long-range precision, Leonardo has created a system that addresses the operational challenges highlighted by recent conflicts. Its ability to fire while moving, sustain high rates of fire, and integrate seamlessly into digital command networks makes it a formidable asset for modern armies.

While the Italian Army has yet to formally adopt the system, the RH1-155/52 HITFIRE is clearly positioned for international markets. Nations seeking to modernize their artillery capabilities, particularly those emphasizing mobility and survivability, are likely to view the system as a competitive option. Leonardo’s decision to fund the program internally demonstrates confidence in its export potential and commitment to maintaining technological leadership in the defense sector.

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