RCH 155 Boxer 8x8 Mobility Protection Automation Firepower

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The new protected howitzer RCH 155 (Remote Controlled Howitzer 155mm) merges the firepower and extended reach of the remote-operated Artillery Gun Module with the mobility and protection of the combat-proven BOXER wheeled armored vehicle. This integration creates a highly versatile artillery system designed for modern battlefield requirements.

Credit: KNDS

The combination of the NATO-JBMoU 155mm/L52 gun with the unmanned AGM mounted on the BOXER chassis delivers a unique level of effectiveness. The system achieves a firing range of up to 54 kilometers, offering full azimuth coverage and all elevation angles without external support. This synthesis ensures operational flexibility and superior firepower across diverse combat scenarios.

A large ammunition reserve, rapid resupply capability, and a stable firing platform are central to the system’s efficiency. Precision aiming, an autoloading mechanism, and autonomous navigation and fire control functions establish the RCH 155 as a benchmark for wheeled tube artillery. These features enable sustained operations with minimal crew intervention while maintaining high accuracy.

The fire control system integrates advanced ballistic computation and secure radio data transmission, allowing seamless connection to the customer’s chosen artillery command network. Its ammunition matrix is compatible with both current and future JBMoU-standard projectiles, ensuring long-term adaptability.

Credit: KNDS

The vehicle is equipped with a fully automated projectile loading system with inductive fuze programming, a modular charge handling mechanism, and an electrically driven gun laying system. Direct laying through optronics is available as an optional capability, further enhancing tactical flexibility.

Crew safety and survivability are supported by multiple protective measures. These include an NBC protection and ventilation system, automatic fire detection and suppression in both the power pack and crew compartments, and optional 360-degree defensive coverage through a remote weapon station and smoke grenade launchers. Heating and cooling systems for both the AGM and crew compartment ensure operational readiness in varied climates.

The system architecture is network-based, enabling maximum automation and efficiency. This design not only enhances current operational performance but also provides a foundation for future upgrades, including autonomous driving and firing capabilities. Built-in test equipment ensures continuous monitoring and rapid fault detection, reducing maintenance demands.

Credit: KNDS

Developed from extensive joint fire operations, the RCH 155 demonstrates complete autonomy in command, navigation, and fire control. Its inherent stability opens new mission possibilities such as engaging moving targets or providing defensive fire for encampments. These capabilities expand the operational envelope beyond traditional artillery roles.

With a combat load of 30 fuzed projectiles and fully automated operating modes, the system is designed for sustained high-intensity engagements. The integration of advanced automation with battlefield-proven components positions the RCH 155 as one of the most forward-looking artillery systems available today.

Key Features of the RCH 155 Artillery System

  • Automation, Mobility, and Protection: RCH 155 is a highly mobile, protected, and fully automated artillery system designed to deliver advanced firepower while ensuring operational flexibility and crew safety. Built around modern battlefield requirements, it integrates automation, mobility, and protection into a single platform, offering a significant leap in artillery technology.
  • Crew Protection and Armored Module: The system employs an unmanned, remote-controlled Artillery Gun Module that allows operations to be conducted with minimal crew exposure. A two-person team is housed in the armored BOXER drive module, which provides ballistic protection against heavy machine gun fire of up to 14.5 mm, artillery fragments, and mine threats. The crew compartment is equipped with heating and cooling systems to maintain operational endurance in diverse climates, while an NBC-protected ventilation system ensures survivability in contaminated environments.
  • Main Gun and Ammunition Compatibility: At the core of the RCH 155 is the 155mm/L52 main gun, capable of firing JBMoU-compatible projectiles. This weapon delivers superior range and destructive effect, with the ability to integrate future projectiles up to 1,000 mm in length. The gun’s design supports a high rate of fire and long-range precision, making it suitable for both conventional and advanced munitions.
  • Automated Loading and Weapon Alignment: The platform incorporates a fully automated loader for both projectiles and charges, enabling firing at any elevation or azimuth without manual intervention. This automation ensures rapid response and sustained firepower. The weapon alignment system includes coincidence monitoring of barrel position, guaranteeing accuracy even during dynamic operations.
  • Mobility and Tactical Maneuverability: Mobility is a defining feature of the RCH 155. Its flexible wheel configuration provides maximum tactical maneuverability, allowing rapid repositioning across varied terrain. The system’s “shoot and scoot” capability ensures that it can fire and relocate quickly to avoid counter-battery fire. Additionally, it supports multiple round simultaneous impact missions, delivering concentrated firepower on targets with precise timing.
  • Stable Firing Platform and Engagement Versatility: The stable firing platform allows 360-degree engagement across the full elevation range without the need for support legs, even when using the maximum number of charges. This capability ensures uninterrupted firepower in fast-changing combat scenarios. The system is also able to engage moving targets on land and at sea, expanding its operational versatility.
  • Autonomous Navigation and Fire Control: Autonomous navigation and fire control systems are integrated into the RCH 155, reducing crew workload and enhancing battlefield effectiveness. The network-based system architecture provides significant potential for future upgrades, including remote-controlled driving and firing, paving the way for unmanned operations.
  • Reliability and Optional Enhancements: Reliability is ensured through the use of proven technology and component assemblies derived from the PzH 2000, a system with a strong track record in modern artillery operations. Optional enhancements include day and night 360-degree surveillance, self-protection via a remote-controlled weapon station, and the use of Barracuda camouflage nets to reduce detection.

Technical Data of the RCH 155 Boxer 8x8

Primary Armament

  • 155mm/L52 main gun (JBMoU-compatible)
    A modern NATO-standard artillery gun capable of firing a wide range of ammunition types, ensuring interoperability with allied forces.

Rate of Fire

  • More than 8 rounds per minute
    High firing speed for a self-propelled howitzer, allowing rapid saturation of targets and effective fire support.

Laying Range

  • Azimuth: 360° (+/- 220°)
    Full rotation capability, enabling engagement of targets in any direction without repositioning the vehicle.
  • Elevation: -2.5° to +65°
    Wide elevation range allows both direct fire at close targets and indirect fire at long distances.

Combat Range

  • Up to 40 km with base-bleed projectiles
    Extended range ammunition reduces drag for longer reach.
  • Up to 54 km with V-LAP projectiles
    Rocket-assisted rounds for maximum distance.
  • Longer ranges possible with advanced ammunition (e.g., VULCANO, EXCALIBUR)
    Precision-guided munitions increase effectiveness against distant or moving targets.

Ammunition Supply

  • 30 fuzed projectiles / 144 modular charges
    Onboard storage ensures sustained fire missions without immediate resupply.

Fuze Programming

  • Inductive programming during ramming process
    Modern system allows precise fuze settings (airburst, delay, impact) automatically during loading.

Secondary Armament

  • Optional remote-controlled weapon station / Multi-Purpose Grenade Launcher
    Provides close-range defense against infantry, drones, or light vehicles.

Direct Laying

  • Optional optronics or remote-controlled weapon station
    Enables direct fire capability for self-defense or urban combat scenarios.

Combat Weight

  • Less than 40 metric tons
    Relatively light for a heavy artillery system, improving mobility and reducing logistical burden.

Dimensions (L x W x H)

  • Length: 10.50 m / Width: 2.99 m / Height: 3.61 m
    Compact enough for road transport and strategic mobility, yet large enough to house advanced systems.

Engine Performance

  • Up to 600 kW / 815 HP
    Powerful engine ensures high mobility even in rough terrain.

Speed

  • More than 100 km/h (road)
    Exceptional speed for an artillery vehicle, enabling rapid redeployment and shoot-and-scoot tactics.

Range

  • More than 700 km (road)
    Long operational range allows extended missions without frequent refueling.