When you think of modern warfare, it might be natural to think of the latest technology and new weapons systems designed to create an unfair fight. But on closer inspection, these weapons for today’s warfighters are often evolutionary leaps on centuries-old ideas.
Take, for instance, the howitzer. A piece of artillery that falls somewhere between a cannon and a mortar, first developed in the 16th century.
Well, 400 years later, Elbit Systems of America has what it thinks is the next evolutionary leap in howitzers. That’s why the Sigma, built by Elbit America, is weapon of the week.
Traditionally, the Army tows howitzers into place, and as part of any combat force’s arsenal, they are an effective, if not cumbersome, piece of the puzzle. But things are starting to change.
“You look at what’s happening in Ukraine using towed howitzers, more manned howitzers, right? You can’t be survivable because of counter battery fire. Mobile howitzers now are the future, and Sigma is our answer to the upcoming Army competition for that,” said Taylor Mercer, senior director of Howitzer Programs at Elbit America.
The Sigma is a 10-wheeled piece of rolling thunder, allowing its three-man crew to stay inside while engaging the enemy. This 155mm, 52-caliber howitzer can move as the battle line moves without towing.
“It’s all one connected unit. It’s based on an Oshkosh truck, right? So what’s what the Army is already using, basically based off of our PLS-type truck from the Army,” Mercer explained. “We call it a mobile artillery platform. The really great thing about it is the crew stays completely inside. So, a three-man crew, they get to stay inside that cabin, and everything else is automated.”
The Army’s current self-propelled artillery system, the M109 Paladin, first entered service in the 1960s. But despite numerous upgrades over the decades and being integral in American military history, the Army knows it’s time for change.
Boasting a 40-round magazine, the largest in the industry, the Sigma, with its high volume of fire and extended combat range, offers the kind of change the Army is looking for.
“So basically, you can fight longer, you can fight further away, and you don’t have to resupply nearly as often,” Mercer said. “So it’s a very unique capability. Obviously, it’s a big system, but because of that size, it allows you massive volume of fire, which is unmatched,”
Designed with the Army’s next-generation command and control initiative in mind, Elbit sees the Sigma as part of a system that will give commanders the ability to act on more and better information faster.
“So, it’ll be able to network with basically anything and everything else on the battlefield. I would expect to see systems like this start moving towards more of an optionally manned configuration,” Mercer added.
To be clear, this is one of many entries in the mobile howitzer marketplace. In August, Straight Arrow News profiled the Hawkeye mobile howitzer made by AM General. Naturally, each system has its pluses and minuses, but Mercer says their entry offers more of what the Army seeks.
“Sigma is very different, not just in volume of fire, but in survivability and mobility,” Mercer said. “Being on a 10×10, it can go anywhere on the battlefield. But most importantly, it’s built on the Oshkosh truck, so it brings commonality. Commonality is key to keeping costs down and the logistics trail short. Having a system already common to the platform makes the Army’s job much easier on how to integrate a brand new artillery system.”
Will the Sigma be part of the Army’s modernization efforts? That’s unclear, but it’s in the mix.
In October, the Army announced the awarding of five contracts for their self-propelled howitzer performance demonstration. Elbit is one of those groups, along with entries from American Rheinmetall Vehicles, BAE Bofors, Hanwha Defense USA and General Dynamics Land Systems.
The hope is that once the decision is made and the contract awarded, the Army can begin fielding the winning system by 2026.
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