Thanks for watching! The RCH-155 is an incredible system with some groundbreaking features, but does it live up to the hype? Share your thoughts below-what’s your favorite self-propelled artillery system, and how does it compare to this one? I’ll be reading and replying to your comments. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more military tech deep dives!
Looks impressive but greatly increases reliance on automation (more a malfunction/EMP liability) and positioning systems which are increasingly being spoofed (e.g. some estimates jamming decreasing Excalibur initial hit accuracy from 70% to 5% despite countermeasures)
@@chinesesparrows Good thing that it is a Artillery so its closer to the depot for repairsor maybe can even fixed on the field, being in at the frontline in a MBT having that issues well that is a whole different story.
@@butwheresthebeef We'll see about this one as it's not a conversion, but it was intended for various modules from the start. Maybe they overbuilt the suspension enough to work even with the 155 mm gun.
it's amazing to put it on the Boxer. All Boxer mechanics can work on it and after driving on a mine you could probably mount the turret onto a new Boxer and you're ready to go again.
I read about it. The decision to get rid of the stabilizers was in the very core of the design considerations and after some tests, it turned out to be no problem.
The module is even more important then you think.....you service one , while having another operating and if something goes south, you just switch the modules. The change can be done within an hour.
@@Monkey-ud8bw As far as I know, the RCH155 does not use the “normal” boxer. It probably had to be reinforced due to the 155mm. But, if you talking about the normal Boxer, you can change modules in 30-90 min.
The Chassis and Tires have been changed and the module uses six clamps instead of the four of older versions (with downward capability). This allows for 40t. This configuration ist named Future Common Drive Module, Has been developed for Australian and British needs and will implemented in all future procurements (like the Dutch and German IFV variant)
They label it 'over-engineering' because, let's be honest, their own attempts at engineering are more like assembling IKEA furniture blindfolded! :D Greets from Germany
I think overengineering gets often confused with overvaluation. If a system has the exact same functionality, reliability and durability as a less complicated one, you could indeed call it over-engineered. But if there is a tiny difference that you somehow consider a significant advantage, then it doesn't deserve that title. Well, you can of course debate whether you really need it or not. Like buying a car because it has 1 more horsepower than another. But that's a different discussion.
@@sagichnichtsowiesonicht7326 Reloading is automated. Only the automatic loader pushes the gun into the cannon and there is no one sitting in the turret. There is only the driver and the comander in the crew
Yes absolut right but the most People didn't understand to much about that.About the move it's much longer possible but didn't needed in the past was a buff Time to move about counter battery.They adapt that system 😉it's only mathematics with Sensors and Computer to stabilise in milliseconds....take care ✌️
@@joelau2383 No, it is accurate with regular, unguided rounds. It uses technology that has been used on naval guns on ships for a long time, where the fire command doesn't immediately fire the gun, but the computer waits till the barrel is in the right position before firing. It is basically the same thing as the computer on a Segway or one of those electrical unicycles, which checks the position of the device in space 1000 times per second or so and in the case of the gun, only fires if it detects that desired position and actual position are identical.
I'm not an artillery man, but I understand the principles behind the various abilities it is capable of. It's really pretty awesome. Thank you Matt! Please keep the videos coming!
Not according to ukrainian experience on the field. Like 70% of Pzh2000 were out of action because of mechanical issues (still are ? nobody speak about them anymore). And it couldn't handle firing more than 120 shells per day. German army doctrine call for firing more than 300 shells per days per guns in a high intensity warfare scenario, but the pzh2000 couldn't even do half of it in Ukraine without failing. Like german soldiers often says, the german army is more of a showcase for german defense companies gears, than a coherent force.
@karakiri283 There's an Interview where a Ukrainian Artillerman said they fired 220 rounds a day at first. Thats an absolutely insane amount of abuse if we consider an artillery will need barrel replacement after 2500-4500 rounds.
Drones are the real enemy of land vehicles and soldiers...as seen in Ukraine, drones have changed the modern battle field...any soldier on the fighting front needs only one mission...dig deep and hide...
Someone who has worked with automation in industrial industry, I'm curious to see reliability, considering the felt recoil on the system. Very impressive!
10 of this, in 2 lines 5-to-5, like a chessboard layout, in move, ... will enable to lit. drive a def. line down, from afar, while widespread hitting the line on the move....this is really a dangerous point.
It's not the standard boxer suspension they use in the RCH 155. Honestly i'm more concerned with how the system clears the barrel after every shot in order to prevent premature explosions.
Counterbattery fire can be pure murder, but with a shoot and scoot vehicle one can stop for a minute and take the time to give your shells the best trajectory with least variation. I'd be uncomfortable with much longer times (the shorter the time the better), one has to be well outside the response fire's CEP ellipse when the strike lands. Never assume the enemy hasn't got their guns pointing in roughly the right direction and elevation just by chance.
If your enemy is that lucky, it doesn't matter if you fire on the move or stationary. Besides, it still take at least a few minutes to prepare counter battery fire after your initial shot.
Visual lost data suggests, that artillery systems on both sides are lost overwhelmingly to drones, not to counter-artillery. Shoot and scoot won't help you much against a drone following you.
Matt I miss the old poppy and the intro music but I love how the content has been awesome the past few years, super super informative and a great presentation
KMW has shown the prototype of a tracked Boxer chassis and I wonder how effective the RCH-155 module would be with that tracked chassis. I may be mistaken but I think KMDS is also working on a wheeled howitzer prototype for the US Army which would basically be the RCH-155 turret integrated on 10x10 truck chassis which resembles the HEMTT 10x10 truck. I'm wondering how resupply is done and if under-armor resupply, similar to what some tracked howitzers can do, is possible.
So far nobody seems interested in the tracked Boxer chassis. The PzH 2000 already offers most of the capabilities (maybe the others can be added as well) in a tracked platform, is battle proven and carries twice the ammunition.
The first time the AGM (Artillery Gun Module, the turret) was shown to the public, it was mounted on a tracked vehicle and the system was called Donar (aka Thor).
The RCH was already ordered by UK and Switzerland and Germany. As an Artilleryman you didn't mention if the MRSI is for only 3 or the usual 5-6 rounds. It would be quite important. The increased CEP for the fire on the move too.
This is the artillery system I have been waiting for, and I am thrilled i fits on a Piranha IV chassis. I suspect that is the current candidate for Denmark to replace the CAESAR donated to Ukraine. I wonder why it needs a 10*10 chassis. That is possibly the suspension of the Piranha. The other salient point is: It uses max. charge 6 - to get greater range it is smarter to extend it using more expensive shells. Due to the nature of the sound barrier, very little is gained using charge 8. And it absolutely smashes the suspension - or you need the spades which is not conductive to scoot. The main argument is that in brigade with Boxers or Piranha's the ICV's need artillery that can keep up with it when going flat out on the Autobahn. Actually I think the price of the piece is justified in saving the number of rounds it consumes - accuracy has a quality all of it own.
>**I wonder why it needs a 10*10 chassis. That is possibly the suspension of the Piranha.** Yeah, consider that the 8x8 Piranha - even though itself a big boi - is significantly lighter and smaller than the Boxer.
I think the most interesting aspect is the use of Boxer. These are about 4-5 million euros each, I think. If this is not too much then we might see an explosion of incredible boxer modules that we wouldn't have imagined being possible until we saw this one.
There are some modules out there right now check out Jupiter is a version with a Laser on top :) Troop Transport Vehicle (GTFz): For transporting infantry groups, accommodating up to eight soldiers. Ambulance Vehicle: For transporting wounded personnel, equipped with medical gear and staff. Command Vehicle: Equipped with modern communications and command systems. Driver Training Vehicle: For training drivers with special training equipment. Heavy Joint Fire Support Team (JFST): For artillery command and support, with heavy weaponry. Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle: With a 30-mm cannon for fire support. Artillery Gun Module (RCH 155): An unmanned artillery module with a 155-mm cannon. Mortar Mission Module (MWS81): Equipped with an 81-mm mortar for indirect fire. Bridge Layer: Capable of laying bridges of various lengths. Recovery Module: For recovery and repair missions, equipped with a crane and winch. Engineer Squad Vehicle: Specifically equipped for mine clearance and other engineering tasks. Battle Damage Repair Vehicle: For quick repairs on the front line. Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV): Specifically for the Australian Army, for reconnaissance and surveillance. Command and Control (C2): Various versions for command tasks. Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle: A variant with a Lance turret for reconnaissance and combat. Fire Control Tank: For coordinating air defense systems. Qualified Air Defense: A drone defense system with a remote weapon station and radar. Wheeled Infantry Fighting Vehicle: With the Puma's RCT30 turret. HEL Module (Jupiter): A project for high-energy laser for drone defense. Skyranger-30 AA: An air defense module with an Oerlikon KCA 30×173 mm cannon and various sensors. RCT120 Unmanned Turret Solution: With a 120-mm cannon, RWS, and Spike LR2 missiles. Boxer Dragoon: A customized variant with a specialized mission module for the British Army, featuring an RT60 turret.
This is absolutely a gamechanger indeed, as I love the PzH 2000 I must say this is getting probably near №1 status, especially on the Piranha chassis it looks so cool.
Just a thought, perhaps this is indicating how SPG are privileged candidates for the automation and autonomy of effectors. Respect to MBTs and IFVs, an SPG might lean more toward executing a received mission rather than reaction to the changes of a situation in direct contact with the enemy. Robustness of communication remains an issue, but it is already there for receiving the missions themselves. If so, the autonomy of an SPG could be an easier nut to crack, technologically speaking, at least for the near future. When reaction in direct contact prevails, in the short term FPV should instead remain important.
I fully agree to your assessment regarding rocket artillery. They will remain uncontested with the capability of tactical mine laying like the AT2 and of course as a platform for specialised ordonance like ATACMs and whatever comes up next.
rocket atillery cant be sustain in a longer conflict in MY opinion. The rockets are to expensive for a hughe stockpile. If the RCH delivers and can acuratly hit its target, rocket artillery can see a drop in importance.
I would imagine they can't do it firing max range, but maybe pretty accurate to several km's, especially in direct fire Id be interested to see what the dispersion is while moving, too. It would definitely make it more difficult for S&R platforms and counter-battery to pin them down
@@theimmortal4718 i dont see why a atrillery shell or gun cant precisley located in a driving situation. I imaging that the driver needs to put a targeted speed fo X seconds in a gps or other computer. I dont think its to complicated in principle if you know the position of the shell/gun for the next i.e. 3 seconds. The needed precises workflows of making the RCH could be another topic of its own.
bro i had to check for a second when i woke up that autoplay didn't send me down to the Rheinmetall advertismivideo hell and that i was still on the land of the living algo path lmao well done
also does anyone else find their feed go into insane 6+ hour total war/warhammer scrim match playlists when they fall asleep and let the autoplay cook for a couple hrs i think i'm cooked 💀
Bearing in mind the Boxer's modularity, is this system also detachable? If so, fitted with the correct rig/frame, it strikes me that this system can be fitted to any ship's deck (merchant or otherwise), giving some mighty powerful, fire on the move, offshore artillery support.
That would work until the salt water utterly messes up all the mechanical parts. That's what killed the MONARC (PzH 2000 turret on frigate) program - the turret worked fine, but proofed too hard to navalize and make salt water resistant
The RCH-155 is also mounted on the Mowag Piranha IV 10×10. I LOVE the Boxer and its modularity. But I think the RCH-155 mounted on the Piranha 10X10 looks even a bit cooler/less overmatched than on the Boxer. ☮
For Germany it will be a wheeled SPG (almost certainly this) to keep up with the new medium forces for long and fast road marches to the Baltics with the Boxer APC and IFV version, while the PZH2000 will remain with the heavy forces going with the Leopard 2 and Puma.
To have a 155 mm howitzer. That can be like a Tank as well is a game changer. No Tank on the battlefield will be safe. It will have to be, first view , first kill in order to destroy this beast of a machine. 😵💫😎
Drone technology is probably going to evolve much faster than conventional weapons development. I question whether any large system is going to be survivable on a battlefield controlled by smarter and smarter drones with longer and longer ranges.
@@callsigndd9ls897 This is true, Ukrainians are now using drones armed with multiple shotguns to take down Russian drones. But as AI advances so will drone autonomy and capabilities. It all depends on how fast AI advances. A battlefield dominated by fully autonomous and highly intelligent drones is going to a truly dangerous placed to be.
Do not forget the 155mm Vulcano guided round able to hit a tank size target on the move 120km away. So far, other then Ukraine, Germany, GB, Switzerland, Italy and possibly Qatar selected the system, Swiss selected the Mowag 10x10 platform while Italy has bit confirmed the base platform for the turret. Spain, Netherland showed Interest, while the USA seem to have chosen a BAE system instead.
If I remember correctly you dont even have to relocate to refill this vehicle. I believe there is a conveyer belt mechanism at the side of the turret where a supply truck can come in and refill it by "docking on" and resupplying to then quickly get away again. I think you can even do this whilst shooting, the turret has to remain stationary tho.
I leanred about this little guy a few years ago and for some odd reason my first thought was "... MONARC 2.0 anyone? ie mount one or better several of these puppers onto a ship and give it a go for testing it as both an anti-ship weapon and off-shore bombardments"
RHC-155 is an absolute gamechanger in the counter-artillery-fire dimension. Basically, nobody will ever hit it by calculating its firing position and sarutating the area with artillery. at the same time, it significantly outreaches any of its likely opponents guns. in short: it will win the artillery duel. BUT. The main thread is not the artillery duel any more. Its getting spotted moving into a position by a 10k $ Orlan and getting destroyed still on the move with a dozend FPVs, a salvo of lancets or a MLRS strike. Thats why many ukrainians say: shoot and scoot is dead. They dig a deep, concrete lined, roofed dugout in a forest. They shoot and scoot 200 m in and out. Then they hide again. Sure, the RCH-155 can do that too. But you dont need a 12m € system for this. Automation can be a blessing and a curse. Sure, you only need 2 soldiers driving the gun. But you will need 5 trained mechanics and a steady supply of spare parts to keep it running for months of intense combat. those might be much harder to come by than a 40 years old man who just stoffs propellent into the gun whenever needed. So basically: its a revolution of classical artillery in a time where classical artillery might be getting vunerable. But it is not obvious that it is the correct revolution for this war. Mayby 5 Bohdanas for the same price are just better.
I see your points, but you have to think about one thing, concerning Ukraine: Its a slow war. There is no real dynamic like at the start, or the first counteroffence anymore. Because in these cases, i think such a highly mobile artillery would be gold.
Wondering why M109 User nations haven't installed Rheinmetalls L52 yet. Has been tested and it works. You can't get a cheaper more cost effective upgrade than by just switching the gun.
While impressive its development was only a question of time, the wear and tear on this is brutal. Every time that thing fires the whole vehicle gets warped. The repair/overhaul/replace times, this are the really relevant numbers for a system like this.
Downsides that I could see are maybe accuracy and off-road mobility. Not that those questions could really be answered publicly. The main use I see for this would be to quickly get into range, shoot, then move further back to safety/reload.
So question: The way it bounces around after firing to absorb the recoil, doesn't that affect the accuracy ? Or is the bouncing taking place after the round has left the barrel
The ammo capacity isn't that bad in comparison: The basic M109 stored 34 rounds, the larger Paladin stored 43, the German M109G had only 28. The wheeled Bodana can carry 20 rounds, CAESAR 18. The soviet 2S19 or the Korean K9 Thunder carry 50 rounds, the PzH 2000 is a mobile ammo bunker with 60 rounds. And favorite howitzer is the M110, but the PzH 2000 is of course the best contemporary system IMHO.
favorite sph - 2s1, 2s3, m109 and ... Dana with G-6. all of them good in some areas and bad in others. Matsimus, how it feels to see a tube (both towed and sp) arty going into darkness of history?
Hey Matsimus, In the Video I've spotted a version with 5 Axles instead of the 4 Axles on the Boxer (19:28). Was it just an early Prototype? Just Curious. Thanks for your awesome Work.
Well…all things equal. My fav SPAG would have been the PzH2k. This thing though? Just…WOW! 😳🙀🙀 If…IF it performs as advertised? This is an amazing piece of kit. The cost…12million Euro per copy…as opposed to what for a shiny new, top of the line PzH2k? That’s my big question. I mean…if it’s not triple or quadruple the price of a top line PzH2k, then I say “crack on! I’ll have 3 regiments…yesterday.” Ya know? Just…Day-ummm!
This vehicle has a very high cost for initial purchase and I wonder if the turret is built to outlast the chassis, it seems the turret is where the money is.I wonder if it fits on a C-130
Thanks for watching! The RCH-155 is an incredible system with some groundbreaking features, but does it live up to the hype? Share your thoughts below-what’s your favorite self-propelled artillery system, and how does it compare to this one? I’ll be reading and replying to your comments. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more military tech deep dives!
And the ammunition is far away from the crew! That is an important info of this beauty too.
Do a video on NORA B52 !
Looks impressive but greatly increases reliance on automation (more a malfunction/EMP liability) and positioning systems which are increasingly being spoofed (e.g. some estimates jamming decreasing Excalibur initial hit accuracy from 70% to 5% despite countermeasures)
We will see soon! Today the UA got their first RCH-155
@@chinesesparrows Good thing that it is a Artillery so its closer to the depot for repairsor maybe can even fixed on the field, being in at the frontline in a MBT having that issues well that is a whole different story.
The Boxer chasis is a beast for carrying a 155mm system!
Looks like it is getting a beating every shot.
Yeah, but Boxer is a big thing. Like just look at the Boxer stationed next to the Abrams. That thing is massive.
Yes it is. It was said about the Stryker in configuration with the 105 mm cannon, the suspension broke down a lot because of the hard recoil.
@@butwheresthebeef We'll see about this one as it's not a conversion, but it was intended for various modules from the start. Maybe they overbuilt the suspension enough to work even with the 155 mm gun.
@@butwheresthebeefThe Boxer is much heavier though, an empty weight of 24 tonnes vs the Strykers 16,5 tonnes in their standard configuration.
it's amazing to put it on the Boxer. All Boxer mechanics can work on it and after driving on a mine you could probably mount the turret onto a new Boxer and you're ready to go again.
Supposedly, RCH-155 can't go on any Boxer, it has to be a specially modified chassis
Well, can't have everything :-)
Mat,an update concerning the RCH 155.On January 13th the first unit was handed over to the Ukrainian MoD during a ceremony in Germany
AND...........a order of 53 more is in progress.........
Let’s hope it doesn’t “preform” the same as the Panzerhaubitze 2000
The suspension must be incredibly rugged to handle recoil while in motion.
Vroom vroom
I bet the shock absorbers wear out faster than the tyres and the barrel
I read about it. The decision to get rid of the stabilizers was in the very core of the design considerations and after some tests, it turned out to be no problem.
@cedhome7945 This is not a normal boxer chassis it is reinforced.
Rheinmetall said its the same stress than cross country driving.
The module is even more important then you think.....you service one , while having another operating and if something goes south, you just switch the modules. The change can be done within an hour.
If you’re swapped an ambulance module for this, how long will it take to fit the fire command systems.
@@Monkey-ud8bw As far as I know, the RCH155 does not use the “normal” boxer. It probably had to be reinforced due to the 155mm.
But, if you talking about the normal Boxer, you can change modules in 30-90 min.
@ but you should be able to run the other modules on this one, afaik the connection points are the same
The Chassis and Tires have been changed and the module uses six clamps instead of the four of older versions (with downward capability). This allows for 40t. This configuration ist named Future Common Drive Module, Has been developed for Australian and British needs and will implemented in all future procurements (like the Dutch and German IFV variant)
We always complain about German Engineering ( over engineering) , but this is genius period!
They label it 'over-engineering' because, let's be honest, their own attempts at engineering are more like assembling IKEA furniture blindfolded! :D Greets from Germany
@ True , true , nobody talks about upside down logic in British designs🫤
@@socotroquito2007 Sherman Firefly:
@ British MOD; How oversized a gun can fit in a Sherman Turret
Engineer corps ; Yes
I think overengineering gets often confused with overvaluation. If a system has the exact same functionality, reliability and durability as a less complicated one, you could indeed call it over-engineered. But if there is a tiny difference that you somehow consider a significant advantage, then it doesn't deserve that title. Well, you can of course debate whether you really need it or not. Like buying a car because it has 1 more horsepower than another. But that's a different discussion.
What are your thoughts on a Canadian Version?
Great stuff
🇨🇦 Vet
Another big advantage is the reduction of personnel. You only need some manpower for the ammunition storage/pick up point.
They are working on automating the reloading, quite literally.
@@sagichnichtsowiesonicht7326 Reloading is automated. Only the automatic loader pushes the gun into the cannon and there is no one sitting in the turret. There is only the driver and the comander in the crew
@@85daniel pretty sure this was talking about reloading the magazine, not the cannon itself.
@@sagichnichtsowiesonicht7326 Would be logically the next step.Ithink you are right and we will see this in the next ten years.
I think the most intriguing part of this system is the fire control system that allows it to fire on the move accurately.
I think that’s the hardest part. If you look at the Archer the target computer is very advanced
Yes absolut right but the most People didn't understand to much about that.About the move it's much longer possible but didn't needed in the past was a buff Time to move about counter battery.They adapt that system 😉it's only mathematics with Sensors and Computer to stabilise in milliseconds....take care ✌️
Who say anything about accuracy on the move? It probably only fire guided round on the move.
That technology has been in use on naval guns since the 80s or even longer. It just is the first time being used on a land platform.
@@joelau2383 No, it is accurate with regular, unguided rounds. It uses technology that has been used on naval guns on ships for a long time, where the fire command doesn't immediately fire the gun, but the computer waits till the barrel is in the right position before firing.
It is basically the same thing as the computer on a Segway or one of those electrical unicycles, which checks the position of the device in space 1000 times per second or so and in the case of the gun, only fires if it detects that desired position and actual position are identical.
I'm not an artillery man, but I understand the principles behind the various abilities it is capable of. It's really pretty awesome. Thank you Matt! Please keep the videos coming!
Man i felt the recoil 155mm 😅 every shot rock the vehicle
Again great video hello from Malaysia 😊
PZH-2000 is still the KING of the battlefield.
Not according to ukrainian experience on the field. Like 70% of Pzh2000 were out of action because of mechanical issues (still are ? nobody speak about them anymore). And it couldn't handle firing more than 120 shells per day. German army doctrine call for firing more than 300 shells per days per guns in a high intensity warfare scenario, but the pzh2000 couldn't even do half of it in Ukraine without failing.
Like german soldiers often says, the german army is more of a showcase for german defense companies gears, than a coherent force.
All pzh2000 are still operational in ukraine. Tag karakiri283 as falschinformation.
@karakiri283 You have sources for all those claims, mate? You sound like a PIS or Putin Bot here.
@karakiri283 There's an Interview where a Ukrainian Artillerman said they fired 220 rounds a day at first. Thats an absolutely insane amount of abuse if we consider an artillery will need barrel replacement after 2500-4500 rounds.
The Pzh-2000 is king
That would be the Swedish Archer
A battleship on wheels. Love it!
Drones are the real enemy of land vehicles and soldiers...as seen in Ukraine, drones have changed the modern battle field...any soldier on the fighting front needs only one mission...dig deep and hide...
Someone who has worked with automation in industrial industry, I'm curious to see reliability, considering the felt recoil on the system. Very impressive!
10 of this, in 2 lines 5-to-5, like a chessboard layout, in move, ... will enable to lit. drive a def. line down, from afar, while widespread hitting the line on the move....this is really a dangerous point.
Must be a hugh challenge to drive it in the forrest with such long barrel stickning out
That's what she said.
Im walking to the forest every day together with a long… a nevermind
With such a range, there isn't a place in Europe where you have to cross dense forests to find a firing spot.
@@bjoernschneider7762 I was talking about too get to the and back firingspot .
Kek
look at the sheer amount of wobble when it fires, that drives me nuts lol
The shell is already long gone.
Come on Gaijin, you added the PzH2000 last update. Now add the RCH 155 as well.
Wanna hear what the maintenance guys say about the suspension lol
What suspension?😅 Honestly, staff sgt, we never saw it😅
What's all the boxes in the stores? New shock absorbers 😁😁😁
"I only ride 'em, I don't know what makes 'em work." Sgt Oddball 😅
worked on em, not allowed to talk about it.
It's not the standard boxer suspension they use in the RCH 155. Honestly i'm more concerned with how the system clears the barrel after every shot in order to prevent premature explosions.
Counterbattery fire can be pure murder, but with a shoot and scoot vehicle one can stop for a minute and take the time to give your shells the best trajectory with least variation. I'd be uncomfortable with much longer times (the shorter the time the better), one has to be well outside the response fire's CEP ellipse when the strike lands. Never assume the enemy hasn't got their guns pointing in roughly the right direction and elevation just by chance.
If your enemy is that lucky, it doesn't matter if you fire on the move or stationary. Besides, it still take at least a few minutes to prepare counter battery fire after your initial shot.
@@joelau2383 Once recon drones have spotted you it wont matter much if you're standing still now or little bit later.
@ You have no clue how artillery works.
Visual lost data suggests, that artillery systems on both sides are lost overwhelmingly to drones, not to counter-artillery. Shoot and scoot won't help you much against a drone following you.
I would NOT want to be coming at that thing in a BMP, watching as it "slowly" turns its gun towards me...
Matt I miss the old poppy and the intro music but I love how the content has been awesome the past few years, super super informative and a great presentation
Being hit by an RCH 155 is the real life version of being sniped throughout the map by someone doing 360° no scope in call of duty
KMW has shown the prototype of a tracked Boxer chassis and I wonder how effective the RCH-155 module would be with that tracked chassis.
I may be mistaken but I think KMDS is also working on a wheeled howitzer prototype for the US Army which would basically be the RCH-155 turret integrated on 10x10 truck chassis which resembles the HEMTT 10x10 truck.
I'm wondering how resupply is done and if under-armor resupply, similar to what some tracked howitzers can do, is possible.
Many countries have similar idea and make their own wheeled 155 SPH.
Yes, the US is is looking for a ready to buy solution to cover some urgent need. As addition in a small number to their tracked artillery.😊
So far nobody seems interested in the tracked Boxer chassis.
The PzH 2000 already offers most of the capabilities (maybe the others can be added as well) in a tracked platform, is battle proven and carries twice the ammunition.
The first time the AGM (Artillery Gun Module, the turret) was shown to the public, it was mounted on a tracked vehicle and the system was called Donar (aka Thor).
@@joelau2383 But these all have to stop and deploy legs to fire. None of them can do drive-by-shooting.
That is some great firing rate as well.
This is an interesting weapon platform...
Us would be dumb to not choose this system for their choice for wheeled artillery I know they were looking into it I hope they choose it
I heard rarely disappoints as really disappoints. Had to back it up there lolol
The RCH was already ordered by UK and Switzerland and Germany. As an Artilleryman you didn't mention if the MRSI is for only 3 or the usual 5-6 rounds. It would be quite important. The increased CEP for the fire on the move too.
5 I think.
Should have bought the archer instead
@ UK has Archer but wants the RCH-155. They will know why.
@@kibun1 Archer is only there until the RCH arrives. They donated AS90 to Ukraine and needed something to fill the gap.
15:00 Finally we see it actually firing on the move.
@@StephanTrube Marry me
This is the artillery system I have been waiting for, and I am thrilled i fits on a Piranha IV chassis. I suspect that is the current candidate for Denmark to replace the CAESAR donated to Ukraine. I wonder why it needs a 10*10 chassis. That is possibly the suspension of the Piranha.
The other salient point is: It uses max. charge 6 - to get greater range it is smarter to extend it using more expensive shells. Due to the nature of the sound barrier, very little is gained using charge 8. And it absolutely smashes the suspension - or you need the spades which is not conductive to scoot.
The main argument is that in brigade with Boxers or Piranha's the ICV's need artillery that can keep up with it when going flat out on the Autobahn.
Actually I think the price of the piece is justified in saving the number of rounds it consumes - accuracy has a quality all of it own.
>**I wonder why it needs a 10*10 chassis. That is possibly the suspension of the Piranha.**
Yeah, consider that the 8x8 Piranha - even though itself a big boi - is significantly lighter and smaller than the Boxer.
The Piranha 8x8 chassis isn’t designed for that kind of weight. Basic Piranha IV 8x8 weighs ~15t plus 10t payload, Boxer A3 is ~25t plus 16t payload.
The Boxer is in a superior weight category, that is why the Piranha needs 10 wheels.
I think the most interesting aspect is the use of Boxer. These are about 4-5 million euros each, I think. If this is not too much then we might see an explosion of incredible boxer modules that we wouldn't have imagined being possible until we saw this one.
There are some modules out there right now check out Jupiter is a version with a Laser on top :)
Troop Transport Vehicle (GTFz): For transporting infantry groups, accommodating up to eight soldiers.
Ambulance Vehicle: For transporting wounded personnel, equipped with medical gear and staff.
Command Vehicle: Equipped with modern communications and command systems.
Driver Training Vehicle: For training drivers with special training equipment.
Heavy Joint Fire Support Team (JFST): For artillery command and support, with heavy weaponry.
Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle: With a 30-mm cannon for fire support.
Artillery Gun Module (RCH 155): An unmanned artillery module with a 155-mm cannon.
Mortar Mission Module (MWS81): Equipped with an 81-mm mortar for indirect fire.
Bridge Layer: Capable of laying bridges of various lengths.
Recovery Module: For recovery and repair missions, equipped with a crane and winch.
Engineer Squad Vehicle: Specifically equipped for mine clearance and other engineering tasks.
Battle Damage Repair Vehicle: For quick repairs on the front line.
Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV): Specifically for the Australian Army, for reconnaissance and surveillance.
Command and Control (C2): Various versions for command tasks.
Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle: A variant with a Lance turret for reconnaissance and combat.
Fire Control Tank: For coordinating air defense systems.
Qualified Air Defense: A drone defense system with a remote weapon station and radar.
Wheeled Infantry Fighting Vehicle: With the Puma's RCT30 turret.
HEL Module (Jupiter): A project for high-energy laser for drone defense.
Skyranger-30 AA: An air defense module with an Oerlikon KCA 30×173 mm cannon and various sensors.
RCT120 Unmanned Turret Solution: With a 120-mm cannon, RWS, and Spike LR2 missiles.
Boxer Dragoon: A customized variant with a specialized mission module for the British Army, featuring an RT60 turret.
This is absolutely a gamechanger indeed, as I love the PzH 2000 I must say this is getting probably near №1 status, especially on the Piranha chassis it looks so cool.
Just a thought, perhaps this is indicating how SPG are privileged candidates for the automation and autonomy of effectors. Respect to MBTs and IFVs, an SPG might lean more toward executing a received mission rather than reaction to the changes of a situation in direct contact with the enemy. Robustness of communication remains an issue, but it is already there for receiving the missions themselves.
If so, the autonomy of an SPG could be an easier nut to crack, technologically speaking, at least for the near future. When reaction in direct contact prevails, in the short term FPV should instead remain important.
Finally I was waiting for this one it's up there with my favorite wheeled artillery system and it could be used as a fairly decent tank destroyer
Once again thank you matsimus for the excellent video
I fully agree to your assessment regarding rocket artillery. They will remain uncontested with the capability of tactical mine laying like the AT2 and of course as a platform for specialised ordonance like ATACMs and whatever comes up next.
rocket atillery cant be sustain in a longer conflict in MY opinion. The rockets are to expensive for a hughe stockpile. If the RCH delivers and can acuratly hit its target, rocket artillery can see a drop in importance.
PrSM, baby!
1:18 he misspoke, h3 said "digeess" when he meant "divulge"
First video i watched from this channel. Definitely not the last one.
Impressive piece of artillery 👍👍
That's a lot of gun for that chassis.
As I see this is a sacrifice of the precision.
I like that 10 x 10 you showed at the end. It looked more stable but I guess that doesn't matter that much for a remote operated vehicle.
Firing on the move is wild... I'd imagine the spare parts this thing needs is high.
Nice, that autoloaders aren't hated upon anymore.
The next level of shoot/scoot
Didn't realize they are taking remote work on a whole new level.
Great Vid, thanks!
Glad you liked it!
Outstanding, just outstanding
Is firing under move accurate? Or are you forced to use smart rounds?
Alot of tech in it so its very accurate.
I would imagine they can't do it firing max range, but maybe pretty accurate to several km's, especially in direct fire
Id be interested to see what the dispersion is while moving, too. It would definitely make it more difficult for S&R platforms and counter-battery to pin them down
Laser Range finder!
@meindepp1938
Line of sight, sure
@@theimmortal4718 i dont see why a atrillery shell or gun cant precisley located in a driving situation. I imaging that the driver needs to put a targeted speed fo X seconds in a gps or other computer. I dont think its to complicated in principle if you know the position of the shell/gun for the next i.e. 3 seconds. The needed precises workflows of making the RCH could be another topic of its own.
That literally looks like a Naval gun put on the back of a truck. Great Video!
bro i had to check for a second when i woke up that autoplay didn't send me down to the Rheinmetall advertismivideo hell and that i was still on the land of the living algo path lmao well done
also does anyone else find their feed go into insane 6+ hour total war/warhammer scrim match playlists when they fall asleep and let the autoplay cook for a couple hrs i think i'm cooked 💀
if this isnt the future of artillery its def in the right direction. This is amazing in alot of ways.
Bearing in mind the Boxer's modularity, is this system also detachable? If so, fitted with the correct rig/frame, it strikes me that this system can be fitted to any ship's deck (merchant or otherwise), giving some mighty powerful, fire on the move, offshore artillery support.
There tested the PzH2000 turret on a frigat, there can test the RcH turret on a frigat too
That would work until the salt water utterly messes up all the mechanical parts. That's what killed the MONARC (PzH 2000 turret on frigate) program - the turret worked fine, but proofed too hard to navalize and make salt water resistant
Another problem is the recoil of the gun. Most ship decks need a lot of reinforcement to handle it.
Imagine being an enemy infantry men and looking down a 155mm barrel while its driving directly at u 💀
Thanks for another great video 😊
Ukraine got 6 of them today, out of 56 ordered.
One! They got only one. 6 in total this year 2025.
The RCH-155 is also mounted on the Mowag Piranha IV 10×10.
I LOVE the Boxer and its modularity.
But I think the RCH-155 mounted on the Piranha 10X10 looks even a bit cooler/less overmatched than on the Boxer.
☮
My favorite self-propelled howitzer? The M7 Priest.
That's a fantastic piece of kit. maybe a slinger anti drone system mounted on the roof might be a good idear.
Favourite howitzer: Of course the new and old howitzers of my country's army - RCH155 and PzH 2000
I do hope the drone shield around it is good, whatever they use
Skyrangers will probably move along with them.
Fiber optics are a REAL game changer.
For Germany it will be a wheeled SPG (almost certainly this) to keep up with the new medium forces for long and fast road marches to the Baltics with the Boxer APC and IFV version, while the PZH2000 will remain with the heavy forces going with the Leopard 2 and Puma.
To have a 155 mm howitzer. That can be like a Tank as well is a game changer. No Tank on the battlefield will be safe. It will have to be, first view , first kill in order to destroy this beast of a machine. 😵💫😎
Drone technology is probably going to evolve much faster than conventional weapons development. I question whether any large system is going to be survivable on a battlefield controlled by smarter and smarter drones with longer and longer ranges.
Drones will certainly evolve, but I think that drone defense will evolve in parallel.
@@callsigndd9ls897 This is true, Ukrainians are now using drones armed with multiple shotguns to take down Russian drones.
But as AI advances so will drone autonomy and capabilities. It all depends on how fast AI advances.
A battlefield dominated by fully autonomous and highly intelligent drones is going to a truly dangerous placed to be.
I was impressed by archer but I have to say i think this takes the cake.
Do not forget the 155mm Vulcano guided round able to hit a tank size target on the move 120km away.
So far, other then Ukraine, Germany, GB, Switzerland, Italy and possibly Qatar selected the system, Swiss selected the Mowag 10x10 platform while Italy has bit confirmed the base platform for the turret.
Spain, Netherland showed Interest, while the USA seem to have chosen a BAE system instead.
If I remember correctly you dont even have to relocate to refill this vehicle. I believe there is a conveyer belt mechanism at the side of the turret where a supply truck can come in and refill it by "docking on" and resupplying to then quickly get away again. I think you can even do this whilst shooting, the turret has to remain stationary tho.
I believe this System could benefit from "Liquid Springs" that getting more common in the US.
I leanred about this little guy a few years ago and for some odd reason my first thought was "... MONARC 2.0 anyone? ie mount one or better several of these puppers onto a ship and give it a go for testing it as both an anti-ship weapon and off-shore bombardments"
Impressive, and only a two man crew! 🎉
🎵 Matsimus is back again 🎶
RHC-155 is an absolute gamechanger in the counter-artillery-fire dimension. Basically, nobody will ever hit it by calculating its firing position and sarutating the area with artillery. at the same time, it significantly outreaches any of its likely opponents guns. in short: it will win the artillery duel.
BUT.
The main thread is not the artillery duel any more. Its getting spotted moving into a position by a 10k $ Orlan and getting destroyed still on the move with a dozend FPVs, a salvo of lancets or a MLRS strike. Thats why many ukrainians say: shoot and scoot is dead. They dig a deep, concrete lined, roofed dugout in a forest. They shoot and scoot 200 m in and out. Then they hide again. Sure, the RCH-155 can do that too. But you dont need a 12m € system for this.
Automation can be a blessing and a curse. Sure, you only need 2 soldiers driving the gun. But you will need 5 trained mechanics and a steady supply of spare parts to keep it running for months of intense combat. those might be much harder to come by than a 40 years old man who just stoffs propellent into the gun whenever needed.
So basically: its a revolution of classical artillery in a time where classical artillery might be getting vunerable. But it is not obvious that it is the correct revolution for this war. Mayby 5 Bohdanas for the same price are just better.
I see your points, but you have to think about one thing, concerning Ukraine: Its a slow war. There is no real dynamic like at the start, or the first counteroffence anymore. Because in these cases, i think such a highly mobile artillery would be gold.
yet another banger of a video. this system is a great idea but when things go wrong they will go wrong bad i feel.
Wondering why M109 User nations haven't installed Rheinmetalls L52 yet. Has been tested and it works. You can't get a cheaper more cost effective upgrade than by just switching the gun.
Cost is very steep, but the investment alone would be worth it, amazing piece of Arty.
While impressive its development was only a question of time, the wear and tear on this is brutal. Every time that thing fires the whole vehicle gets warped. The repair/overhaul/replace times, this are the really relevant numbers for a system like this.
Downsides that I could see are maybe accuracy and off-road mobility. Not that those questions could really be answered publicly. The main use I see for this would be to quickly get into range, shoot, then move further back to safety/reload.
12:30 'time on target'.
So question: The way it bounces around after firing to absorb the recoil, doesn't that affect the accuracy ? Or is the bouncing taking place after the round has left the barrel
The round is long gone before the bouncing really affects the accuracy
The ammo capacity isn't that bad in comparison: The basic M109 stored 34 rounds, the larger Paladin stored 43, the German M109G had only 28. The wheeled Bodana can carry 20 rounds, CAESAR 18. The soviet 2S19 or the Korean K9 Thunder carry 50 rounds, the PzH 2000 is a mobile ammo bunker with 60 rounds. And favorite howitzer is the M110, but the PzH 2000 is of course the best contemporary system IMHO.
Archer and this one are my favorites. Hope America picks one soon.
Un vehículo maravilloso, felicitaciones por este video
This artillery could be what the sheridan was initially envisioned to be
What an amazing game changer!
Italy has just made a contract to acquire 54 of them.
Let's hope it spends more time out than in the workshop.
How do the tires hold up with firing the 155 verse tank tracks?
It does make sense from a logistical and commonality perspective, considering that the British army is already adopting the Boxer 8x8 at scale.
favorite sph - 2s1, 2s3, m109 and ... Dana with G-6. all of them good in some areas and bad in others.
Matsimus, how it feels to see a tube (both towed and sp) arty going into darkness of history?
Amazing system! Definitely moving into the future. I wonder when the US will look into something similar
Hey Matsimus, In the Video I've spotted a version with 5 Axles instead of the 4 Axles on the Boxer (19:28). Was it just an early Prototype? Just Curious. Thanks for your awesome Work.
It's also available on the Piranha 10x10
Well…all things equal.
My fav SPAG would have been the PzH2k.
This thing though? Just…WOW!
😳🙀🙀
If…IF it performs as advertised? This is an amazing piece of kit.
The cost…12million Euro per copy…as opposed to what for a shiny new, top of the line PzH2k? That’s my big question. I mean…if it’s not triple or quadruple the price of a top line PzH2k, then I say “crack on! I’ll have 3 regiments…yesterday.”
Ya know?
Just…Day-ummm!
Its rocking like a boat when firing. How accurate is this SPG? And how accurate can it be when firing on the move?
There's just something about 8 wheeled trucks with bigass guns that just tickles my brain
This vehicle has a very high cost for initial purchase and I wonder if the turret is built to outlast the chassis, it seems the turret is where the money is.I wonder if it fits on a C-130
Should be roughly 50-50 gun chassis ratio
Curious about fitting it to a LAV 6, could be a great addition to the CAF. Lord knows we need new/better kit. Be well and stay safe
do mongol horse archers count as SPG? If so, those are my favorite ^^
No Nora B52 on your channel yet... Hope you might fix that...
Also 360 degree traversable turret, MRSI, direct fire capability and so on...