SIGMA 155
The SIGMA 155 is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer manufactured by the Israeli defense company Elbit Systems. It is slated to replace the M109 howitzer as the principal artillery system of the Israel Defense Forces. The variant designed for Israeli use is the SIGMA 155 Ro'em, while an export variant is also planned.
The SIGMA 155 consists of a 155mm L52 cannon mounted on an Oshkosh 10x10 LVSR truck with a modified chassis, including an armored cabin to protect the crew. The turret is remotely controlled, and the selection of ammunition rounds, loading, and gun laying functions are fully automated. The crew can conduct all firing operations from inside the cabin. The system is capable of firing eight rounds per minute, and can fire shells sequentially at different trajectories for a salvo effect. It can carry up to 40 rounds. The system can transition from travel to fire mode in one minute. During firing, hydraulically operated spades deploy on each side of the chassis to stabilize the vehicle and they retract after firing. The SIGMA 155 Ro'em has a firing range of 40 kilometers (25 miles). The variant designed for the export market is planned to have a firing range of 80 kilometers (50 miles). The SIGMA 155 system is designed for a crew of three: the mission commander, gunner, and driver.[1][2][3][4]
The SIGMA 155 saw its first operational firing by IDF gunners in June 2024. Its first deployment with the IDF is planned to take place in 2025.[5] It is expected to be in IDF service for at least 50 years.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ "Israel Fields 'World's First Fully Automatic' 155mm Howitzer".
- ^ Fretay, Halna du. "Israeli SIGMA 155mm 10x10 Automated Howitzer Could Be Deployed in Conflict with Hezbollah". armyrecognition.com.
- ^ Felstead, Peter (October 18, 2024). "AUSA 2024: Elbit models Sigma wheeled 155 mm SPH as future US artillery candidate - European Security & Defence".
- ^ a b Behind the scenes of the IDF’s next-gen artillery
- ^ "Introducing 'Roem,' Israel's new, state-of-the-art artillery piece". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. July 12, 2024.