155mm Artillery Shells
155 mm artillery shells is a large-caliber explosive projectile fired by howitzers, gun-howitzers, and some cannons. Since it is a NATO standard caliber, member countries can fire it from a variety of artillery guns.
155mm ammunition refers to large-sized ammunition that is used in howitzer systems and is packed with explosive material to pierce armor. It is a widely used caliber for artillery systems in many countries for warfare in different terrains to strike targets at greater distances and cause massive damage to the target.
155 mm artillery shells are a powerful weapon system that can be used to provide fire support for ground troops, destroy enemy fortifications, and disrupt enemy operations.
There are many different types of artillery ammunition, but these ammunitions are usually high-explosive and designed to shatter into fragments on impact to maximize damage.
Working of 155mm Artillery Shells:
155mm ammunition includes separate loading ammunition consisting of four separate components, projectiles, primers, propellants, and fuse that are issued separately.
Two separate operations are required to load the projectile and propellants into the artillery system for firing preparation. The number of propellant increments equipped with artillery ammunition is directly proportional to the propellant required. The intended target range and the tactical situation decide the charge to be loaded.
The 155mm shell and its Russian equivalent are considered crucial because they combine the explosive power and extended range needed to destroy armor and inflict casualties.
Type of Technologies used in 155mm Artillery Shells:
The main types of technologies included in 155mm ammunition are
- Guided
- Unguided
Guided Ammunition:
Guided ammunition refers to projectiles or munitions that are equipped with guidance systems to enhance their accuracy and precision in reaching their intended targets. These are used for various applications, including projectiles, propellants, tanks, and others, and are used by several end users, such as naval forces and ground forces.
Types of 155 mm Artillery Shells:
- The 155mm ER
- Smart Munitions
- The 155 mm HE
155 mm Extended Range:
The 155mm ER has a verified range of more than 40 km when fired from a modern L52 JBMoU gun system. Low round-to-round dispersion, combined with an enhanced blast and fragmentation effect, optimizes the impact on semi-hard targets at long firing ranges.
The round is designed to defeat light armor and soft targets, and for increased flexibility incorporates an interchangeable base bleed and hollow base.
Smart Munitions:
These shells include guidance systems for precision targeting. It is a guided munition intended to hit a specific target, minimize collateral damage, and increase lethality against intended targets.
155 mm HE:
The 155 mm High Explosive (HE) round is a cost-effective solution for maximum performance against light armored and soft targets. The round is compatible with all fuzes according to STANAG 2916. The shell is also available with inert filling with a ballistic match to a live shell.
The HE variant remains the workhorse of artillery operations, delivering devastating effects against enemy personnel, vehicles, and structures with its explosive payload upon impact.
Technological Advancements in 155 mm Artillery Shells:
Advancements in guidance and propulsion systems continued to enhance the precision and effectiveness of 155mm artillery shells. In particular, GPS guidance technology has transformed artillery combat by allowing projectiles to contact targets with previously unheard-of accuracy.
GPS-guided 155mm shells, such as the Excalibur, boast remarkable accuracy, with circular error probable (CEP) measurements in the single-digit meters, allowing for precise engagement of enemy targets while minimizing the risk of collateral damage.
Advancements in rocket-assisted propulsion systems have extended the range of 155mm artillery shells, enabling artillery units to engage targets at extended distances beyond traditional firing ranges.
The 155mm artillery shell’s effectiveness is augmented by advancements in data connectivity and targeting systems. Integrated fire control systems enable artillery units to receive real-time target data and fire missions from forward observers, drones, or command and control centers, enhancing situational awareness and responsiveness on the battlefield.
Future Developments in 155mm Artillery Shells:
BAE System PLC announced carrying out demonstration firings with its next-generation 155mm artillery rounds and is targeting British Army requirements, including the Mobile Fires Platform and Lightweight Fires Platform.
The smart ammunition will be designed for use on 39 and 45-caliber 155mm artillery guns without any modifications to the gun system
In recent years, major customers have widely demanded hypervelocity munitions in the market. Hypervelocity munitions provide a next-generation multi-role, low drag, guided munition with high lethality and range, high precision, and penetration depth against the next-generation armor, and military surface and underground structures.
Future growth is due to the technological advancement in the next-generation artillery ammunition for their existing and future artillery systems, the high adoption rate of advanced technological components, and programmable kits for performance enhancements of the artillery systems and their munitions.
Elbit Systems announced that its SIGMA next-generation 155mm fully automated self-propelled wheeled howitzer is anticipated to replace the Israeli Armed Forces’ fleet of M109 Crawler Howitzers.
Challenges in 155mm Artillery Shells:
Material Shortage:
The major shortage is with producing steel casings for the artillery shells. The materials required to make these shells are relatively plentiful.
Investment & Infrastructure Challenges:
When long-term contracts are not assured, defense contractors frequently refuse to invest in new production facilities, which causes delays in the expansion of manufacturing capacity. Establishing new facilities with cutting-edge technology might sometimes be slowed down by bureaucratic obstacles in defense departments.
Conclusion
155mm artillery shells remain a vital component of modern artillery systems, offering a blend of firepower, range, and precision. Advances in technology continue to enhance their effectiveness, enabling more accurate and versatile engagements across various operational contexts. As military forces adapt to evolving threats and operational requirements, 155mm artillery shells will continue to play a crucial role in delivering effective fire support and achieving strategic objectives on the battlefield.