Defence Trials

PzH 2000 Howitzer Firings

Live firings of 155 mm munitions from an advanced German-designed PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer were conducted by 14 Field Artillery Battalion of the Netherlands Armed Forces during April 2007. The purpose of the firings was to demonstrate the performance of extended range munitions over distances of up to 40 km, with the impact area being the Lake Hart Air Weapons Range. Night firings of illume munitions were undertaken, with multiple parachute-borne flares fired in quick succession to illuminate the target area. Day firings of long range high explosive munitions equipped with base burning charges to reduce projectile drag were also successfully completed. The PzH 2000 activities were supported by a Dutch team of ~25 personnel together with staff from AOSG and the Army Proof and Experimental Establishment at Port Wakefield.