ATMOS 2000 is considered the most effective self-propelled howitzer in the world today
According to Philippine blog MaxDefense
Elbit Systems Land & C4I has finally delivered the Soltam ATMOS 155mm/52cal self propelled howitzers and support equipment for the Philippine Army
The weapons that arrived in the country last December 28
are now scheduled for technical inspection this month prior to formal acceptance of the Army Artillery Regiment
Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said
Accordingly, 12 self-propelled howitzers will provide the Army Artillery Regiment the "mobility with firepower".
It was acquired under a government-to-government setup
under Horizon Two of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program and is worth PHP2.4 billion (USD47.2 million)
The weapons will augment the existing 155mm towed-howitzers being operated by the Army Artillery Regiment
ATMOS is a 155 mm self-propelled gun system manufactured by Israeli military manufacturer Soltam Systems
The system is long range, fast moving, truck mounted with high firepower and mobility
rapid deployment, short response time, operable in all terrain areas
The system is integrated with a fully computerized system, providing an automatic control, accurate navigation and target acquisition
The Philippines' 155mm system is the largest version of ATMOS
The ATMOS 2000 was developed from the Soltam ATHOS 2052 towed howitzer, equipped with a load assisting system
It is compatible with all standard 155 mm NATO ammunition
Maximum range of fire is 30 km with standard HE projectile and 41 km with extended-range projectile
and 56 km with newly-developed rocket-assisted projectile
This artillery system carries a total of 32 projectiles and associated charges. Rate of fire is between 4 and 9 rounds per minute
A 155 mm calibre ordnance is mounted on a 6 × 6 cross-country truck chassis
Vehicle is normally operated by a crew of four, including two loaders
Cab of the ATMOS 2000 is armored and protects the crew from small arms fire and artillery shell splinters
Vehicle is powered by a diesel engine, developing 315 hp
An auxiliary power unit is fitted
which prepares vehicle for firing, operates weapon elevation and traverse and powers the load assisting system when the main engine is shut down
Howitzer can be operated manually in case of emergency
Advanced fire control system of the ATMOS 2000 receives target information from forward observers
It includes navigation and aiming systems and ballistic computer
This artillery system can be airlifted with a C-130 Hercules tactical transport aircraft
In Southeast Asia, ATMOS self-propelled artillery is being equipped with Thai artillery
. A complete system weighs about 22 tons, with good maneuverability
It will be a great choice for countries with terrain conditions and facilities that only meet the weight and size limitations of traditional self-propelled artillery systems
Currently, the Philippine Army owns 14 Soltam 155mm M-71 towed artillery; 12 x 155mm M114A1 and hundreds of 105mm towed artillery
ATMOS 2000 will contribute to improving the attack capacity of the Philippine Artillery, which can perform both ground attack and sea defense missions