Advanced towed artillery gun system explained

Advanced towed artillery gun system (ATAGS)
Type:Towed Howitzer
Designer:Armament Research and Development Establishment
Tata Advanced Systems
Kalyani Strategic Systems
Action:Auto gun alignment and positioning
Origin:India
Is Ranged:yes
Is Artillery:yes
Used By:Armenian Ground Forces
Design Date:2013-2017
Manufacturer:Bharat Forge
Tata Advanced Systems[1]
Production Date:2019
Weight:[2]
Part Length:8060 mm
Crew:6-8
Caliber:155 mm/52 Cal
Rate:
  • Burst: 5 rounds in 60 sec
  • Intense: 10 rounds in 2 min 30 sec
  • Sustained: 60 rounds in 60 min
Range:48.074 km[3]
Max Range:48.074 km (High Explosive Base Bleed Shell)[4] [5]
78 km (Ramjet Propelled Shell) (under development)[6]
Feed:Electrically operated ammunition handling
Sights:Thermal sight Gunners display
Breech:Screw type
Recoil:Electro-rheological/Magneto-rheological
Is Vehicle:yes
Speed:With towing vehicle 80 km/h, Self propelled 12 km/h with 95 kW APU[7]
Elevation:Servo based, -3/+75°
Traverse:Servo based, +/-25°, 25 m diameter

The advanced towed artillery gun system (ATAGS)[8] is a towed 155 mm/52 calibre howitzer that is being developed for the Indian Army by Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Tata Advanced Systems and Kalyani Strategic Systems.[9]

Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems are manufacturing partners.[8]

Development

The ATAGS project was started in 2013 by DRDO to replace older guns in service in the Indian Army with a modern 155mm artillery gun.[10] DRDO laboratory Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) partnered with private players Bharat Forge, Mahindra Defence Naval System, Tata Power SED and public sector unit Advanced Weapons and Equipment India for this purpose.[11]

With ARDE as the nodal laboratory, development is being assisted by Instruments Research and Development Establishment (IRDE), Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), and Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL).[12] It was part of the Development cum Production Partner programme (DCPP) of DRDO.[13]

The development of the gun took about 4 years and is expected to be complete by March 2017. The delay in completion of the project was attributed to realization of ordnance and recoil system and supply issue with manufacturing of sub-systems. The gun is expected to start user trials in 2017 and production is expected to start in 2019.[14] [15] [16] [17]

It was first publicly showcased at 68th Republic Day parade on 26 January 2017.[18] For the first time, an indigenously developed howitzer gun, the ATAGS was included in the 21 gun salute alongside the British origin 25-pounder as part of the 76th Independence day celebrations. Two howitzer were included in the battery that fired the 21 gun salute.[19] ATAGS is being fast-tracked by Indian Army for induction as of 27 September 2022.[20]

Design

The gun consists of a barrel, breech mechanism, muzzle brake and recoil mechanism to fire 155 mm calibre ammunition with a firing range of 48 km. It has an all-electric drive to ensure reliability and minimum maintenance over a long period of time. It has advanced features like high mobility, quick deployability, auxiliary power mode, advanced communication system, automatic command and control system with night capability in direct-fire mode. The gun is two tons lighter than guns in the same category and is designed to provide better accuracy and range and is capable of firing five successive rounds in short duration.

It is compatible with C3I systems like Artillery Combat Command and Control System (ACCCS) called Shakti for technical fire control, fire planning, deployment management, operational logistics management of the Indian Army.[21] [22]

Ramjet Propelled Artillery Shell

IIT Madras along with IIT Kanpur, ARDE and Research Centre Imarat (RCI) are working on redesigning an existing 155 mm shell using ramjet propulsion that can cover 60 km+ range. It will be made compatible with ATAGS. The shell will use precision guidance kit for trajectory correction. IIT Madras will ensure that Munitions India can manufacture the shells.[23]

155 mm Smart Artillery Shell

IIT Madras is working with Munitions India to develop 155 mm Smart Artillery Shells with a CEP of less than 10 meters that are compatible with firing from ATAGS without the need for modification. Utilizing fin stabilization, canard control, and a three-mode fuse operation, the shell will be guided by NavIC satellites. Its range will be 8 km at minimum and 38 km at maximum.[24]

Trials

Variants

Users

Potential users

India

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: 26 January 2017 . India's Two Private Firms Win $4.5 Billion Contract To Develop Artillery Gun Systems . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221020115135/https://www.defensemirror.com/news/18336/India_s_Two_Private_Firms_Win__4_5_Billion_Contract_To_Develop_Artillery_Gun_Systems#.Y1E1zOTP3Vg . 20 October 2022 . 20 October 2022 . Defense Mirror.
  2. News: 27 May 2019 . Trials of advanced artillery gun begin in Pokhran range . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20190620051957/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/trials-of-advanced-artillery-gun-begin-in-pokhran-range/articleshow/69510412.cms . 20 June 2019 . The Times of India.
  3. Book: Aero India.
  4. News: Peri . Dinakar . 15 September 2017 . Indigenous artillery gun sets new record in range . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240114164504/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indigenous-artillery-gun-sets-new-record-in-range/article19693728.ece . 14 January 2024 . The Hindu.
  5. Web site: Shukla . Ajai . 5 September 2017 . World-record 'gun salute' to incoming defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20171107122455/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/world-record-gun-salute-to-incoming-defence-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-117090500024_1.html . 7 November 2017 . Business Standard.
  6. News: IIT-M Brochure on Next-gen Ramjet-powered 155mm artillery shells for Indian Army .
  7. Web site: ATAGS specifications . Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited.
  8. 155 MM X 52 CAL ADVANCED TOWED ARTILLERY GUN SYSTEM (ATAGS). Technology Focus . India. 31 . 4 . Aug 2023 . 0971-4413. 19 August 2024.
  9. Web site: Kajal . Kapil . 19 October 2022 . Defexpo 2022: DRDO unveils indigenous ATAGS . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221107052450/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/defexpo-2022-drdo-unveils-indigenous-atags . 7 November 2022 . 20 October 2022 . Janes.
  10. News: Shukla . Ajai . 29 July 2010 . 155-mm gun contract: DRDO enters the fray . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231123180641/https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/155-mm-gun-contract-drdo-enters-the-fray-110072900042_1.html . 23 November 2023 . Business Standard.
  11. News: 14 July 2018 . ATAGS to be ready for user trial by early 2017: DRDO . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240105071627/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/atags-to-be-ready-for-user-trial-by-early-2017-drdo/articleshow/53214335.cms . 5 January 2024 . 13 April 2020 . The Economic Times.
  12. News: Kulkarni . Sushant . Explained: What is ATAGS, the indigenous howitzer used in Independence Day 21-gun salute? . 16 August 2022 . The Indian Express . https://web.archive.org/web/20220815073019/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/what-is-atags-indigenous-howitzier-i-day-21-gun-salute-8090428/ . 15 August 2022 . Pune.
  13. Web site: 6 April 2021. DRDO opens up missile production partnership for Indian private sector. live. 2021-04-06. The Times of India. https://web.archive.org/web/20210406075147/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/drdo-opens-up-missile-production-partnership-for-indian-private-sector/articleshow/81928553.cms . 6 April 2021 .
  14. Web site: Singh . Danvir . 13 March 2016 . Dhanush 155mm Artillery Gun: A "Make in India" Marvel . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230925005101/http://www.indiandefencereview.com/news/dhanush-155mm-artillery-gun-a-make-in-india-marvel/ . 25 September 2023 . 20 July 2016 . Indian Defence Review.
  15. Web site: 14 July 2017 . DRDO Embarked Major Success in Advanced Artillery Gun System . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20171210175823/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=Release%20Id%20:147091 . 10 December 2017 . 26 January 2017 . Government of India Press Information Bureau.
  16. Web site: 25 November 2016 . Projects of DRDO . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20171210175853/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=Release%20Id%20:154330 . 10 December 2017 . 26 January 2017 . Government of India Press Information Bureau.
  17. News: Gady . Franz-Stefan . 15 July 2016 . India Successfully Tests New Advanced Artillery Gun System . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231211182137/https://thediplomat.com/2016/07/india-successfully-tests-new-advanced-artillery-gun-system/ . 11 December 2023 . 26 January 2017 . The Diplomat.
  18. News: 25 January 2017 . Make in India: DRDO takes pride in ATAGS, to be showcased at Republic Day parade . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230429182642/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-drdo-takes-pride-in-atags-to-be-showcased-at-republic-day-parade-2295956 . 29 April 2023 . DNA India .
  19. News: Vats . Anushka . Explained: ATAGS, The Made-In-India Howitzer Used For 21-Gun Salute On Independence Day 2022 . 16 August 2022 . 15 August 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220815095221/https://english.jagran.com/india/explained-atags-the-madeinindia-howitzer-used-for-21gun-salute-on-independence-day2022-10047503 . 15 August 2022.
  20. News: Philip . Snehesh Alex . 27 September 2022 . China threat in mind, Army to order another 100 K9 Vajra howitzers from L&T, more to follow . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230412025125/https://theprint.in/defence/china-threat-in-mind-army-to-order-another-100-k9-vajra-howitzers-from-lt-more-to-follow/1144787/ . 12 April 2023 . 27 September 2022 . ThePrint.
  21. Web site: 31 December 2016 . Year End Review – 2016 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20171210175849/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=Release%20Id%20:156049 . 10 December 2017 . 26 January 2017 . Government of India Press Information Bureau.
  22. News: Dighe . Sandip . 26 January 2017 . ARDE's gun set to be on display at parade today – Times of India . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230428214443/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/ardes-gun-set-to-be-on-display-at-parade-today/articleshow/56789390.cms . 28 April 2023 . 26 January 2017 . The Times of India.
  23. News: MP . Sidharth . 21 February 2020 . IIT-M working on next-gen Ramjet-powered 155mm artillery shells for Indian Army . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200921163017/https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-m-working-on-next-gen-ramjet-powered-155mm-artillery-shells-for-indian-army-282090 . 21 September 2020 . 22 August 2022 . WION.
  24. Web site: MP . Sidharth . 5 February 2024 . IIT-M and Munitions India to develop smart ammo for 155mm artillery guns . 2024-03-06 . WION.
  25. News: 14 July 2016 . DRDO's 155 mm x 52 calibre advanced towed artillery gun test fired successfully . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230604202419/https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/drdos-155-mm-x-52-calibre-advanced-towed-artillery-gun-test-fired-successfully/317065/ . 4 June 2023 . 15 July 2016 . Financial Express.
  26. News: Ajai . Shukla . 15 December 2016 . Indian gun booms in world's biggest artillery programme . live . https://archive.today/20240117025043/https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/indian-gun-booms-in-world-s-biggest-artillery-programme-116121401202_1.html . 17 January 2024 . Business Standard.
  27. Web site: Banerjee . Ajay . 7 February 2018 . Army to get 40 artillery guns made by DRDO . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230206120017/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/nation/army-to-get-40-artillery-guns-made-by-drdo-540085 . 6 February 2023 . The Tribune.
  28. Web site: Krishnan M . Anantha . 16 February 2020 . Youngsters can power India into a defence technology leader . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20200217103017/https://english.manoramaonline.com/news/nation/2020/02/14/youngsters-india-defence-technology-satheessh-reddy.html . 17 February 2020 . 17 February 2020 . OnManorama.
  29. News: Singh . Lt. Gen. J P . 1 October 2020 . ATAGS- A forward step towards Atamnirbharta in defence . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230428221703/https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-atags-a-forward-step-towards-atamnirbharta-in-defence-2095691/ . 28 April 2023 . 8 October 2020 . The Financial Express.
  30. News: Pubby . Manu . 26 September 2020 . indigenous artillery gun may go back to drawing board after barrel burst . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20201020111150/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indigenous-artillery-gun-may-go-back-to-drawing-board/articleshow/78324260.cms . 20 October 2020 . The Economic Times.
  31. Web site: Can ATAGS Give India's Military A Much-needed Boost? The Answer Is Yes . 2024-03-28 . Forbes India.
  32. Web site: Can ATAGS Give India's Military A Much-needed Boost? The Answer Is Yes . 2024-05-15 . Forbes India . en.
  33. Web site: Kajal . Kapil . 1 December 2022 . DRDO tests mounted gun system . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230402115225/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/drdo-tests-mounted-gun-system . 2 April 2023 . 1 March 2023 . Janes.
  34. Web site: Shukla . Ajai . 19 October 2022 . MGS, Light Tank, WhaP: DRDO presents 3 'Make in India' successes at DefExpo . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221019160919/https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/mgs-light-tank-whap-drdo-presents-3-make-in-india-successes-at-defexpo-122101901283_1.html . 19 October 2022 . 1 March 2023 . Business Standard India.
  35. News: Singh . Dalip . Bharat Forge in talks with at least 10-12 countries for defence exports: Baba Kalyani . . September 12, 2023 . https://archive.today/20230912191328/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/bharat-forge-in-talks-with-at-least-10-12-countries-for-defence-exports-baba-kalyani/article67294287.ece#selection-2465.0-2465.174 . 12 September 2023 . Over a period of three years, the company has to supply nearly 84 guns to a former Soviet Republic country in conflict with Azerbaijan. Of that, six have already been shipped..
  36. News: Nazaretyan . Hovhannes . Untangling Armenia’s Indian Arms Procurement . . April 12, 2024 . In a recent interview, Bharat Forge chairman Baba Kalyani stated that they have already exported six ATAGS howitzers and an additional six “will go this month”....
  37. Web site: Correspondent . D. C. . 2023-03-02 . Indian Army to buy 307 ATAGS howitzers for deployment along China, Pak border . 2024-03-28 . Deccan Chronicle.
  38. Web site: Dubey . Ajit K . 1 March 2023 . Indian Army to buy 307 ATAGS howitzers for deployment along China, Pak border . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230429132722/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/indian-army-to-buy-307-atags-howitzers-for-deployment-along-china-pak-border20230301195533/ . 29 April 2023 . 25 April 2023 . ANI News.
  39. Web site: Orpiano . Pitz . Philippine Army's Interest in Getting Indian ATAGS 155mm Towed Howitzer . 2024-04-21.

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