Autonomous Towed Howitzer System
The Elbit Systems' market leading Autonomous Towed Howitzer Ordnance System (ATHOS) is a long-range 155mm/52 caliber gun. The ATHOS is the next-generation of Elbit Systems' towed-independent guns, providing armies around the globe with a highly maneuverable, field artillery solution. The ATHOS has been field-tested for accuracy, stability and reliability during moving and firing maneuvers and is based on in-service systems and components.
The ATHOS is capable of a range of more than 40km and utilizes a self- Operational Characteristics propelling capability and automatic laying mode. It is integrated with fully-computerized systems, achieving automatic control, accurate navigation and target acquisition. When deployed in the battlefield, the ATHOS can maneuver itself using its own diesel engine and special hydraulic-driven road wheels, which are also ideal for shoot-and scoot positioning. The hydraulic system enables a team of seven crew members or less to easily deploy the ATHOS within minutes.
The ATHOS utilizes inertial navigation and aiming systems – including a GPS and an onboard firing computer – as part of its autonomous capabilities. The gun laying is performed using the INS without any external reference point. The laying system can be slaved to the computer to achieve automatic laying.
The ATHOS is designed to operate under harsh environmental conditions, using all qualified 155mm ammunition in use worldwide. To ease the crew’s workload and enhance gun performance, the ATHOS is equipped with an ammunition loader that dramatically reduces the physical effort needed to operate the gun.
The ATHOS automated ammunition loading system consists of a loading tray, a ramming mechanism and a crane with a projectile carrier. The system supports a range of firing rate:
Burst rate: 3 rounds in 30 seconds
Intense rate: 12 rounds in 3 minutes
Sustained rate: 42 rounds in 60 minutes
The ATHOS electronic system – control, computation, navigation and aiming – includes inertial navigation and aiming systems, an onboard firing computer, a laying system, optical backup sights and other control units.
The carriage is the main support of the weapon, both in action and during transport. The carriage consists of a central structure with a main bearing, trails and road wheels. The carriage carries the auxiliary propulsion-unite components including the driver’s compartment. The Auxiliary Propulsion Unite (APU) supplies continuous energy to the automotive, hydraulic, and electric systems, enabling autonomous system operation and short reaction going into or out of action.
