00:01I got one
00:31This is the PZH-2000, a German howitzer that is unsurprisingly over-engineered.
00:50We'll take a look at the autoloader again in more detail, as well as its full firepower capability, but first
00:57let's look at its mobility.
01:09It uses a Wegman chassis, with many components shared with the Leopard 2 tank.
01:18It's a tracked system that can hit 70 km an hour to a range of 420 km.
01:26It achieves that with a 990 horsepower engine, and utilizes a portion bar suspension.
01:40As for moving its shells around, it has a few tricks.
01:48Logistically, it gets some help from one of its friends.
02:03In this case, an M992 field artillery and munitions supply vehicle, built on the frame of an M109.
02:21In terms of its autoloader, it's quite a feat of engineering.
02:33Taking a look at the full process again, its rounds are loaded through the back across the swinging mechanism, which
02:39brings the shell into the internal magazine.
02:41This magazine can store 60 rounds of different types, using a loading arm to sort the shells in one of
02:4715 columns.
02:48A shell can be selected and brought out through a feeding tray into the cabin, where it is automatically inserted
02:53into the breech.
02:54Manual additions of propellant necessary, and you're all ready.
03:18As for its firepower capability, it uses a 155mm Ryan Metal barrel.
03:30It hits an impressive 6 second firing rate, to a standard range of 30km, or an extended range with wraparounds
03:38to 54km.
03:45But if you want more accuracy, you can load in an Excalibur and hit out to 48km guided.
04:05As secondary armament, it features a Ryan Metal MG3 machine gun.
04:15It's accessed through a hatch at the top of the howitzer.
04:31As with many German military products, it's a popular export. So, who's buying?
04:40Italy has purchased 64, the Netherlands 49, Qatar 24, Hungary 23, and of course, Ukraine with 28, but as a
04:49donation.
04:50So, genius engineering? Or maintenance hell? Let us know what you think in the comments.
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05:02I think that's all good news for you in the comments.
05:02That's that I know.
05:02There we go.
05:02But, we're doing this again.
05:03Let us know.
05:03We know that you can adapt.
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