SIGMA NG in travelling configuration with the fully protected crew cab at the front, from where the remote-controlled turret at the rear is operated. (Photo: Elbit America)
Is US manufacturing key to Elbit’s chances in major artillery competition?
Elbit America has completed the first example of its SIGMA 155mm/52cal Next Generation (NG) self-propelled (SP) artillery system at its South Carolina facility and according to the company this uses all US-manufactured components apart from the gun barrel.
This latter comprises a US forging that was sent to Israel to be completed at an Elbit facility and then returned to be integrated into the remote-controlled turret... Continues below
This analysis article originally appeared in November's Decisive Edge Land Warfare Newsletter.
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The SIGMA NG barrel meets the NATO Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding and features a 23-litre chamber that can fire all current 155mm artillery projectiles and is fitted with a fume extractor and muzzle brake.
The 10x10 platform on which SIGMA is based is provided by Oshkosh Defense and uses many components already common on US Army equipment such as the Palletized Load System which features a central tyre inflation system and steering on the first two and last two wheel stations.
The SIGMA NG has a crew of three who carry out the fire mission from within a fully armoured protected forward cab. To the rear of this is a stowage area and at the very rear the turret.
Unlike some wheeled artillery systems, the SIGMA NG’s turret can be traversed through 360 degrees to be laid onto a new target without moving. Four hydraulically operated stabilisers, two each side, are rapidly deployed before a fire mission.
A total of 40 155mm projectiles and associated modular charges are carried and the automatic ammunition handling system enables a high rate of fire to be achieved.
According to Elbit America, SIGMA NG has a multiple-round simultaneous-impact capability where all of the 155mm artillery projectiles fired land on the target at the same time for maximum effect.
Each SIGMA NG would typically be supported by logistics vehicles carrying additional projectiles and charges, with the former being loaded from the left and the latter from the right. These would have a crew of two.
The Israel Defense Forces version, Roem, is almost identical to the SIGMA NG and has already started to supplement its large fleet of US-provided M109 howitzers fitted with a 155mm/39cal barrel.
Compared to the M109 the Roem provides a step change in capability as it has a greater firing range, better strategic mobility and a reduced crew requirement.
Of the five 155mm/52cal artillery systems shortlisted by the US Army late last year, the SIGMA NG has by far the highest US content. The increased emphasis placed on “buying American” under President Trump could well be a deciding factor.
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Most of the other competitors are teamed with US contractors including General Dynamics and BAE Systems.
It was expected that the currently deployed 155mm/39cal M109A7 Paladin would be replaced by an upgraded 155mm/58cal version, but this was abandoned due to significant barrel erosion.
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