ATMOS (Autonomous Truck Mounted howitzer System) is a 155 mm/52 calibre 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 system is offered with various gun barrel lengths, ranging from 39 to 52 calibre, in order to meet different customer requirements.
The ATMOS is fitted with a 155 mm/52 calibre ordnance which conforms to NATO Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding (JBMoU), and is mounted on a 6 × 6 cross-country truck chassis. The breech mechanism is horizontal sliding which automatically opens to the right with a self-sealing metal obturating ring. The buffer is a hydraulic cylinder with a hydro-pneumatic recuperator, and the recoil length is variable from 850 to 1,100 mm. Two pneumatic equilibrators balance the barrel, weapon elevation and traverse are all hydraulic and computer controlled. The gun's aiming gears, load assist systems and spades are operated by a hydraulic power pack. With a 155 mm/52 barrel, a 41 km (25 mi) maximum range can be achieved, using Extended Range Full-Bore - Base Bleed (ERFB-BB) projectile,[1] 30 km (19 mi) firing the NATO L15 High Explosive (HE) projectile and 24.5 km (15.2 mi) firing the older M107 HE projectile.
The ATMOS 2000 carries a total of 27 155 mm projectiles and associated charges[2][unreliable source?] and can be operated by a 4-man crew, consisting of two loaders positioned on either side at the rear. The system provides a rate of fire of between 4 and 9 rds/min.
Late in 2001, Soltam Systems released details of the latest version of its ATMOS 2000 whose existence was first revealed late in 1999.[3] At that time, it was also referred to as the 155 mm Self-Propelled Wheeled Gun (SPWG). The ATMOS was developed as a private venture and is aimed mainly for export markets, although it has already been demonstrated to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Wheeled self-propelled guns are usually cheaper to procure than their more common tracked counterparts, have lower life cycle costs and are easier to operate and maintain. In addition, they also have greater strategic mobility and do not rely on Heavy Equipment Transporters (HETs). By late 2001, the system fired over 1,000 rounds, during extensive trials in Israel.
In mid-2003, an undisclosed export customer had placed a contract with the company worth USD5 million for an undisclosed batch of ATMOS 2000 systems. From late 2004 the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out extensive field tests the ATMOS 155 mm/39 calibre system.[4]
ATROM – Romanian version that uses the same Soltam M-17 155 mm gun on a locally developed ROMAN 26.360 DFAEG 6x6 truck chassis.[5] The system never entered production and the project was put on hold after three prototypes were built.[6]
AHS Kryl – Polish version on a Jelcz 663 armoured 6×6 chassis and integrating WB Electronics "Topaz" artillery fire control system. Production was planned for 2021, but never started.
M758 ATMG - Thai version on a Tatra armoured 6×6 chassis jointly developed by Soltam and DTI. 24 systems were in service as of 2023.[7]
Of the five self-propelled artillery battalions, three are to be tracked and two are to be wheeled.[24] According to Gen. Incicaș, the chief of the General Directorate for Armaments, the wheeled battalions are intended for the Vânători de munte, while the tracked battalions are intended for the heavy infantry units and the 282nd Armored Brigade.[25] As of 2023, Elbit Systems is confirmed to participate with the ATMOS system in the contract bid.[24]
The US Army is interested in a more mobile artillery platforms. Some "Mobile Howitzer Trials and Shoot-Off" had been occurring in 2021.[28] The systems tested were the CAESAR, the ATMOS 2000, the Archer and the Nora B-52. The Army was impressed by the Archer,[29][unreliable source?]also very positive with the CAESAR.[30] But not much has filtered about potentially ordering one of these systems. As some M777 howitzers were donated to Ukraine, it is certainly possible that the Army would consider a truck mounted variant to compensate as a gap filler to cover the donated howitzers. But ultimately decided to not move forward with the decision.
^"Se video af nyt ildstøttesystem til Forsvaret" [See video of new fire support system for the Armed Forces]. The Ministry of Defence's Materiel and Procurement Agency (in Danish). 26 January 2023. Archived from the original on 29 September 2023.
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