GDELS is proposing Nemesis as a potential replacement for the Spanish Army’s existing artillery systems, typically the self-propelled tracked howitzers M109. Derived from the well-known AGM artillery module, Nemesis is a completely automated 155mm artillery system. The Bundeswehr is incorporating this module onto the wheeled Boxer platform under the designation RCH 155, as it is gaining popularity.
The medium-tracked ASCOD platform from GDELS is what distinguishes the Nemesis artillery system. In 2008, both companies had previously introduced a predecessor to this concept, which was also based on the ASCOD chassis and was known as Donar. Nevertheless, the concept was not able to attract a customer at that time.
This method is comparable to the U.S.’s implementation of the most recent iteration of the M109A7 Paladin howitzer, which uses a modified chassis from the Bradley combat vehicle, which includes the identical powertrain and other chassis components.
Nemesis can be operated by a two-person crew, as per GDELS. Nevertheless, the ASCOD cabin, which has been ergonomically optimized, has the capacity to accommodate an additional crew member in the event of a need. It is also purported that the system can be operated without a human operator. The manufacturers also underscore the fact that the entire system was exclusively developed in Europe, which serves to bolster the continent’s strategic autonomy. It effectively integrates high crew protection, maximum indirect armament, and track mobility in the most challenging terrain, stated GDELS.
ASCOD has been operational in Austria since 2001 under the name Ulan and in Spain since 2003 under the name Pizarro. The United Kingdom developed and procured 589 Ajax combat vehicles in a fighting variant with a 40mm cannon using the ASCOD platform. Ajax achieved a significant milestone in April when the UK Ministry of Defence received 100 Ajax vehicles.
ASCOD was modified by GDELS to include an armored superstructure for its use as an artillery platform. The vehicle is equipped with either steel or composite rubber tracks (CRT – Composite Rubber Tracks) and is propelled by an 820 kW diesel engine.
Nemesis, like the wheeled versions, provides the full firing capabilities of the AGM system, including the ability to discharge on the move and a 360° firing range, as per GDELS. Nevertheless, in actuality, firing on the move is rarely feasible due to the fact that the system is limited to firing in the direction of travel, necessitating that the vehicle travel directly toward the intended target, a highly improbable situation. Destabilization and potential risks to the vehicle and accuracy would result from firing sideways while in motion, which would generate significant gyroscopic forces. This begs the question of why it is not sufficient to pause for a few seconds prior to discharging.
While firing on the move is technically intriguing, it is a fringe capability from a tactical and practical perspective. Rather than a commonplace function that should influence purchasing decisions, it is more of a marketing argument.
The AGM is a fully automated turret that is serially produced and is equipped with a 155mm L52 weapon from Rheinmetall, which is already familiar to users of the PzH 2000 howitzer. KNDS has been contracted by Germany to manufacture and supply 54 motorized RCH 155 howitzers as part of its military assistance to Ukraine. The first system is expected to be deployed to Ukraine in the near future. Additionally, the Bundeswehr intends to acquire over 160 of these howitzers; the contract is anticipated to be signed later this year. Additionally, the United Kingdom is contemplating the acquisition of an unspecified quantity of RCH 155 systems. Switzerland will become another AGM user, albeit on the Piranha 10×10 platform rather than the Boxer chassis. A total of 32 of these artillery systems will be acquired by Switzerland.
The AGM module is intended to be platform-independent. The AGM can theoretically be installed on any vehicle if a specific chassis satisfies the load-bearing capacity and stability requirements. The platform must be able to withstand recoil forces of up to 60 tons (at maximum charge) during discharge, as per the manufacturer.
The AGM is capable of firing over eight rounds per minute. It is equipped with a fully automatic loading system that accommodates both modular propellant charges and projectiles. The chamber is electronically managed. It is capable of firing both long-range and direct fire at close targets, as its elevation range extends from -2.5 to 65 degrees.
The combat load is approximately 50% greater than that of standard wheeled systems currently in service, consisting of up to 30 projectiles and 144 propellant charges. The fuse of each projectile can be wirelessly programmed during the loading process. A computer with incorporated ballistic calculations and data links regulates the firing. The MRSI (Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact) capability and a range of up to 70 kilometers using rocket-assisted projectiles (RAP) or special types like the Italian Vulcano GLR (Guided Long Range) are the most important product features, according to GDELS. The Vulcano GLR features a long, slender, sub-caliber body equipped with a sabot that significantly reduces aerodynamic drag.