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CAESAR
Type	Self-propelled howitzer
Place of origin	France
Specifications
Weight	17.7 tonnes
Length	10 m
Width	2.55 m
Height	3.7 m
Crew	5 (3, emergency)
Primary armament	155 mm/52-calibre
Secondary armament	none
Engine	diesel
Suspension	6x6 wheel
Operational range	600 km
Speed	100 km/h 50 km/h off-road

The CAESAR (CAmion Equipé d'un Système d'ARtillerie; Truck equipped with an artillery system)^[1] is a 155 mm/52-calibre gun-howitzer installed on a 6X6 Renault truck chassis. It was developed by GIAT (now called Nexter) and is operated by the French Army.

Features

The CAESAR is a wheeled, 155mm artillery howitzer. It can hold 18 rounds (by itself) and is operated by a crew of 5 people, which can be reduced to 3 if necessary.

It can be transported by C-130 or A400M, or even by a CH-53 helicopter.

Programme

The first order (for 5 howitzers) was passed on 20 September 2000. The first five units were delivered in 2003. Following the evaluation, the main order of 72 units were made in late 2004. In July 2008, the first cannon of the first series of 8 was delivered to the French Army^[2].

Export

The CAESAR is operated by Thailand ^[1][3].

In 2006, GIAT announced a 76-unit sale to an unspecified foreign customer. It has been rumoured that this client is Saudi Arabia^[3].

Technology

During Eurosatory 2006, CAESAR was exhibited with an automated laying system based on the inertial navigation system SIGMA 30.

Operational deployment

In June 2009, the french Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that 8 CAESAR will be sent to Afghanistan to support French operations. They should be deployed during the summer.^[4].

Three have been deployed the 1st august 2009^[5] by 3er RAMa, followed by five others, to be place as firebase in FOB Tora, Tagab and Nijrab. They are fitted with cabin armor add-ons, with fireport.

See also

• M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System
• AMX 30 AuF1
• GIAT
• Nora B-52

References

External links

Vehicles of the French Army Armoured cavalry AMX-30 - ERC 90 Sagaie - AMX 10 RC - Leclerc - AMX-10P - AuF1 - VAB - VBL - VBCI Artillery, transport and combat engineering AuF1 - MLRS - TRF1 - Caesar - Peugeot P4 - ACMAT - SYRANO - EBG - EFA - DNG French Army Light Aviation Alouette III - Gazelle - Puma - Super Puma- Tiger - Fennec - Cougar - NH90