Engineering:DRDO Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System

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Short description: Indian towed howitzer
Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS)
ATAGS.jpg
ATAGS during firing trails
TypeTowed Howitzer
Place of originIndia
Service history
Used byIndian Army
Production history
DesignerArmament Research and Development Establishment
Tata Advanced Systems
Kalyani Strategic Systems
Designed2013-2017
ManufacturerAdvanced Weapons and Equipment India
Bharat Forge
Tata Power SED[1]
Produced2019
No. built10 (prototypes)[2]
Specifications
Mass18 tonnes (18 long tons; 20 short tons)[3]
Barrel length8060 mm
Crew6-8
Calibre155 mm L/52
BreechScrew type
RecoilElectro-rheological/Magneto-rheological
Elevation-3/+75°
Traverse+/-25°
Rate of fire
  • Burst: 5 rounds in 60 sec
  • Intense: 10 rounds in 2 min 30 sec
  • Sustained: 60 rounds in 60 min
Effective firing range48.074 km[4]
Maximum firing range52.074 km (using High Explosive Base Bleed ammunition)[5][6]
60 km+ (using Ramjet Propelled Artillery Shell, under development)[7]
SightsThermal sight Gunners display

The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) is a towed 155 mm/52 calibre howitzer that is being developed for the Indian Army by Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Tata Advanced Systems and Kalyani Strategic Systems.[8] Bharat Forge, Tata Power SED and Advanced Weapons and Equipment India are manufacturing partners.

Development

File:ATAGS Howitzer.webm The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) project was started in 2013 by DRDO to replace older guns in service in the Indian Army with a modern 155mm artillery gun.[9] DRDO laboratory Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) partnered with private players Bharat Forge, Mahindra Defence Naval System, Tata Power SED and public sector unit Advanced Weapons and Equipment India for this purpose.[10] With ARDE as the nodal laboratory, development is being assisted by Instruments Research and Development Establishment (IRDE), Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), and Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL).[11] It was part of the Development cum Production Partner programme (DCPP) of DRDO.[12]

The development of the gun took about 4 years and is expected to be complete by March 2017. The delay in completion of the project was attributed to realization of ordnance and recoil system and supply issue with manufacturing of sub-systems. The gun is expected to start user trials in 2017 and production is expected to start in 2019.[13][14][15][16]

It was first publicly showcased at 68th Republic Day parade on 26 January 2017.[2] For the first time, an indigenously developed howitzer gun, the ATAGS was included in the 21 gun salute alongside the British origin 25-pounder as part of the 76th Independence day celebrations. Two howitzer were included in the battery that fired the 21 gun salute.[17] ATAGS is being fast-tracked by Indian Army for induction as of 27 September 2022.[18]

Design

The gun consists of a barrel, breech mechanism, muzzle brake and recoil mechanism to fire 155 mm calibre ammunition with a firing range of 48 km. It has an all-electric drive to ensure reliability and minimum maintenance over a long period of time. It has advanced features like high mobility, quick deployability, auxiliary power mode, advanced communication system, automatic command and control system with night capability in direct-fire mode.[14] The gun is two tons lighter than guns in the same category and is designed to provide better accuracy and range and is capable of firing five successive rounds in short duration. It is compatible with C3I systems like Artillery Combat Command and Control System (ACCCS) called Shakti for technical fire control, fire planning, deployment management, operational logistics management of the Indian Army.[19][20]

Ramjet Propelled Artillery Shell

IIT Madras along with IIT Kanpur, ARDE and Research Centre Imarat (RCI) are working on redesigning an existing 155 mm shell using ramjet propulsion that can cover 60 km+ range. It will be made compatible with ATAGS. The shell will use precision guidance kit for trajectory correction. IIT Madras will ensure that Munitions India can manufacture the shells.[7]

Trials

  • DRDO conducted the proof firing of armament for the 155/52 calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System on 14 July 2016. The test was successful.[21]
  • Fully integrated, 155-millimeter artillery gun fired its first rounds of live ammunition at the Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) in Balasore, Odisha on 14 December 2016.[22]
  • During trials in 2017, ATAGS broke the then world record for 155 mm/52 calibre gun by firing the round to a distance of 47.2 kilometres. It again registered a maximum distance of 48.074 kilometres with high explosive–base bleed (HE–BB) ammunition, surpassing the maximum ranges fired by any artillery gun system in this category.[23][24] This has since been surpassed by M777 and later M1299 under US Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program using 58 caliber long barrel, and XM1113 rocket-assisted artillery shell.
  • The gun successfully completed trials and the manufacturing of first lot of 40 guns is to start soon.[25]
  • The gun underwent user trials in September 2020 and suffered a major setback with a barrel burst injuring four personnel. Investigations are on to ascertain and solve the problem[26][27][28] and in November 2020, after an investigation the gun was cleared for further trials
  • In June 2021, ATAGS successfully completed trials at 15,000 feet (4,600 m) altitude.
  • On May 2, 2022, the ATAGS successfully completed all field trials, paving way for induction into Army.

Variants

  • DRDO ATAGAS - Towed by a High Mobility Vehicle (HMV)
  • DRDO MGS - It equips ATAGS on an eight-wheeled HMV developed by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML).[29][30]

Users

  • Indian Army - In August 2018, the Defence Acquisition Council approved the procurement of 150 ATAGS with an estimated cost of ₹3,364.78 crore (US$470 million).[31] The order will be split into lowest and second lowest bidder in 70:30 ratio to increase production rate.[32]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "India's Two Private Firms Win $4.5 Billion Contract To Develop Artillery Gun Systems". Defense Mirror. 26 January 2017. https://www.defensemirror.com/news/18336/India_s_Two_Private_Firms_Win__4_5_Billion_Contract_To_Develop_Artillery_Gun_Systems#.Y1E1zOTP3Vg. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Make in India: DRDO takes pride in ATAGS, to be showcased at Republic Day parade". DNA. ANI (25 January 2017). http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-drdo-takes-pride-in-atags-to-be-showcased-at-republic-day-parade-2295956. 
  3. ↑ "Trials of advanced artillery gun begin in Pokhran range" (in en). The Times of India. 27 May 2019. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/trials-of-advanced-artillery-gun-begin-in-pokhran-range/articleshow/69510412.cms. 
  4. ↑ Aero India. https://aeroindia.gov.in/assets/pdf/Export%20Book%20_Final.pdf. 
  5. ↑ Peri, Dinakar (15 September 2017). "Indigenous artillery gun sets new record in range". The Hindu. http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indigenous-artillery-gun-sets-new-record-in-range/article19693728.ece. 
  6. ↑ Shukla, Ajai (5 September 2017). "World-record 'gun salute' to incoming defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman". Business Standard. http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/world-record-gun-salute-to-incoming-defence-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-117090500024_1.html. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 MP, Sidharth (21 February 2020). "IIT-M working on next-gen Ramjet-powered 155mm artillery shells for Indian Army". WION. https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-m-working-on-next-gen-ramjet-powered-155mm-artillery-shells-for-indian-army-282090. 
  8. ↑ Kajal, Kapil (19 October 2022). "Defexpo 2022: DRDO unveils indigenous ATAGS" (in en). https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/defexpo-2022-drdo-unveils-indigenous-atags. 
  9. ↑ Shukla, Ajai (29 July 2010). "155-mm gun contract: DRDO enters the fray". Business Standard. http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/155-mm-gun-contract-drdo-entersfray/402834/. 
  10. ↑ "ATAGS to be ready for user trial by early 2017: DRDO". The Economic Times. 14 July 2018. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/atags-to-be-ready-for-user-trial-by-early-2017-drdo/articleshow/53214335.cms. 
  11. ↑ Kulkarni, Sushant. "Explained: What is ATAGS, the indigenous howitzer used in Independence Day 21-gun salute?". The Indian Express (Pune). https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/what-is-atags-indigenous-howitzier-i-day-21-gun-salute-8090428/. 
  12. ↑ "DRDO opens up missile production partnership for Indian private sector" (in en). 6 April 2021. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/drdo-opens-up-missile-production-partnership-for-indian-private-sector/articleshow/81928553.cms. 
  13. ↑ "Dhanush 155mm Artillery Gun: A "Make in India" Marvel". http://www.indiandefencereview.com/news/dhanush-155mm-artillery-gun-a-make-in-india-marvel/. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "DRDO Embarked Major Success in Advanced Artillery Gun System". Press Information Bureau. 2017-07-14. http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=Release%20Id%20:147091. 
  15. ↑ "Projects of DRDO". Press Information Bureau. 2016-11-25. http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=Release%20Id%20:154330. 
  16. ↑ Diplomat, Franz-Stefan Gady, The. "India Successfully Tests New Advanced Artillery Gun System" (in en-US). The Diplomat. https://thediplomat.com/2016/07/india-successfully-tests-new-advanced-artillery-gun-system/. 
  17. ↑ Vats, Anushka (15 August 2022). "Explained: ATAGS, The Made-In-India Howitzer Used For 21-Gun Salute On Independence Day 2022". https://english.jagran.com/india/explained-atags-the-madeinindia-howitzer-used-for-21gun-salute-on-independence-day2022-10047503. 
  18. ↑ Philip, Snehesh Alex (27 September 2022). "China threat in mind, Army to order another 100 K9 Vajra howitzers from L&T, more to follow". ThePrint. https://theprint.in/defence/china-threat-in-mind-army-to-order-another-100-k9-vajra-howitzers-from-lt-more-to-follow/1144787/. 
  19. ↑ "Press Information Bureau". http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=Release%20Id%20:156049. 
  20. ↑ "ARDE's gun set to be on display at parade today - Times of India". The Times of India. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/ardes-gun-set-to-be-on-display-at-parade-today/articleshow/56789390.cms. 
  21. ↑ "DRDO's 155 mm x 52 calibre advanced towed artillery gun test fired successfully". Financial Express. 14 July 2016. http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/drdos-155-mm-x-52-calibre-advanced-towed-artillery-gun-test-fired-successfully/317065/. 
  22. ↑ Ajai, Shukla (15 December 2016). "Indian gun booms in world's biggest artillery programme". Business Standard. http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/indian-gun-booms-in-world-s-biggest-artillery-programme-116121401202_1.html. 
  23. ↑ Shukla, Ajai (2017-09-05). "World-record 'gun salute' to incoming defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman". Business Standard India. http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/world-record-gun-salute-to-incoming-defence-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-117090500024_1.html. 
  24. ↑ Peri, Dinakar (2017-09-15). "Indigenous artillery gun sets new record in range" (in en-IN). The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indigenous-artillery-gun-sets-new-record-in-range/article19693728.ece. 
  25. ↑ Tribune (Feb 7, 2018). "Army to get 40 artillery guns made by DRDO". http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/army-to-get-40-artillery-guns-made-by-drdo/540085.html. 
  26. ↑ "INTERVIEW | Youngsters can power India into a defence technology leader: Dr Satheesh Reddy" (in en). https://english.manoramaonline.com/news/nation/2020/02/14/youngsters-india-defence-technology-satheessh-reddy.html. 
  27. ↑ Lt. Gen. J P Singh (October 1, 2020). "ATAGS- A forward step towards Atamnirbharta in defence". The Financial Express (India). https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/atags-a-forward-step-towards-atamnirbharta-in-defence/2095691/. 
  28. ↑ "indigenous artillery gun may go back to drawing board after barrel burst". Economic Times. September 26, 2020. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indigenous-artillery-gun-may-go-back-to-drawing-board/articleshow/78324260.cms. 
  29. ↑ "DRDO tests mounted gun system" (in en). https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/drdo-tests-mounted-gun-system. 
  30. ↑ Shukla, Ajai (2022-10-19). "MGS, Light Tank, WhaP: DRDO presents 3 'Make in India' successes at DefExpo" (in en). https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/mgs-light-tank-whap-drdo-presents-3-make-in-india-successes-at-defexpo-122101901283_1.html. 
  31. ↑ Peri, Dinakar (25 August 2018). "Helicopter deals among ₹ 46,000 crore worth approvals by Defence Acquisition Council" (in en-IN). The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/helicopter-deals-among-46000-crore-worth-approvals-by-defence-acquisition-council/article24780133.ece. 
  32. ↑ Singh, Rahul (2022-09-27). "Indian Army eyes major firepower upgrade to counter China" (in en). https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-army-eyes-major-firepower-upgrade-to-counter-china-101664280649581.html. 




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