010425 BOXER CREDIT NICHOLAS DRUMMOND
The test was carried out at the Millbrook Proving Ground (Picture: Nicholas Drummond)
Army

Boxer tested to see how far RCH 155 howitzer variant can tip before it topples

010425 BOXER CREDIT NICHOLAS DRUMMOND
The test was carried out at the Millbrook Proving Ground (Picture: Nicholas Drummond)

The Boxer has proved just how well it can cope with uneven terrain and steep slopes, with a test vehicle being deliberately tilted on a ramp to see how far it could go before toppling over.

And instead of the standard Boxer, which is lower to the ground, the test vehicle was adapted to mimic the weight and centre of gravity of the turreted RCH 155 howitzer variant.

The vehicle managed to tilt past a staggering 45° angle before one set of wheels finally lifted off the platform.

The Remote Controlled Howitzer 155mm is a wheeled self-propelled howitzer developed by KNDS Deutschland.

Under a landmark agreement with Germany, the UK launched an initiative last year to bring the RCH 155 into service within the next decade.

Renowned for its versatility and mobility, it's designed to tackle diverse terrain while enhancing survivability against enemy threats.

010425 boxer CREDIT- NICHOLAS DRUMMOND
The test vehicle achieved another first in terms of its ability to climb a one-metre step (Picture: Nicholas Drummond)

Built on the Boxer eight-by-eight armoured platform, the RCH 155 integrates the advanced Artillery Gun Module (AGM), capable of firing Nato-standard 155mm shells with a range of 40-70 km, depending on the type of ammunition.

This development marks a major leap forward for the Royal Artillery, empowering soldiers with a highly mobile, lethal, and decisive battlefield capability.

Adding to its impressive resumé, the test vehicle has also achieved another first – successfully ascending a one-metre step, a feat never before accomplished by an eight-by-eight platform.

The test vehicle was configured to represent the same weight and point of balance as the RCH 155 artillery variant (Picture: MOD)
The test vehicle was configured to represent the same weight and point of balance as the RCH 155 artillery variant (Picture: MOD)

The RCH 155 will deliver increased range and accuracy for artillery engagements, a high rate of fire of up to nine rounds per minute and possesses a powerful blend of tactical and operational mobility.

Able to deliver multiple rounds onto a target simultaneously in a 360° arc at range, it also has a direct fire capability, providing close-range defence.

As part of the Boxer family, it uses the common Boxer drive module, creating efficiencies in support through platform commonality and modularity, and improving interoperability.

Lieutenant General Dame Sharon Nesmith, speaking last year when she was Deputy Chief of the General Staff, said: "I am very proud that we have the opportunity to collaborate with Germany to develop RCH 155 as the British Army's Mobile Fires Platform.

"It not only presents an invaluable opportunity to work alongside our vital ally Germany, but also demonstrates our clear commitment to and leadership role within Nato.

"RCH 155 will provide a world-class 155mm self-propelled artillery gun system to the Royal Artillery – an excellent strategic fit with the British Army of the future."

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