| SLWH Primus | |
|---|---|
| Type | Howitzer |
| Place of origin |  Singapore |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2005 - |
| Used by | Singapore |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA) and Singapore Technologies Kinetics (ST Kinetics) |
| Manufacturer | Singapore Technologies Kinetics |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 5.4 tons[vague] |
| Crew | 6-8 |
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|
|
| Caliber | 155 mm |
| Rate of fire | 4 rounds per minute for 3 minutes 2 rounds per minute for 30 minutes |
| Effective range | 19 km (with M107) |
| Maximum range | 30 km (with ERFB BB round) |
|
|
|
| Engine | Lombardini 9LD625-2 21 kW |
| Speed | 12 km/h |
The Singapore Light Weight Howitzer (SLWH) Pegasus is a helicopter-transportable, towed artillery unit. Developed jointly by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and Singapore Technologies Kinetics (ST Kinetics), it was commissioned on 28 October 2005[1]. As land is scarce in Singapore, it was first live-fired at the Waiouru Training Area in New Zealand as part of Exercise Thunder Warrior in January 2006.[2]. The Pegasus is slated to replace the GIAT 105 mm Light Guns currently in service with the Singapore Artillery, thus standardizing all of the SAF's artillery systems at 155 mm.
Contents |
Design
The 155 mm, 39-caliber Pegasus is typically towed, but it is also equipped with an independent Lombardini 9LD625-2 engine unit to provide short-range self-propelled capability of up to 12 km/h (7 mph). It can be lifted by the CH-47D "Chinook" helicopter, making it the world's first heli-portable 155 mm howitzer with a self-propelled capability [3]. In addition, the Pegasus can also be transported by the C-130 Hercules tactical airlifter. The Pegasus has a burst rate of fire of three rounds in 24 seconds and a maximum rate of fire of four rounds per minute. It can deliver conventional munitions up to 19 km. Extended range munitions can be fired up to 30 km away. A semi-automatic loading system is provided to increase the rate of fire and reduce crew fatigue. The design of the Pegasus also incorporates several innovative elements. It is built with titanium and high alloy aluminum materials that are lightweight and yet able to withstand the recoil force of the 155 mm system. Special recoil management design is also employed to reduce the recoil force to a third lower than conventional 155 mm howitzers.
See also
- Other Singapore artillery systems
References
- ^ Army Unveils Locally Designed and Built Light Weight Howitzer. MINDEF News Release. Retrieved on 2007-11-21.
- ^ Inaugural Live Firing of Singapore Light-Weight Howitzer in New Zealand. MINDEF News Release. Retrieved on 2007-11-21.
- ^ Singapore Light Weight Howitzer Pegasus - Capabilities & Features. Singapore Armed Forces Singapore Light Weight Howitzer Pegasus website. Retrieved on 2007-11-21.
External links
- "Singapore Armed Forces Singapore Light Weight Howitzer Pegasus website." Accessed on 20 November 2007.
- "Defense Industry Daily - Singapore Unveils New Air-Portable, Semi-Mobile 155 mm Pegasus Howitzer." Accessed on 21 November 2007.
