Designation: | SLWH Pegasus |
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Manufacturer: | Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd - STK | |
Product type: | Weapons & Weapon Systems | |
Name: | Towed howitzer |
The 155mm Singapore Light Weight Howitzer (SLWH) Pegasus is both self-propelled and heli-portable by the CH-47D "Chinook" helicopters. Weighing 5.4 tons, this 39-calibre howitzer offers better range and firepower than the 105mm Light Guns which it will replace. The SAF's artillery systems will all be standardised (at 155mm) after the Pegasus is fully phased into the SAF's artillery units.
The Pegasus was jointly developed by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), the Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA) and Singapore Technologies Kinetics (ST Kinetics) to meet the Army's operational requirements. It is a highly automated and efficient system that delivers range and firepower comparable to heavier systems such as the Primus and the FH88.
The 155 mm/39 calibre Pegasus Light Weight Howitzer (LWH) has been developed by Singapore Technologies Kinetics (STK), Singapore Defence Science and Technology Agency and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).
The Pegasus LWH was first revealed in late 2005 by which time it was fully operational with the SAF. It is understood that the SAF has formed at least one regiment equipped with this weapon, with another expected to follow.
Some sources have stated that the 155 mm/39 calibre LWH will replace the French Nexter Systems towed 105 mm LG1 light gun, of which 37 were supplied. These are used by two artillery regiments of the SAF.
The introduction of the new Pegasus LWH will enable the SAF to standardise on 155 mm calibre for its artillery arm.
To reduce weight, the structure of the 155 mm/39 calibre LWH is made of lightweight materials, such as titanium and high alloy aluminium. It is claimed that an innovative recoil management design serves to reduce recoil by one-third.
Through a simple see-saw action that shifts the gun's centre of gravity to suit different missions, it is claimed that the Pegasus LWH can be deployed with a crew of eight people in less that 2.5 minutes.
In addition to providing power to enable the Pegasus LWH to act as an autonomous system over short distances, the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) also powers the ammunition loading system, which reduces crew fatigue during sustained firing missions.
It is claimed that a burst of three rounds can be fired in 24 seconds, with a maximum rate of fire of 4 rounds per minute for three minutes and two rounds per minute for 30 minutes.
All types of 155 mm artillery projectile and associated charges can be fired by the 155 mm Pegasus LWH. The Pegasus 155 mm/39 calibre LWH weighs 5.4 tonnes and is fitted with an APU that is fitted on one of its trail arms.
The APU is a 21 kW Lombardini 9LD625-2 diesel engine that provides power to the two main road wheels located at the front of the carriage, with steering via the two smaller wheels at the rear. Using the APU a maximum road speed of 12 km/h is claimed.
Mounted on the left side of the weapon is a conventional mechanical sight that is claimed to be able to withstand firing shocks of up to 90 g.
It can be carried internally of a Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules transport aircraft and by the CH-47D Chinook helicopter, both of which are used by the SAF.
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