Between 1991 and 1994 the German company KUKA developed, as a private venture, the Automatic Ammunition Flow (AMF) system.

This has now successfully been integrated into a German 155 mm M109A3G and an M109A2 155 mm self-propelled artillery system.

Firing trials of both systems fitted with the KUKA Automatic Ammunition Flow (AMF) system have now been successfully completed and production can start on receipt of orders.

The KUKA Automatic Ammunition Flow (AMF) system has been designed as a retrofit system and according to the manufacturer it fits all existing United Defense 155 mm M109 series self-propelled artillery systems.

Due to its modular design, the AMF can easily be modified to fit other existing or even new self-propelled artillery systems.

It comprises the following main components:

(1) Automatic projectile magazine for 17 to 32 155 mm projectiles

(2) Transfer mechanism attached to the magazine

(3) Transfer arm

(4) Hydraulic flick rammer

(5) Electrical control system

(6) Automatic primer magazine

(7) Projectile hoist

(8) Electrical power supply system

The magazine and transfer mechanism are electrically operated while the flick rammer is hydraulically operated. The complete system is computer controlled and is operated via a control panel by one of the crew members.

As projectile transfer, projectile ramming and primer loading are carried out automatically the crew of the M109 can be reduced by at least one person. Several additional components are available to complete the KUKA Automatic Ammunition Flow (AMF) system.

The complete KUKA Automatic Ammunition Flow (AMF) system weighs about 1,000 kg and enables the 155 mm M109 series of self-propelled howitzer to achieve a burst rate of fire of three rounds in 12 to 14 seconds and a sustained rate of fire of eight rounds in 48 to 54 seconds.

Development complete. Ready for production on receipt of orders. As far as is known, the German Army has no plans to purchase this system.