The Brazilian Army’s Logistics Command has made its decision on the self-propelled 155mm howitzers for the VBCOAP 155mm SR program. The chosen bidder is Elbit Systems Land, offering the Israeli ATMOS, a formidable artillery system that will be integrated onto Czech Tatra T815 6×6 trucks. The selection process was rigorous, with the Israeli ATMOS meeting and exceeding all requirements outlined by the Brazilian Army (Exército Brasileiro). This decision places Elbit Systems Land in a pivotal position, as its offering surpassed three other contenders in the bidding process. The Slovakian Zuzana 2 from Excalibur International emerged as the runner-up, followed by the French CAESAR from KNDS France in third place, and the Chinese SH15 from Norinco taking the fourth position.
Under the VBCOAP 155 mm SR program, Brazil plans to procure a total of 36 artillery systems. The signing of the contract for the initial two howitzers is scheduled for May 7th. These first units will undergo rigorous technical and operational evaluations, with delivery expected within 12 months of contract signing. Upon successful completion of the evaluation phase, the Brazilian Army will proceed with the acquisition of the remaining 34 systems. The delivery of these additional units will occur incrementally, with completion anticipated by the year 2034. This phased approach ensures careful integration and deployment of the new artillery systems, bolstering Brazil’s defense capabilities for the foreseeable future.
ATMOS (Autonomous Truck Mounted howitzer System) is a 155 mm/52 calibre self-propelled gun system manufactured by Israeli military manufacturer Soltam Systems (now Elbit Systems Land). The system is long range, fast moving, truck mounted with high firepower and mobility, rapid deployment, short response time, operable in all terrain areas. The system is integrated with a fully computerized system, providing an automatic control, accurate navigation and target acquisition, the system is offered with various gun barrel lengths, ranging from 39 to 52 calibre, in order to meet different customer requirements.
The ATMOS is fitted with a 155 mm/52 calibre ordnance which conforms to NATO Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding (JBMoU), and is mounted on a 6 × 6 cross-country truck chassis. The buffer is a hydraulic cylinder with a hydro-pneumatic recuperator, and the recoil length is variable from 850 to 1,100 mm. Two pneumatic equilibrators balance the barrel, weapon elevation and traverse are all hydraulic and computer controlled. With a 155 mm/52 barrel, a 41 km (25 mi) maximum range can be achieved, using Extended Range Full-Bore – Base Bleed (ERFB-BB) projectile, 30 km (19 mi) firing the NATO L15 High Explosive (HE) projectile and 24.5 km (15.2 mi) firing the older M107 HE projectile.
