SLWH Pegasus

Infobox Weapon
name=Singapore Light Weight Howitzer (SLWH) Pegasus


caption=Singapore Light Weight Howitzer (SLWH) Pegasus
type=Howitzer
origin=SGP
is_ranged=yes
is_explosive=
is_artillery=yes
is_vehicle=yes
service=2005 -
used_by=Singapore
wars
designer=Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA) and ST Kinetics
design_date=
manufacturer=ST Kinetics
weight=5.4 tonnes
length=
part_length=6045mm (39 calibre)
width=
height=
diameter=
crew=6-8
cartridge=155 mm NATO
caliber=155 mm 39 calibre
action=
rate=4 rounds per minute for 3 minutes
2 rounds per minute for 30 minutes
velocity=
range=19 km (with M107)
max_range=30 km (with ERFB BB round)
feed=
sights=
engine=Lombardini 9LD625-2
engine_power=21 kW
pw_ratio=
suspension=
vehicle_range=
speed=12 km/h
guidance=

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 ST Kinetics, it was commissioned on 28 October 2005 [cite web |url= http://www.nexus.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/oct/28oct05_nr.html |title= Army Unveils Locally Designed and Built Light Weight Howitzer |accessdate= 2007-11-21 |format= |work= MINDEF News Release] .

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 Republic of Singapore Air Force's CH-47SD "Chinook" helicopter, making it the world's first heli-portable 155 mm howitzer with a self-propelled capability [cite web |url= http://www.nexus.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/topics/Weapons/slwh/capabilities.html |title= Singapore Light Weight Howitzer Pegasus - Capabilities & Features |accessdate= 2007-11-21 |format= |work= Singapore Armed Forces Singapore Light Weight Howitzer Pegasus website] . 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.

Deployment

As land is scarce in Singapore, the Singapore Army conducted its first live firing of the SLWH Pegasus at the artillery range of Waiouru Army Camp in New Zealand as part of Exercise Thunder Warrior in January 2006. [cite web |url= http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2006/jan/18jan06_nr.html |title= Inaugural Live Firing of Singapore Light-Weight Howitzer in New Zealand |accessdate= 2007-11-21 |format= |work= MINDEF News Release] . The Pegasus is slated to replace the GIAT LG1 105 mm Light Guns currently in service with the Singapore Artillery, thus standardizing all of the SAF's artillery systems at 155 mm.

ee also

*ST Kinetics
*FH-88
*FH-2000
*SSPH Primus

Photo gallery

References

External links

* [http://www.stengg.com/CoyCapPro/detail.aspx?pdid=270 Singapore Technologies official site]
* [http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jah/jah_0468.html Projectile, 155 mm: AD/EXJAM, XM867E2, FIELD ARTILLERY]
*" [http://www.nexus.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/topics/Weapons/slwh/home.html Singapore Armed Forces Singapore Light Weight Howitzer Pegasus website] ." Accessed on 20 November 2007.
*" [http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/singapore-unveils-new-airportable-semimobile-155mm-pegasus-howitzer-01414 Defense Industry Daily - Singapore Unveils New Air-Portable, Semi-Mobile 155 mm Pegasus Howitzer] ." Accessed on 21 November 2007.