@NATOJFCBS Title: “Modernizing NATO Artillery: Integrating the M777 Howitzer with the Mercedes-Benz Zetros for Enhanced Mobility and Efficiency” NATO Joint Force Command Brunssum – JFCBS 💪 Artillery Ready 📷 NATO’s artillery units stand prepared to defend our land with unmatched precision and power. #WeAreNATO #LandDefense
SGT: Nice. But we see one word is missed in the motto. Once it’s added in, NATO will be ready for 21st century war. Well almost, we might need to add in “robots” word as well.
It’s good that NATO is thinking about heavy-duty artillery. Artillery is the future of war, modernized artillery that is; for both rail guns and for truck based artillery systems addition to NATO armies.
‘Artillery technology is the dark horse in the 21st century race, for armies, navies, air forces, space forces and even for space launch systems to build cities in space or to terraform the moon into a new Earth. (instead of the older rocket method).’
Exploring the Potential of Rail Gun Artillery for Global Reach and Strategic Advantage
It might be useful to build a few rail gun systems that can launch artillery shells across oceans or continents, to shoot inexpensive shells consisting mostly of payload, all around the planet. Shells could theoretically be constructed by any country, so this could be a tremendous advantage in terms of maintaining supply chains and ongoing firepower.
Rail gun artillery can provide a good standoff distance. This would be superior to ICBMs, as those are very expensive and very complicated to manufacture and very expensive to modernize and upkeep. So there is too much investment into missiles, which can run out quickly in a confrontation, and too much upkeep, and the rate of production is too low and time-consuming (especially if you do this by hand instead of an autonomous missile factory system like China has).
Adopting Truck-Based Artillery Systems for Enhanced Mobility, Protection, and Efficiency
But until we do that, NATO should buy some nice trucks, because Americans really like to drive nice trucks. And many have health problems making soldiering a little difficult to operate this artillery. Trucks also have good road presence nowadays. It’s about performance and styles, not about walking, cycling, and family cars.
‘We need a truck-oriented Army. Not Army of One. Army of Trucks.’
Moving traditional artillery is energy-intensive, tires soldiers, and takes a lot of time. By making all missile systems mobile installed on trucks, all artillery mobile installed on trucks, and adding anti-drone truck-based CIWS Gatling gun systems/anti-robot/anti-tank missile platforms installed on a truck, with multiple wheels and inner wheels as safeguards in case bullets hit the outer wheels; we could advance rapidly on the enemy or outmaneuver them efficiently.
Perhaps the only reason they didn’t have truck artillery in WW2; maybe it was really a huge challenge to build trucks as well at that time, and maybe they didn’t have enough factories to also build trucks.
Additionally, soldiers are exposed to enemy fire, robots and small arms when they are outside operating artillery, whereas inside of trucks they are safe from many bullets, chemicals, viruses, drones, maybe some rockets, mines and radiation.
The slow setup of these artillery systems feels outdated in the age of robotics and artificial intelligence. Speed is crucial, and with artillery platforms capable of moving at 70 km/h to 120 km/h, we would significantly enhance our ability to counter AI and robotic threats.
‘Think NASCAR when you design artillery next time. Drive to the spot in under 60 seconds, fire 500 shells, drive back to restock in under 60 seconds. Gone in 60 Seconds!’
‘It works in the movies to drive fast!’
But it would be good to not integrate the Artillery Package (mechanical) into the Trucks. It needs like Enterprise (saucer separation mode), so it can be taken off the truck if the truck is hit by missile, explosion, firearm, mine or is disabled by an EMP.
The Mercedes-Benz Zetros looks nice: A heavy-duty truck with excellent mobility and load capacity, suitable for mounting missile systems, artillery, Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) Gatling Gun systems for anti robots/drones/vehicles/infantry/helicopters/low flying jets/incoming missiles, soldier transport or supply chain.
“Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks expands its defence portfolio: four-axle Zetros with all-wheel drive on show for the first time at Eurosatory”
‘Everyone will be happy with Mercedes-Benz.’
Note: It doesn’t have a grille in the front to protect against breaking the radiator! This was the big lesson that keeps happening to Jeremy Clarkson when he is in the jungle with the 4×4 on Top Gear. He always forgets to get a truck with a grille protection system. Needs metal bars in front to be stronger there and more aggressive looking, and you can also run into vehicles this way. It just keeps happening that trees and branches and obstacles damages the front of the truck when you are navigating through tough forests.
Design Specifics: “Enhancing Artillery Mobility and Efficiency: Integrating the M777 Howitzer onto the Mercedes-Benz Zetros Platform”
Mounting the M777 Howitzer directly onto a Mercedes-Benz Zetros truck could offer several operational advantages despite the complexity of such modifications. Here are some potential benefits:
1. Enhanced Mobility and Rapid Deployment
Quick Relocation: An integrated system allows for faster relocation compared to towing, enabling rapid response to changing battlefield conditions.
Reduced Setup Time: Eliminates the need for separate setup and breakdown processes, as the howitzer can be fired directly from the truck platform.
2. Increased Protection and Safety
Crew Safety: Soldiers can operate the artillery from within the protected cabin of the truck, reducing exposure to enemy fire, shrapnel, and other battlefield hazards. (Less shock from the sound. More comfort in war. Eat snack, play DVD and shoot.)
Armoured Protection: The Zetros can be outfitted with additional armour to protect both the crew and the artillery system from small arms fire and indirect fire, especially since M777 is only 4200kg. This crew protection feature is great feature during the age of drone warfare.
3. Operational Efficiency
Unified System: Combining the artillery piece and the transport vehicle into a single unit simplifies logistics and command control.
Reduced Manpower: Operating as an integrated unit can reduce the number of personnel required for deployment and operation, freeing up resources for other tasks.
4. Improved Maneuverability
Off-Road Capability: The Zetros is designed for rough terrains, which allows the M777 to be deployed in challenging environments where traditional towed artillery might struggle.
Versatility: Being able to move quickly in and out of firing positions makes the unit more versatile and less vulnerable to counter-battery fire.
5. Autonomous and Remote Operation Potential
Future Integration: Mounting the M777 on a truck platform opens up possibilities for integrating autonomous or remote control systems, enhancing the capability to operate in high-risk areas without direct human intervention. In case of WAR, AI upgrades can be be installed to modernize the new truck-artillery fleet for autonomous operation into and through radiated zones.
Example of Similar Systems:
M109 Paladin: A self-propelled howitzer that integrates the gun system with the vehicle, demonstrating the benefits of such a configuration.
CAESAR (French system): A truck-mounted 155mm artillery system that combines mobility with firepower, serving as a practical example of the concept.
Innovative Solutions for Direct Mounting of the M777 Howitzer on the Mercedes-Benz Zetros for Immediate Use
To mount the M777 Howitzer directly onto a Mercedes-Benz Zetros truck without additional disassembly and ready for immediate use, several innovative solutions and engineering adaptations are required:
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Extended Truck Bed Design: Custom Extended Flatbed: Design and install a custom flatbed that extends beyond the usual length of the Zetros, specifically to accommodate the full length of the M777 Howitzer. Cantilever Support: Use cantilever supports that extend from the truck bed to provide additional support for the overhanging sections of the howitzer, ensuring stability during transport and firing.
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Recoil Management System: Integrated Recoil Absorption: Install an advanced recoil absorption system directly onto the truck bed to handle the powerful recoil forces generated by the howitzer, preventing damage to the truck and maintaining firing accuracy. Hydraulic Stabilizers: Equip the truck with hydraulic stabilizers that deploy automatically when the howitzer is ready to fire, ensuring the truck remains stable and balanced.
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Weight Distribution and Chassis Reinforcement: Reinforced Chassis: Strengthen the truck’s chassis to handle the additional weight and stress of the mounted howitzer, ensuring long-term durability and reliability. Optimized Weight Distribution: Design the mounting system to evenly distribute the weight of the howitzer across the truck’s axles, maintaining mobility and handling.
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Armoured Cab and Crew Protection: Armoured Cabin: Enhance the truck’s cabin with armour plating to protect the crew from small arms fire, shrapnel, and other battlefield hazards. Internal Control Systems: Equip the truck with internal control systems that allow the crew to operate the howitzer from within the safety of the armoured cab, minimizing exposure to external threats.
Implementation:
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Engineering Collaboration: Collaborate with military vehicle and artillery experts to design a mounting system that securely integrates the M777 Howitzer onto the Zetros truck, ensuring all safety, stability, and operational requirements are met.
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Field Testing: Conduct extensive field testing to validate the effectiveness of the integrated system, making adjustments as necessary to optimize performance.
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Rapid Deployment: Ensure that the final design allows for rapid deployment and operation, with minimal setup time required once the truck reaches its firing position.
Conclusion:
By designing a custom extended flatbed, incorporating advanced recoil management systems, reinforcing the chassis, and ensuring proper weight distribution, the M777 Howitzer can be effectively mounted on a Mercedes-Benz Zetros truck. This integrated system will allow for immediate use without additional disassembly, providing a highly mobile, protected, and efficient artillery solution for modern warfare.
‘You will not have a problem with Mercedes. Just keep an eye on them if they try to cut corner and install plastic pipe like they try now on some of their cars. Raise voice if they say it’s difficult job. They turn into engineering experts if you raise voice for military engineering. The Germans can figure this out. They probably invented ball bearings. If there’s anyone that can figure out how to make artillery so a cup of water doesn’t spill or shake on top while you fire it, it’s Germany.’
Speed is victory. DVC: Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas (Accuracy, Power, Speed) and (Robots).”
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