“The Crusader will be the first of the “next generation” artillery systems. Scheduled for fielding in 2005, the Crusader includes a self-propelled howitzer (SPH) and a resupply vehicle (RSV). The SPH components will incorporate the latest in onboard and networked information processing and tactical-technical fire control capabilities. It will fire to a range of 50 kilometers with greater accuracy than current systems, at a maximum rate of fire of 10 to 12 rounds per minute, and a sustained rate of fire of 3 to 6 rounds per minute. It will have an unprecedented capability to mass fires with 4 to 8 rounds impacting simultaneously when fired from a single howitzer. The RSV will dock and automatically rearm the SPH with ammunition and fuel. Both the SPH and the RSV will match the mobility and speed of supported maneuver systems.”
Source: Army RD & A
“The Year 2000 Challenge: What Lies Ahead” Jan - Feb 1999

[2Meg PDF Format] [HTML Format]

I had wondered if, since the word “crusade” seems to anger the religious fanatics of the world to the point where we’re no allowed to use it, the system would need to be renamed before it could be fielded.

Now it’ll probably end up in a spare parts depot...

Crusader Becomes Issue in Minnesota Senate Race
Thursday, May 9, 2002
Minnesota Public Radio

The Army fiercely opposed killing Crusader, a 40-ton, self-propelled 155mm howitzer designed to close what the Army calls a capabilities gap between its heavy artillery and that of China and North Korea. It is not yet in production, and the first Crusader systems would not be in the field until 2008. Many of Crusader's friends in Congress hail from states that stand to benefit from spending on the program.
Image Credit: United Defense Industries.

The possible loss of hundreds of defense industry jobs in Minnesota has become a political issue. The Bush administration has announced it's canceling development of the Crusader artillery system being designed in Minnesota. Republican Senate candidate Norm Coleman is accusing incumbent Democratic Sen. Paul Wellstone of not doing enough to help save the Crusader and the Minnesota jobs associated with the program.

Since the mid-1990s, United Defense Industries has been designing a next-generation artillery system for the Army called the Crusader.

United Defense spokesman Jeff Van Keuren says 800 people in Minnesota are currently working on the project and are on track to begin delivering the new artillery system in 2008.

Despite Secretary Rumsfeld's announcement that he's canceling the crusader, Van Keuren says United Defense is pressing on.
(More: Minnesota Public Radio News Source)
2002 © Minnesota Public Radio.

Dan
--ps--
I wonder if there's a system R&D has that will be ready to replace Metal Storm before it makes it to the field -- and whether our technology will soon surpass our ability to equip...

"No, wait! Can that! I've got an idea!"

"No. Kill the project! Here's a better idea!"

"No, no! Try this!"

"No! This!"

"Here!"

"Now this!"

...

"What about that new rifle they promised us 5 years ago?"
"Well, they say they're still researching it... Any day now, I'm sure..."