During the NEDS, the Materiel and IT Command and Van Halteren Technologies signed a contract for the delivery of two Appended PzH2000 Advanced Electric Turret Howitzer Crew Trainers. The contract also includes an option for two additional systems. These trainers enable the transformation of an operational PzH2000 Howitzer into a Howitzer Crew Trainer (HCT) by replacing the gun barrel with a simulation barrel. Within eight hours, the howitzer can be restored to full operational status.
The PzH2000 HCT is a CODEMO upgrade of the Kurzrohr Appended System delivered in 2002 as part of the original PzH2000 procurement. These new trainers allow crews to train effectively on smaller practice ranges, offering both environmental benefits and significant cost savings through the reuse of simulated ammunition.
The trainers are equipped with the Ammunition Recognition System (ARES) developed by Van Halteren Technologies. Created in collaboration with TNO, this unique system can detect all currently available types of simulated ammunition, including Excalibur, Vulcano, and PGK. ARES identifies simulated fuzes, projectiles, charge classes, and orientations, calculating recoil length based on the loaded charge class.
Safety is central to the design. Advanced systems detect obstacles in the recoil area, preventing accidents even when operated by inexperienced personnel. Moreover, the Appended simulator retains the full operational functionality of the PzH2000, such as realistic elevation and traverse angles and firing rates. The integration of the HCT software with the existing embedded training software ensures a seamless training experience.
Van Halteren Technologies has been developing Howitzer Crew Trainers since 1990 and has established a solid reputation for delivering innovative and cost-effective training solutions. The first contract involved delivering trainers for M109 howitzers to the Dutch Armed Forces. This marked a joint ambition between defense and industry to train responsibly, supported by CODEMO.
Today, Van Halteren Technologies is recognized as a reliable partner and global leader in this field. The company remains committed to providing high-quality and sustainable systems that meet the needs of defense organizations worldwide.
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