ATMOS 2000
Introduced in Israel in 2001, the ATMOS 2000 is a self-propelled howitzer featuring a 155 mm artillery gun mounted on a 6x6 wheeled truck chassis.
| Sub-type | Self-propelled gun system |
| Crew | 4-man crew personnels |
| Weapon 1 | 155 mm/52 calibre ordnance |
Description
Soltam Systems introduced the Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System (ATMOS 2000) in late 1999 as a private venture aimed primarily at the export market, with initial details released in 2001. Developed as an alternative to tracked self-propelled artillery, the system was designed to lower procurement and life-cycle costs, simplify maintenance, and provide strategic mobility without requiring heavy equipment transporters. By late 2001, trial units had fired over 1,000 rounds during testing in Israel. Soltam secured its first export contract in 2003, and the Israel Defense Forces initiated field evaluations of a 155 mm/39 calibre variant in late 2004.
The ATMOS 2000 integrates a 155 mm ordnance onto a 6×6 cross-country truck chassis. The system accommodates barrel lengths from 39 to 52 calibres, conforming to the NATO Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding. The breech utilizes a horizontal sliding mechanism that opens to the right with a self-sealing metal obturating ring, backed by a hydraulic buffer cylinder and hydro-pneumatic recuperator. Weapon elevation, traverse, aiming gears, load assist mechanisms, and rear spades are operated via a hydraulic power pack. The integrated computerized control system automates fire control, navigation, and target acquisition. Operated by a four-man crew—including two loaders positioned at the rear—the system carries 27 projectiles with associated charges and achieves a rate of fire between 4 and 9 rounds per minute. With a 52-calibre barrel, maximum firing ranges are 24.5 km using M107 High Explosive (HE) projectiles, 30 km using NATO L15 HE projectiles, and 41 km using Extended Range Full-Bore Base Bleed projectiles.
Several localized variants have been developed. Thailand adopted the M758 ATMG, a variant jointly developed by Soltam and DTI built on a Tatra 6×6 chassis. Other localized projects did not reach serial production, including the Romanian ATROM on a ROMAN chassis and the Polish AHS Kryl on a Jelcz chassis incorporating the Topaz fire-control system.
The ATMOS 2000 and its variants have been selected or ordered by various military forces across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, including Denmark, the Philippines, Thailand, Colombia, Brazil, and Morocco. In 2021, the system underwent evaluation by the United States Army during its Mobile Howitzer Trials and Shoot-Off.