XM2001 Crusader

XM2001 Crusader
XM2001 Crusader
	XM2001 Crusader firing a shell
Type	Self propelled artillery
Place of origin	United States
Production history
Manufacturer	United Defense
Specifications
Mass	43 tons
Length	7.53 m
Width	3.31 m
Height	3.00 m
Crew	3 (Commander, Driver, Gunner)
Main; armament	XM297E2 155 mm cannon
Engine	GE/Honeywell LV100-5 turbine engine; 1500 hp (1119 kW)
Suspension	torsion bar
Maximum speed	Cross country: 39-48km/h / Road: 67 km/h

The XM2001 Crusader was to be the United States Army's next-generation self-propelled howitzer (SPH), designed to improve the survivability, lethality, mobility, and effectiveness of the artillery as well as the overall force. It was initially scheduled for fielding by 2008. United Defense was the prime contractor; General Dynamics the major subcontractor. In early May 2002, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld canceled the US$11 billion program because he considered it neither mobile nor precise enough.^[1] The prototype SPH vehicle is on display at the cannon park at Fort Sill.

^ "Prepared Statement of the Honorable Donald H. Rumsfeld Secretary of Defense on the Crusader Recommendation before the Senate Committee on Armed Services" (PDF). 16 May 2002. pp. 9–11. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 February 2004.

[1] "Prepared Statement of the Honorable Donald H. Rumsfeld Secretary of Defense on the Crusader Recommendation before the Senate Committee on Armed Services" (PDF). 16 May 2002. pp. 9–11. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 February 2004.

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