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Crusader Self-Propelled Howitzer Development Falls Behind Schedule

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Army's high-profile Crusader self-propelled howitzer is up to a year behind schedule, according to officials. The program has sought the help of another company, Honeywell, to sort out the issues. The proposed budget for fiscal 2000 is $348.7 million, but $75.8 million has been cut due to the delay. Despite the setback, appropriators have expressed support for the program, encouraging the Army to adequately fund it in future requests.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Crusader self-propelled howitzer is the Army's No. 2 modernization priority behind the Comanche scout helicopter.
  • The program is experiencing a software development delay, with completion now scheduled for February 2002.
  • Prime contractor United Defense has asked Honeywell to join the program as a major player, with help from Honeywell not adding to the cost of software development.
  • A single Crusader system, consisting of howitzer and resupply vehicle, costs $10.7 million.
  • The current Army requirement is for 1,138 systems, although this number could drop if the Army moves to lighter divisions.
  • The howitzer is the first armored vehicle to be fully digital from the ground up and the first with a fully automated loading and firing process.
  • Honeywell's vast experience in aircraft avionics made it a good choice for Crusader, whose computer-display dominated cockpit looks more like part of a high-performance aircraft than a tracked vehicle.
  • A Honeywell team is assessing the Crusader program, with results due by the end of the month.
  • United Defense and Honeywell could sign a deal in 30 to 90 days.
  • The system's increased capabilities make up for its extra weight, with Crusader weighing 55 tons.
  • A crusader system consists of both vehicles, which can be flown on the Air Force's C-5 and C-17 airlifters.
  • Defenders of Crusader admit its weight, but say its increased capabilities make it a better choice.
  • Crusader would completely outclass Paladin, the system it will replace, according to the Army.

Statistics:

  • 1.7 million: the number of lines of computer code in the Crusader program.
  • 2,011: the new completion date for software development.
  • $75.8 million: the amount cut from the proposed budget for fiscal 2000.
  • $348.7 million: the proposed budget for fiscal 2000.
  • $10.7 million: the cost of a single Crusader system.
  • 1,138: the current Army requirement for Crusader systems.
  • 20-25 years: the timeframe for the next generation of armored vehicles and fire-support weapons.
  • 251 miles: the vehicle range of Crusader compared to Paladin's 186 miles.
  • 41 mph: the speed of Crusader compared to Paladin's 34 mph.
  • 12 mph: the speed of Crusader in reverse compared to Paladin's 7 mph.
  • 60: the number of rounds Crusader can carry compared to Paladin's 27.

Sources:

  • The fiscal 2000 defense-appropriations bill.
  • United Defense executives.
  • Army officials.
  • General Eric Shinseki, Chief of Staff.
  • Jim Unterseher, Crusader program director.
  • Col Mike Cuff, artillery branch at Fort Sill, Okla.
  • Col Charles Cartwright, Army program manager.
  • Staff Sgt. Gerald Palmer, Paladin crewman.
  • Staff Sgt. Eric Vann, Paladin crewman.

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