The Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer-1 Primus (SSPH-1) is an SAF creation and combat powerhouse. The fruit of six years of development, the Primus is one of many projects that three organisations (SAF, Defence Science and Technology Agency and Singapore Technologies) have collaborated on. Others include the Artillery's Field Howitzer 88 (FH88), the Field Howitzer 2000 (FH2000), the 'BRONCO' All Terrain Track Carrier, the 'BIONIX' Armoured Fighting Vehicle, and the 'SAR 21' Assault Rifle.

Designed, developed and produced in Singapore, the Primus is a clear testament of our innovation and industry.

Primus SSPH-1 Key Features
The 30 tonne class SSPH1 is powered by a 550-hp diesel engine. It fires 3 rounds within 20 seconds and provides a burst rate of 6 rounds per minute. The fire control system uses the latest digital technology to effectively and precisely deliver artillery rounds on the battlefield.

The Primus’ maximum range is 19km firing unassisted projectiles, while that figure increases dramatically to 30 kilometres with rocket assisted projectiles.

The weapon locks onto the target using an automatic fire-control system (FCS) that includes an onboard positioning and navigation system based on a ring laser gyro system.

This allows the Primus to operate by itself and enables it to react to urgent drills or fire missions. This allows it to bypass many time consuming system operations, which leads to improved overall system accuracy.

It has a total of six different types of ammunition to choose from, depending on the specific needs of the mission. Mission executed, it takes less than a minute for the Primus to disengage and 'scoot' from its firing position.

Weapon Specifications
Main Caliber Weapon: 155mm
Number of Live Rounds: 39
Ammunition of the main gun: 22
Firing Range: 30000m
Measurements Height: 3.28m
Weight: 10.21m
Width: 3m
Max Road Range: 300km
Engine Power output: 550
Max. Road Speed: 50km/h
Crew Size: 4

Did You Know?
The first SSPH1 Primus entered service with Singapore artillery units in late November 2003.

Since its conception in May 1996, the SAF, the Defence Science & Technology Agency and Singapore Technologies Kinetics undertook in-depth work on the Primus to make it the top class machine it is today.

A large portion of the design work went into enhancing the weapon system performance through automation, increasing its efficiency and effectiveness.