C-3 Howitzer

The C3 howitzer is an evolution of the C1, begun in 1998 and completed in 2000 by RDM of the Netherlands. Modifications include an extended barrel, a muzzle break, extended and reinforced trails and spades, and a new breach block. These upgrades add an additional 400m in range to the gun while firing charge 7 (11 400m), and enable it to fire the Giat HE-ER round, an extended range high explosive round, out to 18 000m. Also, though not a performance modification, the shield flap was removed from the bottom of the gun, as well as the folding shields on the #2 and #3.

The guns experienced some teething pains in the beginning, including failing recoil mechanisms, the rims were recalled under the MLVW rim issues around 2000 and 2001, and breach blocks were showing signs of damage after firing high charges. Now in 2006, these problems have been all but eliminated or dealt with through SOP's, such as exercising the recoil mechanism on a fairly regular basis.

There have been trials, mounting the trailer lights on the gun, as a permanent fixture. These come with mixed results, as it makes life a little easier due to the convenience, but has drawbacks, including the lack of depth perception drivers have from behind. Where the old style lights were mounted almost at the muzzle, the new ones are integrated into the carriage, right next to the brakes. In the dark, this means there is now 10 feet of steel poking closer to following vehicles, even when illuminated; it is still difficult to determine where the barrel actually is. Also, when the system fails, the gun must be grounded until it is repaired, as the entire assembly needs to be removed to replace it. It also remains on the gun even in action, which can cause wear and tear on the cables.