
Overview of the Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer (SSPH). The SSPH is a 155mm, 39 calibre, tracked howitzer. The SSPH was locally developed by ST Engineering Land Systems, and commissioned in 2003. The SSPH is operated by a crew of four comprising the Gun Commander, Charge Loader, Ammo Loader and Driver. Safe areas within the turret are demarcated for each serviceman. Their roles are as follows and designated positions within the SSPH are as indicated in Figure 1:
Lowering of Gun Barrel. To lower the gun barrel, the following drills are stipulated in the SSPH operator manual:
Safety Precautions. In an emergency situation that requires the gun barrel or other mechanical moving parts in the turret to immediately cease movement, either the Gun Commander, Charge Loader or Ammo Loader can activate an emergency stop button located within reach of their respective operating positions.
Maintenance Work. In the event that the gun requires maintenance work during training and operations, a team of Army technicians will be activated onsite and takes charge of the SSPH. Given the diagnosis and maintenance works required, the Army technicians may require the assistance of the Gun Commander. Army technicians are also trained and required to abide by the same drills and safety protocols as the SSPH crew.