| 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.