The VCA 155 (Vehiculo de Combate de Artilleria) 155 mm full tracked self-propelled artillery system was developed by TAMSE to meet the operational requirements of the Argentine Army.

The VCA 155 is essentially a lengthened TAM MBT chassis with seven road wheels either side, fitted with the same turret as installed on the Italian Oto Melara 155 mm/41 calibre Palmaria self-propelled howitzer, which was developed specifically for the export market.

Oto Melara supplied a total of 20 turrets to TAMSE and it is believed that at least 15 systems were in service by the late 1990s. The remaining five units may well now be operational. Previous information was that the TAMSE production line for the TAM had closed.

Oto Melara has now completed production of the Palmaria turret and it is no longer marketed. Full details of the Oto Melara Palmaria are given in a separate entry. Known users of the complete Palmaria 155 mm self-propelled artillery system include Libya (210 units) and Nigeria (25 plus units).

The layout of the VCA 155 155 mm self-propelled artillery system is virtually identical to the TAM medium tank, which is only in service with Argentina. The driver front left, power pack to his right and turret in the centre of the hull slightly to the rear. However, an auxiliary generator is mounted in the left side of the hull and, to increase the operational range of the system, two long-range drum type diesel fuel tanks are mounted at the rear of the hull.

The all-welded aluminium turret is identical to that of the Oto Melara Palmaria 155 mm self-propelled howitzer. Firing standard 155 mm ammunition, a maximum range of 24,000 m can be achieved while a range of 30,000 m can be achieved with special ammunition. A semi-automatic projectile loading system is installed, with charges being loaded manually. This increases rate of fire and reduces crew fatigue.

VCA Quantities: Country Quantity ARGENTINA 20 Total: 20