Army Super Cannons: M109A7 PALADIN and M992A3 Carrier Ammunition Tracked (CAT) on the Way, for a total of 156 Howitzers
BAE Systems receives order from U.S. Army for additional M109A7 Self-Propelled Howitzers 19 Dec, 2019
The M109A7 Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) and M992A3 Carrier Ammunition Tracked (CAT), formerly known as the Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) program, replace the current M109A6 Paladin and the M992A2 FAASV respectively starting in Fiscal Year 2018.
The M109A7 and the CAT vehicle sets provide increased commonality across the ABCT, and have significant built-in growth potential in terms of electrical power and weight carrying capacity. The vehicle design includes a new chassis, engine, transmission, suspension, steering system, a new high voltage architecture and improved survivability, while the vehicle’s cannon remains the same as that of an M109A6 Paladin.
The M109A7 is supported by the Army as a vital technology enhancement program to maintain the combat capability of its ABCTs. It will solve long-term readiness and modernization needs of the M109 family of vehicles through a critical redesign and production plan that leverages the most advanced technology available today. This state-of-the-art “digital backbone” and power generation capability provides a more robust, survivable, and responsive indirect fire support capability for ABCT Soldiers.
The M109A7 is a significant upgrade over the M109A6 as it restores space, weight, and power cooling, while providing significant growth potential for emerging technologies.
The initial contract was awarded in 2017. This most recent order brings the total number of vehicle sets — M109A7 howitzers and M992A3 ammunition carriers — to 156, and the total contract value to $1.16 billion.
Work on the M109A7 will take place at several facilities within the Company’s combat vehicles manufacturing network including: Aiken, South Carolina; Elgin, Oklahoma; Sterling Heights, Michigan; and, York, Pennsylvania.
The M109A6 Paladin 155 mm along with the M992A2 Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle (FAASV) provides the primary indirect-fire support to Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT), Infantry Brigade Combat Teams and Stryker Brigade Combat Teams. Like the earlier M109 models, the M109A6 Paladin is a fully tracked, armored vehicle. The M109A6 Paladin configuration was achieved through modifications to earlier-built M109A2 and A3 vehicle hulls and the introduction of an entirely new cab and cannon assembly.
The M109A7 Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) and M992A3 Carrier Ammunition Tracked (CAT), formerly known as the Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) program, will replace the current M109A6 Paladin and the M992A2 FAASV respectively starting in Fiscal Year 2018.
The M109A7 SPH and M992A3 CAT comprise a modernization effort to improve size, weight, power, cooling, readiness, force protection and survivability. They increase M109A6 Paladin and the M992A2 FAASV platforms’ sustainability through 2050. The platforms will also be fitted with Blue Force Tracker capability to ensure situational awareness with other friendly forces. The program has leveraged Bradley commonality for key components – engine, transmission, final drive and suspension – in a new hull. The new electric-gun drives and rammer components, as well as a microclimate air conditioning system, will be powered by the common modular power system utilizing a 600-volt onboard electrical system in the existing cab and cannon assembly.
Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) uses the existing M109A7 PIM chassis and modernizes the vehicle above the turret ring to increase range and rate of fire in coordination with ammunition upgrades. Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems 155 mm ammo programs are critical to achieving range and lethality goals. Programs remain in sync via Howitzer configuration steering boards.
BENEFIT TO THE SOLDIER
These upgrades and better communications technology will significantly improve the warfighter’s battlespace awareness and reduce the logistics footprint within the ABCT. Once delivered to the field, the M109A7 SPH and M992A3 CAT will give ABCT commanders a more capable and sustainable vehicle, providing them with increased confidence in their artillery fleet.
ERCA brings an all new or modified cab, extended range, increased rate of fire and improved ammunition stowage and handling. Benefits include regained lethality overmatch; a demonstrated range of 70-plus km; 300 percent improvement in area coverage for 155 mm; 30 percent increased range for legacy ammo and improved breech reliability.
SPECIFICATIONS
M109A6
Crew: 4
Combat Loaded Weight (Tons): 34.25
On-board Ammunition (Rounds): 39
Rate of Fire: 4 rounds/minute for first 3 minutes; 1 round/minute sustained
Maximum Range: High-Explosive/Rocket Assisted Projectile, 22 km/30 km
Cruising Range (Miles): 180
Fire Support Network: Paladin Digital Fire Control System software supports Fire Support Network
M109A7
Crew: 4
Combat Loaded Weight (Tons): 39
On-board Ammunition (Rounds): 42
Rate of Fire: 4 rounds/minute for first 3 minutes; 1 round/minute sustained
Maximum Range: High-Explosive/Rocket Assisted Projectile, 22 km/30 km
Cruising Range (Miles): 180
Fire Support Network: Paladin Digital Fire Control System software supports Fire Support Network
M992A2
Crew: 4
Combat Loaded Weight (Tons): 29.26
On-board Ammunition (Rounds): 95
Rate of Fire: 4 rounds/minute for first 3 minutes; 1 round/minute sustained
Maximum Range: High-Explosive/Rocket Assisted Projectile, 22 km/30 km
Cruising Range (Miles): 180
Fire Support Network: Paladin Digital Fire Control System software supports Fire Support Network
M992A3
Crew: 4
Combat Loaded Weight (Tons): 36
On-board Ammunition (Rounds): 95
Rate of Fire: 4 rounds/minute for first 3 minutes; 1 round/minute sustained
Maximum Range: High-Explosive/Rocket Assisted Projectile, 22 km/30 km
Cruising Range (Miles): 180
Fire Support Network: Paladin Digital Fire Control System software supports Fire Support Network
PROGRAM STATUS
M109 FOV:
1QFY18: FY17 Production Contract Award (base and three options)
2QFY18:
- Initial Operational Test & Evaluation (IOT&E)
- Technical Manual authenticated
3QFY18: M109A7/M992A3 First Unit Equipped (FUE), 1st Battalion (BN), 5th Field Artillery, 1st Infantry Division. IOT&E BN FUE
ERCA:
FY18-FY19: Cannon, Breech, XM1113 and Stub Case Development and Demonstration
3QFY18: Yuma Proving Ground Demo Range Test conducted
4QFY18: Materiel Development Decision
PROJECTED ACTIVITIES
M109 FOV:
4QFY18:
- Full Rate Production (FRP) Decision
- FUE
- FRP Contract Award
ERCA:
4QFY19: Vehicle (Increment 1) Technology Readiness Level 6 Demonstration
3QFY20: Level 2 Vehicle Technical Data Package Delivery
2QFY21: Prototype build begins
2QFY23: Begin Fielding Increment
2QFY23: Begin Fielding Increment
Some footage: From Army
From Military Times