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2018-02-27

Paladin Integrated Management Offers Robust Support to M109A7

The M109A7 is the latest howitzer in the BAE Systems M109 family of vehicles, the primary indirect fire support system for the Armoured Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT). It uses the existing main armament and cab structure of a Paladin M109A6, and replaces the vehicle’s chassis components with modem components common to the Bradley vehicle. The improved chassis structure provides greater survivability and commonality with the existing systems in the ABCT, reducing operational sustainability costs by replacing obsolete components.

The U.S. Army has awarded BAE Systems a contract that allows full-rate production of the company’s M109A7 Self-Propelled Howitzer and M992A3 ammunition carrier vehicles.

The contract includes an initial US$413.7 million award to execute the third and final option for low-rate initial production on the programme. Options are also included that would begin the full-rate production phase, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the award to approximately US$1.7 billion.

BAE Systems will initially produce 48 vehicle sets, with the options calling for 60 sets per year for approximately three years of deliveries thereafter during full-rate production.

The M109A7 consists of a new chassis design for improved performance, upgraded survivability, and components common to other Army vehicles, as well as additional key features.

“We have been working with the Army to design, develop, build, and test this vehicle for several years,” said Adam Zarfoss, Vice President and General Manager of BAE Systems’ Combat Vehicles U.S. business. “By working closely with our customer, we were able to design a vehicle that meets the needs of the current forces, and provides the system infrastructure and electrical power generation that leaves ample room to incorporate future capabilities.”

It is a vital technology enhancement programme to maintain the combat capability of ABCTs. The M109A7 will solve long-term readiness and modernisation 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 considered to a cost-effective method to significantly improve sustainability and survivability, while reducing the logistics burden on the ABCT and supporting fires brigades. The programme will be executed as a public/private partnership between the Army’s Project Manager-HBCT, Anniston Army Depot and BAE Systems that leverages the strengths of both public and private sectors to ensure the best value for U.S. Soldiers.

Design and features

The PIM modernisation programme includes upgrades to hull, turret, engine, and suspension systems to offer increased reliability, survivability and performance over the M109A6 artillery system. The upgraded system is capable of providing consistent fire support in all weather conditions.

The vehicle is controlled by a crew of four and has an overall length of 9.7m, width of 3.9m, height of 3.7m and maximum gross weight of 35,380kg. It features digital backbone architecture and incorporates an on-board digital fire control system to provide fire mission and compute firing data to the M109A7 cannon system. It also consists of a position navigation system and a computer with comprehensive diagnostics programmes.

The new artillery system can select and take up firing positions, and automatically unlock and point its cannon while on the move. The modernisation effort also represents upgrades to space, weight and power cooling (SWaP-C).

The artillery system is armed with a 155mm M284 cannon with an M182A1 gun mount and an automated loader. The 155mm artillery system can fire at a sustained rate of one round a minute whereas the maximum rate of fire is four rounds a minute. The system has a range of 22km with standard projectiles and 30km with rocket-assisted projectiles.

The self-propelled howitzer can also be equipped with fire precision munitions, including the Excalibur and the precision guidance kit.

Furthermore, it is equipped with shoot-and-scoot capabilities to offer protection for the crew against counter battery fire. It is also fitted with an Automatic Fire-Extinguishing System (AFES), gunner protection kit (GPK) and enhanced applied armour.

The vehicle has a fuel storage capacity of 545l and ground clearance of 0.4m. It can ford at a maximum depth of 1.0m and cross trenches with depths of 1.8m. The gradient and side slopes of the vehicle are 60 per cent and 40 per cent respectively, while the on-road speed is 61km/h and cruising range is 322km.

From the move, the M109A7 can receive a fire mission, compute firing data, select and occupy a firing position, transition from traveling configuration to firing configuration, and point its cannon, and fire within 60 seconds – all with first round fire for-effect accuracy. The M109A7 operates day or night, in all weather conditions, providing timely and accurate fires with a range in excess of 30km. Plus, the M109A7 chassis features a power pack, drive train, track, and suspension components common with the BFV, improving supportability and reducing the ABCT’s logistical footprint.

Reference Text/Photo:www.baesystems.com

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