M109 howitzer
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 Developed by the U.S. Army, the M109 Paladin is a series of self-propelled 155mm howitzers used by the U.S. and many other nations. The latest version in U.S. service is the M109A6,[1] although a M109A6-PIM is a redesigned version. [2] The evolutionary direction of M109 systems is to make them more and more networked into a common battlefield information system , yet be able to act autonomously. One strong trend, given the real-world ability of a sophisticated enemy to track the trajectory of a shell back to the weapon that fired it, is to be able to "scoot-shoot-scoot": arrive at a location and quickly calculate a trajectory to the target, fire at that target, and then immediately move to a new location before counterfire can strike; the time between stopping, firing, and being ready to move again takes under 60 seconds.[3] Onboard systems linked, by secure voice and data, compute the firing data, automatically unlock the cannon from the travel lock, point the cannon and fire, relock the cannon, and make ready for movement. At any stopping point, either a firing location or an intermediate stop, the M109A6 can be reloaded from its accompanying M992 FAASV) Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle. It has been scheduled for replacement twice, first by the Crusader, a heavy vehicle that was canceled. The more recent successor has been the Future Combat Systems#NLOS cannon in the Future Combat Systems (FCS), but, in April 2009, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates indicated that there will be major reductions in the FCS program, in the budget to be submitted to Congress. Individual firing vehicle description[edit]Electronics[edit]Fire control[edit]The AFCS (Automatic Fire Control System)provides position location and directional reference, a ballistic computer for on-board technical fire direction, a muzzle velocity (MV) measuring system, and gun-drive servos, which automatically orient the tube for deflection and quadrant. It has an embedded training feature, which allows the crew to practice mission scenarios.[1] AFCS subsystems include:
[edit]A modular azimuth positioning system (MAPS) is made up of modular components combined in different configurations to provide survey and orientation information needs of a particular system. In the Paladin application, major components of MAPS consist of the dynamic reference unit-hybrid (DRU-H), vehicle motion sensor (VMS), and the global positioning system (GPS)/precision lightweight GPS receiver (PLGR). DRU-H[edit]The DRU-H is mounted on the right trunnion of the Paladin armament system. Operating in conjunction with PLGR, the DRU-H contains all necessary sensor electronics, processing, and input-output circuitry to perform survey and orientation functions and interface with other MAPS components. The DRU-H performs the following functions:
VMS[edit]The VMS converts the mechanical odometer to electrical inputs compatible with the navigation system. Optics[edit]The M117/M117A2 panoramic telescope, M145/M145A1 telescope mount, and the M1A1 collimator remain on board the howitzer as backup optical fire control instrumentation. Communications[edit]AN/VIC-1 Intercom, AN/VRC-89 and SINCGARS (single channel ground and airborne radio) subsystem. Tactical firing units[edit]M109A6 battalions are assigned both to Heavy Brigade Combat Teams (HBCT) and to Fires Brigades. A battalion consists of headquarters, headquarters and service (HHS) battery and three firing batteries.[1] Each Force XXI Paladin firing battery consists of a battery headquarters, two firing platoons (each with three firing sections) and a support platoon. In the Force XXI battery, a battery operations center (BOC) with FDC takes the place of the two POC elements. The support platoon is comprised of a platoon headquarters, two ammunition sections, a supply section, maintenance section and a food service section. Elements of the support platoon may be consolidated at the battalion level under the HHS, or remain decentralized at battery level. Ammunition[edit]In addition to conventional warheads such as the high explosive blast/fragmentation M107 unguided shell, the M109A6 can fire the extended-range XM92 Excalibur guided shell from Raytheon and Bofors Defense of Sweden, a BaE Systems subsidiary). Complementing the projectile warhead is the Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS). Supporting vehicles and units[edit]
Earlier generations, alternatives, and future directions[edit]The system has gone through a series of incremental improvements, many of which were depot-fitted to existing models.[4] Earlier variants[edit]
Crusader project[edit]M109A6 PIM[edit]Reflecting the needs of the Heavy Brigade Combat Teams, the M109A6 Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) program improves readiness and sustainment, including improvements in the M992 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle.[2]{ Major changes come from systems proven in other vehicles of the HBCT, improving parts interchange and leveraging skills learned on other vehicles. While the PIM version continues to use the main armament and cab, some chassis components are replaced with parts from the M2 Bradley. In addition, it is an early adopter of features from new development, such as the Future Combat Systems XM1203 NLOS cannon. These include an automated projectile loader, and changing back to modernized electric drives from the hydraulic subsystem introduced in the M109A4. New electric power generation comes from the BAE Systems' Common Modular Power System (CMPS). General characteristics[edit]Dimensions[edit]
Movement capabilities[edit]
Power train[edit]
Electrical and electronics[edit]
Maintainability[edit]
Armament[edit]
References[edit]
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