M109

 

The American 155mm self-propelled howitzer M109

 

 

     The M109 is an American self-propelled howitzer. It was developed in the years 1950-1960 by the Ground System Division of United Defense (now BAE Systems). The M109 entered service in 1963. The M109 is widely exported throughout the world.
–
–
–
Variants
–
M109 – entered service in 1963
M109A1 – Replaced the L23 M126 gun with L39 M185 gun. Entered service in 1973.
M109A2 – Entered service in 1979
M109A3 – Improved version
M109A4 – Improved version
M109A5 – Replaced the M185 gun with M284 gun.
M109 KAWEST, Kampfwertsteigerung, – Improved version by RUAG for the Swiss Armed Forces with L47 155mm gun.
M109A6 Paladin – Entered service in 1992
M109A7 (M109A6PIM Paladin Integrated Menagement) – Commissioning planned in 2018.
–
–
Armament
–
Gun : 155 mm
Machine gun : 12.7 mm
Range M109 : 14.6 km
Range M109A5 : 22 km / 30 km assisted projectiles
Rate of fire : 3-4
–
–
Specifications
–
Crew : 6 – M109 / 4 – M109A6
Powertrain : V8 diesel, 405 hp / Detroit Diesel 8V71T, 450 hp
Speed : 56 km/h
Weight : 27.5 t
–
–
Dimensions
–
Length : 6.11 m
Length with barrel : 9.10 m
Width : 3.15 m
Height: 3.27 m
Elevation : -3°/+75°
–