What $493 Million Buys: M109A7s and the Future of US Artillery

What $493 Million Buys?

M109A7s and the Future of US Artillery?

Modern self-propelled artillery systems significantly enhance battlefield effectiveness and strategic flexibility by combining overwhelming firepower with rapid mobility, precision strike capability, and seamless integration with advanced command networks. Here's how these systems contribute to battlefield effectiveness and strategic flexibility:

Overwhelming Firepower and Precision Strike Capability

Howitzers

Modern howitzers are designed to deliver overwhelming firepower. Systems like the German PzH 2000 are known for their rapid fire and precision, considered a "gold standard" globally.

Rocket-Assisted Projectiles (RAP)

There is a strong focus on enhanced range and precision through the use of various advanced munitions.

This includes rocket-assisted projectiles (RAP), velocity-enhanced long-range artillery projectiles (V-LAP), and precision-guided munitions such as Excalibur, BONUS, SMArt 155, and GP6. For instance, the M109A7 Paladin can fire precision munitions like Excalibur.

Many systems, such as the PzH 2000, K9A2 Thunder, and 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV, feature advanced autoloaders that increase the rate of fire, allowing for a higher volume of rounds to be delivered rapidly

Enhanced Mobility and Rapid Deployment

Self-propelled Artillery systems

Self-propelled artillery systems are inherently mobile, allowing for rapid deployment and redeployment across diverse combat environments.

Shoot-and-scoot

The "shoot-and-scoot" capability is a critical feature, enabling an artillery system to fire its rounds and then quickly relocate to avoid detection and counter-battery fire.

Sweden's Archer FH77BW can perform this in under 30 seconds. France's CAESAR Mk II is also known for its shoot-and-scoot capability.

Enhanced Mobility

Systems like the Archer (truck chassis) and CAESAR Mk II (truck-mounted) prioritize high mobility and air transportability, making them suitable for rapid deployment by aircraft such as the A400M or C-130.

Increased Automation and Reduced Crew Size

Many modern systems emphasize increased automation for faster operation and reduced personnel requirements.

Example

The PzH 2000 can be operated by a crew of typically three in automated mode, though it has a five-person capacity for manual backup. The K9A2 Thunder is automated for a crew of three.

The Russian 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV even aims for a "one-man crew" capability in emergencies due to its advanced autoloader.

Automation, such as in the M109A7's semi-automated projectile loader/rammer, also improves reliability and accuracy by ensuring consistent projectile seating.

Integrated Fire Control and Networked Warfare

Advanced artillery systems feature integrated fire control computers, GPS/INS navigation, digital mapping, and data-link connectivity for networked warfare.

They are designed for full network integration with command, control, communications, and computer (C4ISR) systems, as seen in China's PLZ-05 and Poland's AHS Krab, which offers compatibility with NATO-standard artillery networks.

The M109A7 incorporates a digital backbone architecture and an onboard digital fire control system for fire mission computation.

Enhanced Survivability and Sustainment

Modern systems prioritize survivability through features like modular armor kits, mine-resistant floors, and NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection. The M109A7, for instance, has significantly improved force protection with modular armor.

Logistical commonality with other vehicle platforms, such as the M109A7 and M992A3 sharing components with the Bradley fighting vehicle, simplifies maintenance and supply chains. This strategy is crucial in military procurement and sustainment, ensuring long-term viability and reducing operational complexities.

The M992A3 Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle (FAASV), known as "The Cat," is an armored vehicle designed to serve as the dedicated ammunition carrier for the M109A7, ensuring a continuous supply of rounds to maintain firepower. This formalizes the "ammo bearer" function for large-caliber artillery systems.

These advancements collectively reshape contemporary combat power, influencing the future battlefield by providing forces with adaptable and highly effective fire support.

Key Technological Advancements

The Most Advanced Self-propelled Artillery Systems Globally

The most advanced self-propelled artillery systems globally are defined by several key technological advancements that enhance their firepower, mobility, precision, and survivability in modern warfare. Key technological advancements include:

Increased Automation and Reduced Crew Size:

Many modern systems emphasize automation to achieve faster operation and reduce personnel requirements.

The German PzH 2000 can operate with a crew of 3 in automated mode.

South Korea's K9A2 Thunder is automated for a crew of 3, though it can have 3-5.

Russia's 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV features an advanced autoloader and aims for "one-man crew" capability in emergencies.

The U.S. Army's M109A7 Paladin has a semi-automated projectile loader/rammer, leveraging technology from earlier programs, which improves reliability and accuracy.

The ERCA program, though canceled, also aimed to integrate autoloaders for the M109A7 chassis.

Enhanced Range and Precision:

There is a significant focus on extending firing ranges and improving accuracy.

This is often achieved through rocket-assisted projectiles (RAP), velocity-enhanced long-range artillery projectiles (V-LAP), and various precision-guided munitions (PGMs) such as Excalibur, BONUS, SMArt 155, and GP6.

• The PzH 2000 can reach 40–67 km with assisted/exotic munitions.
• The K9A2 Thunder can achieve 50 km with RAP.
• Sweden's Archer FH77BW can fire precision-guided munitions over 60 km.
• China's PLZ-05 utilizes Chinese precision-guided artillery shells
• China's PLZ-05 can reach 40–53 km with RAP/precision-guided rounds.

The U.S. Army's M109A7 Paladin can fire precision munitions like Excalibur and the precision guidance kit, and the XM1155-SC guided projectile achieved the longest distance to date for a guided projectile when fired from an M109 Paladin in November 2023. The now-canceled ERCA program aimed for ranges of "100+ km" using the M109A7 platform.

Improved Mobility and Deployability:

Systems are designed for rapid deployment and the ability to quickly relocate after firing to avoid counter-battery fire (known as "shoot-and-scoot" capability).

Sweden's Archer FH77BW can achieve shoot-and-scoot in under 30 seconds due to its Volvo 6×6 truck chassis. It is also lightweight for air transport.

France's CAESAR Mk II is a lightweight, truck-mounted system highly mobile and air transportable by aircraft like the A400M or C-130.

The M109A7 Paladin also incorporates shoot-and-scoot capabilities to protect the crew against counter-battery fire.

Integrated Fire Control and Networked Warfare:

Modern artillery systems feature advanced digital systems for targeting and command.

This includes integrated fire control computers, GPS/INS navigation, digital mapping, ballistic computation, and data-link connectivity for networked warfare.

The PLZ-05 is designed for "full network integration with Chinese C4ISR systems".

Poland's AHS Krab ensures "compatibility with NATO-standard artillery networks".

The M109A7 Paladin features a digital backbone architecture and an onboard digital fire control system for fire mission computation and integration with future battlefield networks.

Enhanced Survivability:

While mobility is important, protection features are also crucial.

This includes modular armor kits, mine-resistant floors, and NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection.

The PzH 2000 has STANAG Level 4 armor protection.

The M109A7 Paladin has significantly improved force protection and survivability through modular armor kits, an automatic fire-extinguishing system, and a gunner protection kit. The M992A3 FAASV is also armored, unlike its predecessor, and provides protection against small arms and shrapnel, including NBC protection.

Upgraded Electrical Power Generation and Commonality:

The U.S. Army's M109A7 Paladin particularly highlights these advancements.

The M109A7 boasts a significant increase in electrical power generation to 70 kW (from 18.5 kW in the M109A6), providing substantial reserve power for future electronic growth.

It also achieves logistics benefits through commonality with the Bradley fighting vehicle platform, sharing components like the engine, transmission, road arms, and final drives, which simplifies maintenance and supply chains.

The M109A7 transitioned from hydraulic drives to 600-volt electric drive systems for elevation and traverse, improving reliability and leveraging past technological investments from programs like the Non-Line of Sight-Cannon (NLOS-C) and Crusader.

How are ammunition support and logistics evolving alongside modern self-propelled artillery systems?

Ammunition support and logistics for modern self-propelled artillery systems are evolving in several significant ways, emphasizing enhanced survivability, increased efficiency through automation and commonality, and adaptability for future technological advancements. Here are the key aspects of this evolution:

Dedicated, Armored Ammunition Supply Vehicles

The M992 Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle (FAASV), colloquially known as "The Cat," is a critical component of the U.S. Army's artillery capabilities, designed to sustain the firepower of howitzers like the M109A7 Paladin. Its development by BMY Combat Systems dates back to 1979-1982, entering service in 1982 to replace the unarmored M548 supply vehicle.

A key evolution is that the M992, unlike its predecessor, is armored (utilizing 5083 aluminum alloy), significantly enhancing its survivability on the battlefield against threats like small arms and shrapnel.

The M992A3 variant, part of the Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) program, can store 90-95 rounds of 155mm projectiles, charges, and fuzes.

Improvements in its design include the removal of a hydraulically-powered conveyor system, which crews often found slower than manual transfers, and the implementation of vertical opening doors at the rear to provide better crew protection during ammunition transfers.

An Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) on the M992A3 powers its non-automotive energy requirements and can also power the howitzer when connected, reducing fuel consumption when mobility is not required.

While "ammo bearer" is often an informal role, particularly for crew-served weapons like machine guns, the M992A3 FAASV formally embodies this function for self-propelled artillery, acting as a dedicated, armored ammunition supply vehicle. This specialized vehicle is essential for large-caliber weapons with substantial ammunition requirements.

Logistical Commonality and Streamlined Support

The M109A7/M992A3 Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) upgrade provides significant logistical benefits through commonality with the Bradley fighting vehicle platform.

This commonality extends to major components such as the engine (a 675-horsepower Cummins V903), transmission (L3 HMPT-800 series), road arms, road wheels, torsion bars, and final drives. Sharing these parts simplifies maintenance and supply chains.

The U.S. Army's plan to "pure fleet" with a single configuration of M109A7s and M992A3s further streamlines logistical operations.

BAE Systems, as the prime contractor, continues to provide continuous engineering and logistics services for the M109 family, including maintenance, testing, and the delivery of new capabilities, ensuring the long-term viability and operational readiness of the fleet.

Automation and Digital Integration for Ammunition Management

Modern self-propelled artillery systems, including the M109A7 and other advanced howitzers like the German PzH 2000 and South Korean K9A2 Thunder, are increasingly incorporating automation to reduce crew workload and enhance the rate of fire. This includes automated loading and fully digitized systems.

The M109A7 features an electric semi-automated projectile loader/rammer, a technology leveraged from previous U.S. Army programs like Non-Line of Sight-Cannon (NLOS-C) and Crusader. This system improves reliability and enhances accuracy by providing more consistent projectile "seating" in the tube.

The M109A7 also transitions from hydraulic to 600-volt electric drive systems for elevation and traverse, contributing to overall system reliability and more efficient power management for sophisticated electronics.

A significant electrical power generation upgrade to 70 kW (from 18.5 kW in the M109A6) provides approximately 40 kW of reserve power.

This reserve is crucial for supporting future command, control, communications, and computer (C4) equipment and other electronic growth, which directly impacts the ability to manage ammunition and fire missions efficiently within a networked battlefield environment.

Addressing Space, Weight, and Power (SWaP-C) Challenges

The PIM upgrade directly addresses historical limitations in space, weight, and power-cooling (SWaP-C) for the Paladin system.

The redesigned platform offers "trade space for weight" and ample electrical power, enabling it to accommodate future growth and the integration of new technologies, such as advanced munitions or further automation, which will continue to shape logistical requirements.

How do modern self-propelled artillery systems enhance battlefield effectiveness and strategic flexibility?

Modern self-propelled artillery systems significantly enhance battlefield effectiveness and strategic flexibility by combining overwhelming firepower with rapid mobility, precision strike capability, and seamless integration with advanced command networks. Here's how these systems contribute to battlefield effectiveness and strategic flexibility:

Overwhelming Firepower and Precision Strike Capability

Modern howitzers are designed to deliver overwhelming firepower. Systems like the German PzH 2000 are known for their rapid fire and precision, considered a "gold standard" globally.

There is a strong focus on enhanced range and precision through the use of various advanced munitions. This includes rocket-assisted projectiles (RAP), velocity-enhanced long-range artillery projectiles (V-LAP), and precision-guided munitions such as Excalibur, BONUS, SMArt 155, and GP6.

For instance, the M109A7 Paladin can fire precision munitions like Excalibur.
Many systems, such as the PzH 2000, K9A2 Thunder, and 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV, feature advanced autoloaders that increase the rate of fire, allowing for a higher volume of rounds to be delivered rapidly.

Enhanced Mobility and Rapid Deployment

Self-propelled artillery systems are inherently mobile, allowing for rapid deployment and redeployment across diverse combat environments.

The "shoot-and-scoot" capability is a critical feature, enabling an artillery system to fire its rounds and then quickly relocate to avoid detection and counter-battery fire.

Sweden's Archer FH77BW can perform this in under 30 seconds. France's CAESAR Mk II is also known for its shoot-and-scoot capability.

Systems like the Archer (truck chassis) and CAESAR Mk II (truck-mounted) prioritize high mobility and air transportability, making them suitable for rapid deployment by aircraft such as the A400M or C-130.

Increased Automation and Reduced Crew Size

Many modern systems emphasize increased automation for faster operation and reduced personnel requirements.

For example, the PzH 2000 can be operated by a crew of typically three in automated mode, though it has a five-person capacity for manual backup. The K9A2 Thunder is automated for a crew of three. The Russian 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV even aims for a "one-man crew" capability in emergencies due to its advanced autoloader.

Automation, such as in the M109A7's semi-automated projectile loader/rammer, also improves reliability and accuracy by ensuring consistent projectile seating.

Integrated Fire Control and Networked Warfare

Advanced artillery systems feature integrated fire control computers, GPS/INS navigation, digital mapping, and data-link connectivity for networked warfare.

They are designed for full network integration with command, control, communications, and computer (C4ISR) systems, as seen in China's PLZ-05 and Poland's AHS Krab, which offers compatibility with NATO-standard artillery networks.

The M109A7 incorporates a digital backbone architecture and an onboard digital fire control system for fire mission computation.

Enhanced Survivability and Sustainment

Modern systems prioritize survivability through features like modular armor kits, mine-resistant floors, and NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection. The M109A7, for instance, has significantly improved force protection with modular armor.

Logistical commonality with other vehicle platforms, such as the M109A7 and M992A3 sharing components with the Bradley fighting vehicle, simplifies maintenance and supply chains.

This strategy is crucial in military procurement and sustainment, ensuring long-term viability and reducing operational complexities.

The M992A3 Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle (FAASV), known as "The Cat," is an armored vehicle designed to serve as the dedicated ammunition carrier for the M109A7, ensuring a continuous supply of rounds to maintain firepower. This formalizes the "ammo bearer" function for large-caliber artillery systems.

These advancements collectively reshape contemporary combat power, influencing the future battlefield by providing forces with adaptable and highly effective fire support.