BAE Systems Tests M109 Self-Propelled Howitzer Modified with 52-Caliber Cannon
BAE Systems have announced that successful firing tests have been carried out with their test bed M109 self propelled howitzer which has been fitted with a 52 caliber cannon.
The M109 is typically equipped with a 39 caliber 155mm cannon, the M109-52 is being developed as an upgrade to the long serving M109. BAE Systems reports that the test firings were successfully conducted at Camp Ripley in Minnesota. The testing proved the compatibility of the latest variant of the howitzer, the M109A7 which was introduced in 2015, with the L52 cannon during a live fire exercise.
“We’ve demonstrated that the integrated system of the M109-52 is a viable solution for long-range precision fires modernization needs,” said Dan Furber, director of Ground Vehicle Production for BAE Systems’ Combat Mission Systems business. “Integrating these two highly capable and proven artillery systems provides stable designs and predictable performance.”
The standard 32 caliber cannon mounted in the M109A7 has a maximum effective range of 13 miles with a conventional high explosive round, nearly 20 miles with a more advanced rocket assisted round such as the XM1113 and 25 miles with the most advanced M982 Excalibur shells. In contrast BAE’s other self-propelled offering, the Archer Artillery System, which is equipped with a L52 cannon can engage targets at 20 miles with conventional ammunition and reportedly 50 miles with Excalibur rounds.
BAE Systems plans to conduct additional testing in 2024, which will highlight extended range across a variety of projectiles. BAE Systems’ say they hope that the “ability to integrate the proven M109 with proven cannon platforms like the L52 will quickly deliver expanded interoperability on day one with battlefield partners.”