M777 howitzer

The M777 howitzer is a towed artillery piece that is to replace the M198 howitzer in US Marine Corps and US Army service by 2010. The M777 was developed by VSEL, a subsidiary of Marconi Land and Naval Systems, now BAE Systems Land Systems.

Design

The M777 is lighter and smaller in size, weighing 9,200 lb (4.2 metric tons), 42% lighter than the M198 it replaces. Most of the weight reduction is due to the use of titanium. The lighter weight and smaller size allows the M777 to be transported by helicopter or truck much faster, allowing it to be moved in and out of the battlefield much quicker than the M198. The smaller size also improves storage efficiency in military warehouses. There is also a reduction in the gun crew size required; from 9 to 7.

Although developed by a British company, assembly will be in the USA. BAE's US partner was United Defense, however in 2005 BAE acquired UDI and hence is responsible for both design and construction (through its US-based Land and Armaments group). The M777 uses about 70% US built parts including the gun barrel. The Canadian Army is also in possession of six M777 and has deployed units in support of combat operations in southern Afghanistan in 2006.

Fielding

In May of 2005, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines, based at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, became the first Marine unit to begin fielding the new M777.

Specifications

As above and:

• Length:
  • 30.4 ft (9275 mm) in tow
  • 33.5 ft (10210 mm) firing mode
• Width:
  • 9.1 ft (2770 mm) in tow
  • 12.2 ft (3720 mm) firing mode
• Height: 7.4 ft (2260 mm) in tow
• Barrel life: 2650 firings
• Maximum effective range:
  • conventional ammunition (unassisted): 24.7 km,
  • rocket-assisted projectile: 30 km,
• Rate of fire:
  • 5 round/min, intense
  • 2 round/min, sustained

USMC gunners test a new M777 howitzer

References

• http://www.machinedesign.com/ASP/strArticleID/56460/strSite/MDSite/viewSelectedArticle.asp
• http://www.military.com/soldiertech/0,14632,Soldiertech_M777,,00.html

External links

• http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/lw155.htm
• http://www.sfu.ca/casr/101-artym777.htm