Self-propelled artillery installation of ACS M109 "Palladin": military use and modifications

Self-propelled artillery installation (SAU) M109 - one of the main machines of the US Army of this type. It was put into service in the early 60s of the last century and is still in service. ACS M109 has been modernized more than once, today it is the most mass self-propelled gun in the world, in total more than nine thousand units of various modifications of this machine were produced.

This self-propelled gun is often called the "Paladin", but it is not entirely correct. M109A6 "Paladin" (Paladin) - this is just one of the modifications M109, which began mass production in 1990.

Currently, the M109 is in service with several dozen countries of the world, it can be called the standard NATO self-propelled gun.

The history of the creation of ACS M109 "Palladin"

In the early 50s of the last century, the enterprises of the American military industrial complex had serious experience in the production of self-propelled artillery guns. At that time, the main self-propelled units of the US Army were 155-mm self-propelled guns M44 and 105-mm self-propelled guns M52, created on the basis of the tank M41.

However, the increased tensions between NATO and the Warsaw Pact, the increase in the number of regional conflicts, and the firm conviction that the future war will definitely not do without nuclear weapons, forced the US military leadership to authorize the development of the new ACS.

Old cars did not suit for many reasons: the angle of fire from them was limited, the cars had a small power reserve, they had a significant mass, which made them difficult to transport by air.

In 1952, the development of a new car, the T195, equipped with a 110-mm gun, began. A little later, on the basis of this machine, they decided to create a 156-mm howitzer. In 1956, it was decided to consider the standard for NATO caliber 155 mm, it was for such a tool that the development of self-propelled guns continued. In 1959, the first prototype of the T196 was ready; it was sent for testing.

In 1961, the manufacture of an experimental batch of self-propelled guns began, and in 1963 a contract was signed for the start of mass production of machines. In the same year, the self-propelled gun began to enter the army and received the current index - M109.

Originally, the M109 was produced at the Cadillac Motor Car Division plant, and since 1970 production has been moved to Bowen McLaughlin-York (United Defense).

The amazing durability of the machine is primarily due to the great modernization potential that was originally laid in it. In total, more than ten modifications of this self-propelled gun were made.

Modifications of ACS M109 "Palladin"

In 1973, the SAU M109A1 was adopted, which differed from the base model with a longer barrel, a reinforced suspension and more sophisticated tool pointing drives.

M109A2 appeared in 1979. In this self-propelled gun, the ammunition load was increased by 22 shots, finalized the construction of the rammer and anti-recoil devices.

In the modification M109A3, many improvements were made immediately. A gun machine was replaced and the driver’s dashboard was improved. They installed a system on the machine that removed air from the fuel system, as well as a system for monitoring the state of the ammunition.

The firing range increased: active-jet ammunition - to 24 km, and high-explosive fragmentation projectile - to 18 km.

M109A4 received a system of protection against weapons of mass destruction, changed the design of the power plant and the system of targeting weapons.

Modification M109A5 received a new gun with a length of 39 calibers on the new gun machine M182. GPS navigation system and automated SLA can be installed on this machine.

The M109 ACS underwent significant modernization during the implementation of the HIP program, which was launched in 1990. In 1992, the M109A6 Paladin model appeared.

This car has received a new turret with improved armor protection, sheathed inside with Kevlar. The gun was installed on a better machine M182A1. A new radio station, an SLA, a navigation system and a ballistic computer, as well as an onboard receiver of the NAVSTAR system, have appeared on the Paladin.

In addition, many minor improvements have been made to the M109A6 design.

In 2012, a modernized version of the "Paladin" - M109A6 PIM. Modernization work began in 2006 as part of the PIM program. Its goal was to extend the service life of self-propelled guns for several decades.

Self-propelled gun received a new digital fire control system and a semi-automatic loading system. The hydraulic systems were replaced with electric drives, the elements of the BMP Bradley were brought into the chassis and transmission. Also on the ACS was installed engine from the BMP M2 "Bradley" (600 hp.).

In addition to the above modifications M109 there are others that in different years were manufactured in different countries, where the ACS was in service.

Description of construction SAU M109 "Palladin"

SAU M109A6 "Paladin" has a rotating tower and tracked chassis. Kevlar podboy combat compartment provides additional protection for the crew from fragments of armor and shells.

The crew - four people: driver, gunner, commander and loader.

The main weapon of the self-propelled gun is the 155-mm howitzer M284, it is installed on the machine M182. The gun can shoot conventional shells at a distance of 24 km, and active-reactive - at 30 km.

The gun is loaded with an automatic hydraulic system; the rate of fire is eight rounds per minute. Additionally, a 12.7-mm M2 machine gun is mounted on the turret.

Self-propelled unit is equipped with a digital fire control system and a ballistic digital computer. All this allows you to confidently and accurately hit targets. The gunner can also use an optical guidance system. There is a navigation system and determine your own location.

After receiving the assignment, the SAU enters the position, takes the barrel to the fighting position and opens fire. Then she immediately leaves the position, which significantly reduces the likelihood of defeat self-propelled guns response fire. To prepare for the shooting, “Paladin” needs only 60 seconds.

The M109A6 is fitted with a DDEC 8V71T diesel engine with a capacity of 440 liters. with. and the ATD-XTG-411-4 gearbox.

Power reserve - 342 km.

Combat use M109

During its long history, the ACS M109 has been used repeatedly in various military conflicts. She managed to make war in the Middle East (as part of the army of Israel and Iran), the Americans used it during the Vietnam War, as well as in both Iraqi campaigns.

Technical characteristics of ACS M109

Video about the artillery installation

Watch the video: M109 Self-Propelled Howitzer live fire exercise (April 2024).