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57-500: In December 1942, work began on a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer based on the newly introduced M1 155 mm howitzer and the chassis of an M5 Stuart light tank. This resulted in the production of a single prototype designated the T64. However, the approval of the superior M24 Chaffee light tank whose chassis was expected to be a standard used for other vehicles, such as self-propelled guns, and specialist vehicles (collectively known as

114-507: A nuclear, biological and chemical protection system and halon fire extinguishers. A total of 1,180 K55s were produced between 1985 and 1996. The vehicle's name was changed from KM109A2 to K55, originally a code name from the Samsung factory. In November 1990, the United States and South Korea signed an agreement to allow South Korea to supply M109 parts to third parties. In May 1997, during

171-503: A 155 mm M126 cannon in an M127 mount, and carried 28 rounds of 155 mm ammunition. It was also armed with a .50cal M2HB machine gun with 500 rounds of ammunition. Easily identified by its short barrel and a double baffle muzzle brake with a large fume extractor just behind it. Maximum range of 14,600 meters. The West German army M109s were designated as the M109G, and featured a breechblock system developed by Rheinmetall extending

228-491: A driver in the hull and gunners mounted in an open-top compartment in the back in an arrangement similar to the 155mm M12 Gun Motor Carriage already in service in the war. The howitzer had limited side-to-side traverse and up to 45 degrees vertical traverse, and a total of 22 rounds could be stored in the vehicle. Additional ammunition was carried by M39 armored utility vehicles . The hull had only 13 mm of armor all around, sufficient to protect only against small arms, while

285-537: A longer barrel while increasing maximum range to 18,100 meters. The M109 rebuilt to M109A1 standard. The M109 (Pz Hb) 66/74 is a Swiss upgraded M109 (Pz Hb 66) to M109A1B (Pz Hb 74) standard. Switzerland purchased 146 M109 under the armament program 1968, and introduction of the howitzer started in 1971. All vehicles received upgrade to M109A1B (Pz Hb 74) standard and were delivered from May 1977 to February 1979. Incorporated 27 Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM) mid-life improvements. Most notably,

342-564: A loss of 2 M39s, and 2 M41s damaged. However, the unit soon routed the ambush, inflicting an estimated 100 casualties on the ambushing forces, and promptly resumed providing artillery support. The Chinese People's Liberation Army captured two M41s during the Korean War, employing them against U.S. forces in the Battle of Maryang San . One of them can be seen on display at the Military Museum of

399-573: A maximum range of 22,000 meters with unassisted projectiles and 30,000 meters with rocket-assisted projectile (RAP) rounds. The vehicle can carry 36 complete rounds of ammunition and has a 440 hp engine instead of the standard 405 hp engine. Various manufacturers have upgraded the fire control and other components of the M109A5. BAE Systems in York, PA recently delivered 12 M109A5+ vehicles to Chile and 32 M109A5+ vehicles for Brazil. Also originating in

456-557: A mid-axle firing pedestal that was extended by a ratchet mechanism. The M1A2 replaced the ratchet with a screw-jack system and also modified the traveling lock. The M1A1E1 carriage was intended for use in jungle and muddy terrain and replaced the wheels of the M1A1 with a free-wheeling tracked suspension, but the project was terminated after V-J day without having reached production. The T-9 and T-10 carriages were projects using low-grade steel alloys that were canceled when no longer needed. The T-16

513-601: A new self-propelled artillery system. In December 1983, the ministers of defense of the United States and South Korea signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to co-produce M109A2 in South Korea using American technical data. The United States delivered two completed M109A2s to South Korea for operational review, and the Agency for Defense Development began to translate the data package and created field and maintenance manuals for soldiers. South Korea wanted to produce every part of

570-487: A redesigned internal arrangement for safer ammunition and equipment storage, engine and suspension upgrades, and improvement of the M284 Cannon and M182A1 Mount. The greatest difference is the integration of an inertial navigation system, sensors detecting the weapons' lay, automation, and an encrypted digital communication system, which utilizes computer controlled frequency-hopping to avoid enemy electronic warfare and allow

627-422: A total traverse of 60°. Unfortunately, it "gave considerable trouble due to the persistent failure of the top carriage" on the firing tests. In 1923–1925 the design was modified with the top carriage reinforced, with the result standardized as M1925. However, it was never built in steel, because after the evaluation of a wooden model the project was abandoned. Instead, two new carriages were developed and built in

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684-700: Is a towed howitzer developed and used by the United States Army . It was first produced in 1942 as a medium artillery piece under the designation of 155 mm Howitzer M1 . It saw service with the US Army during World War II , the Korean War , and the Vietnam War , before being replaced by the M198 howitzer . The gun was also used by the armed forces of many nations. The M114A1 remains in service in some countries. After

741-556: Is able to fire three-round bursts within 15 seconds, or maintain a constant firing rate of over one round per minute. Upgraded Swiss PzHb (Panzerhaubitze)74, 79 and 88 (M109A1B) are known as respectively PzHb 74/95 , PzHb 79/95 and PzHb 88/95 . The latest version in service with the Norwegian Army's Artilleribataljonen . In 2006, there were 56 M109A3GNs in the Army's inventory, meaning that at least 70 SPGs had been scrapped after

798-506: Is an American 155 mm turreted self-propelled howitzer , first introduced in the early 1960s to replace the M44 . It has been upgraded a number of times, most recently to the M109A7 . The M109 family is the most common Western indirect-fire support weapon of maneuver brigades of armored and mechanized infantry divisions. It has a crew of four: the section chief/commander, the driver, the gunner, and

855-673: The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine . Improvement of the Swiss Kawest variant, 133 in total were brought up to this standard: The K55A1 is a South Korean overhaul and modernization of the K55, augmenting the proven systems of the K9 Thunder and the K9A1. The development took three years between 2007 and 2010. The upgrade started in 2010. In November 2010, in the wake of the North Korean artillery attack ,

912-618: The German Army purchased 586 conversion kits from the FMS Corporation (now Marvin Land Systems) to convert its fleet of M109Gs to the M109A3G standard. This upgraded variant uses a new gun barrel developed by Rheinmetall, giving an extended range of 24 kilometres (15 mi). It also features a new fire-control system, and three forward firing 76 mm smoke grenade launchers on either side of

969-502: The Howitzer, Medium, Towed: 155 mm, M114 , with the complete system composed of the cannon (M1 or M1A1), carriage (M1A1), and recoil system (M6, M6A1, M6B1 or M6B2). The carriage was also used by the 4.5-inch gun M1 . It went through a number of minor changes over time. The original Warner electric brakes were replaced by Westinghouse air brakes on the M1A1. Both the M1 and M1A1 carriages used

1026-535: The Military Demarcation Line as a warning after several North Korean provocations. During the Russian invasion of Ukraine , Ukraine has used M109 howitzers donated by Western countries. According to video and photographic evidence compiled by the open-source intelligence website Oryx , as of 24 September 2024, at least 70 units of different variants had been lost (54 destroyed and 16 damaged). The M109

1083-506: The "Light Combat Team") led to the scrapping of the T64 in favor of a new design - designated the T64E1 - using the Chaffee chassis. Equipped with a M1 155 mm howitzer with a heavy recoil-absorption spade at the back, the T64E1 was intended to the supplement the earlier M12 Gun Motor Carriage . It had two 110 hp (82 kW) Cadillac V8 engines centrally mounted and a crew of five, including

1140-527: The African-American 999th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, fought at the Battle of the Imjin River , where it provided artillery support for the 1st Republic of Korea Infantry Division . During the battle, Battery B was forced to evacuate its position after neighboring units withdrew. During the evacuation, it was ambushed by Chinese forces and consequently suffered seven crew killed and 31 wounded, with

1197-633: The Chinese People's Revolution in Beijing. Compared to the contemporary 155 mm M40 gun motor carriage , the M41 was lighter and faster, but had inferior range. Like other contemporary US Army self-propelled artillery, the open-topped gun compartment left the crew vulnerable to small arms fire and shrapnel, and the engines were sometimes criticized for being underpowered. Nonetheless, in a conflict in which enemy units frequently infiltrated or overran forward positions,

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1254-691: The Division Weapon Support System study in early 1980s, the Howitzer Improvement Program was devised as a more extensive modernization than the Howitzer Extended Life Program. The vehicle was originally designed as M109A3E2 before being adopted as M109A6 and is now better known as Paladin (M109A3E3 was to feature a longer barrel but was not adopted). The Paladin model has improvements in the areas of survivability, RAM, and armament. This includes increased armor,

1311-476: The K9. The self-propelled gun has significantly enhanced field operability and accuracy through the installation of Honeywell Aerospace 's TALIN 5000 INS (inertial navigation system), a satellite navigation device (GPS), and a speed calibrator. As a result, the vehicle automatically lays the gun in the desired direction and delivers a first round within 45 seconds between stops, or 75 seconds between maneuvers after receiving

1368-495: The Korean War, where they were useful in providing support during the early mobile phase of the conflict. Once the war ground down to static engagements, the M41s employed their mobility to evade counter-battery fire. The 92nd Field Artillery Battalion and the 999th Armored Field Artillery Battalion were among units that employed M41s in Korea. Another unit equipped with the M41 in Korea,

1425-986: The M109 in the Iran–Iraq War in the 1980s. The M109 saw service with the British , U.S. Army, Egyptian and Saudi Arabian Armies in the 1991 Gulf War . The M109 also saw service with the U.S. Army in the Iraq War from 2003 to 2011. Upgrades to the cannon, ammunition, fire control, survivability, and other electronics systems over the design's lifespan have expanded the system's capabilities, including tactical nuclear projectiles , guided projectiles ( Copperhead ), Rocket Assisted Projectiles (RAP), FAmily of SCAtterable Mines ( FASCAM ), and cluster munitions (the Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munition , DPICM). In August 2015, South Korean K55A1s fired rounds behind

1482-647: The Security Cooperation Committee held in Washington D.C., South Korea requested that the United States revise the MOU to export complete K55s, originally intended for domestic use only. South Korea was expecting to export 72 K55s and four ammunition support vehicles to Brazil for $ 160 million over Belgium's offer, but the United States Department of Defense declined the request to avoid an arms race in

1539-520: The South Korean government authorized a massive increase in military spending. South Korea allocated 11.5 billion KRW on K55A1 upgrades for FY2011, more than a 1500% increase from 700 million KRW for FY2010. The upgrade was performed by Samsung Techwin, and the first vehicle was fielded by the South Korean Army in early 2011. The K55A1 is fitted with the same electronics and fire control system as

1596-561: The ammunition handler/loader. The British Army replaced its M109s with the AS-90 . Several European armed forces have or are currently replacing older M109s with the German PzH 2000 . Upgrades to the M109 were introduced by the U.S. (see variants ) and by Switzerland (KAWEST). With the cancellation of the U.S. Crusader , Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon and M1299 the M109A6 ("Paladin") will likely remain

1653-494: The battlefield mobility, defensive firepower, and armor of the M41 was seen as being greatly preferable to that of towed artillery pieces, and the performance of the 105 mm M7 howitzer motor carriage and M41 in the war influenced the U.S. Army to develop new self-propelled artillery in the 1960s, such as the M109 Paladin , that would almost entirely replace towed field howitzers. M114 155mm howitzer The M114

1710-469: The effective range to 18 kilometres (11 mi) or 18.5 kilometres (11.5 mi) according to some sources, a new fire control system, and three smoke dischargers mounted on either side of the turret as well. In December 1966, the United States and Norway signed an agreement related to the co-production of the M109G. Fielded in 1973, this modification replaced the M126 cannon with a 39 caliber M185, featuring

1767-574: The end of the Cold War. 14 of the M109A3GNs received upgrades in 2007, and were designated M109A3GNM. The upgrade includes a new intercom and new navigation and positioning systems. In 2020 the 14 units with A3GNM upgrades and those still with A3GN specs were placed in storage because all the new Korean K9 Thunder units had been delivered. In May 2022, Norway donated 22 A3GN-spec M109s to Ukraine. Two M109A3GN howitzers were destroyed and three damaged during

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1824-523: The end of the First World War a board later labeled the Westervelt Board was convened to assess the artillery experience of the combatant powers and map out future directions for the US Army artillery. The conclusion of the board vis-a-vis corps (heavy field) artillery was that an ideal heavy howitzer should have range of at least 16,000 yards (15 km) and allow the elevation of 65° (as opposed to

1881-479: The end of the Korean War the US Army replaced the M41 self-propelled howitzer with the M44 self-propelled howitzer . The gun fires separate-loading, bagged charge ammunition, with up to seven different propelling charges, from 1 (the smallest) to 7 (the largest). Muzzle velocity, range and penetration in the tables below are for maximum charge in form of complete M4A1 propelling charge. M109 Paladin The M109

1938-456: The entire fleet suffered a mechanical malfunction within a year of operation. The U.S. dispatched engineers and mechanics, but all M109s were recalled back to the U.S. in 1967 after failing to repair in the field. The howitzer underwent upgrades afterward, which resulted in the M109A1. Israel used the M109 against Egypt in the 1973 Yom Kippur War and in the 1982 and 2006 Lebanon Wars . Iran used

1995-441: The existing World War I -era M-1918 155 mm howitzers, a license-built French Canon de 155 C modèle 1917 Schneider , 11.5 km and +42° 20' respectively). Board also recommended that the new 155-mm howitzer and the new 4.7-inch (120 mm) gun share all the carriage, even if it compromises both designs. The M1920 carriage resulting from this requirements was of the split-trail type with pneumatic equilibrators , permitting

2052-465: The first specimen was ready to be test-fired and immediately after passing them it was standardized on 15 May 1941 as Howitzer M1 on the Carriage M1. The howitzer itself differed from the older model by a lengthened barrel of 20 calibers and a new breech mechanism. Uniquely it was the sole 'slow-cone' interrupted screw mechanism to enter US service after 1920. After World War II, it was redesignated as

2109-432: The following years, which were designated T1 ( photos ) and T1E1. All of them had the same ballistics (perhaps even the same gun body), with maximal range of 16,390 yards (14.99 km), and were undergoing tests in early 1930s. By 1934, the US Army was concerned about the arising high-speed towing requirements not satisfied by the plain bearings and solid rubber ties. In 1939 the development began anew, by spring 1941

2166-490: The howitzer to send grid location and altitude to the battery Fire Direction Center (FDC) . The battery FDCs coordinates fire through a battalion or higher FDC. This allows the Paladin to halt from the move and fire within 30 seconds, with an accuracy equivalent to the previous models when properly emplaced, laid, and safed—a process that previously required several minutes under the best of circumstances. Tactically, this improves

2223-634: The hull flotation feature. These were designated M109A1B . The K55 is a South Korean license produced variant of the M109A2. In the 1960s, the South Korean Army received M107 and M110 from the United States. However, the number of these self-propelled guns was insufficient to counter rapidly-growing North Korean artillery capabilities. In the 1970s, South Korea began mass-producing towed howitzers locally, but intelligence reports of North Korean 170 mm self-propelled artillery forced South Korea to look for

2280-466: The last Paladin of 950 in 1999. This Swiss improved version produced by RUAG incorporates a new Swiss-designed L47 155 mm gun with an increased firing range of up to 36 km. It features an inertial navigation system coupled with a new gun-laying system, along with an ammunition storage increase of 40 rounds and 64 charges. The KAWEST (lit. Kampfwertsteigerung = upgrade of combat capabilities) requires only six crew members instead of eight. It

2337-563: The left trail, allowing it to be more rapidly emplaced when detached from the prime mover, while the XM123A1 provided a single 20 horsepower motor with electric steering. The extra weight on the left trail displaced the howitzer after each round was fired, requiring it to be realigned, and the project was abandoned. The concept was copied from the Soviet 85mm SD-44 auxiliary-propelled antitank gun developed in 1954 and used by airborne forces. The howitzer

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2394-506: The long barreled 155 mm M185 Cannon in the new M178 gun mount, ballistic protection for the panoramic telescope, counterbalanced travel lock, and the ability to mount the M140 bore sight alignment device. Stowage of 155 mm rounds increased from 28 to 36 rounds; .50cal ammunition remained at 500 rounds. Fielded in 1979. During M109A2 production, a slightly simplified version was also produced for export. This had minor internal changes and deleted

2451-515: The principal self-propelled howitzer for the U.S. until a replacement enters service. The M109 was the medium variant of a U.S. program to adopt a common chassis for its self-propelled artillery units. The light version, the M108 Howitzer , was phased out during the Vietnam War , but many were rebuilt as M109s. The M109 saw its combat debut in Vietnam. Around 200 vehicles were deployed in 1966, but

2508-433: The region. In May 1998, the South Korean military began operating a K55 simulator to boost artillery operator training. The simulator took a year and a billion KRW budget to develop. It is expected to save 150 million KRW per year per device. M109A1s rebuilt to M109A2 standard, also fielded in 1979. Some A3s feature three contact arm assemblies , while all A2s have five. M109A1B rebuilt to M109A2 standard. In 1983,

2565-583: The second phase of the Reserve Component Modified Armament System to bring the range up to the version adopted as M109A6. It was fielded in 1991 in much smaller numbers than originally devised due to the end of the Cold War . It replaced the 155 mm M185 cannon in an M178 mount with a 39-caliber 155 mm M284 cannon in an M182 mount developed for the M109A3E2 (see below), giving the A5

2622-667: The shielding around the gun compartment was only 6.5 mm thick. After the T64E1 underwent trials at Aberdeen Proving Ground in December 1944, minor modifications were made and production began by the Massey Harris agricultural equipment company in May 1945. The type was re-designated the M41 in June 1945. However, the M41 arrived too late to see action in World War II, and the initial order of 250

2679-399: The shooting specification, which required 2 minutes and 11 minutes, respectively, on the K55. With the help of a new semi-autoloader, while charges are still inserted manually, the howitzer can fire 4 rounds per minute, increased from 2 to 3 rounds per minute. The improved suspension, involving a strut-type hydropneumatic buffer from Mottrol Co, Ltd., along with an enhanced chamber, allowed

2736-457: The system's survivability by allowing the battery to operate dispersed in pairs across the countryside, and allowing the howitzer to quickly move between salvos, or if attacked by indirect fire, aircraft, or ground forces. Ammunition storage of 155 mm rounds was increased from 36 to 39. Developed from 1984, it was adopted in 1990 with original plans to field the weapon in 1991 later slipping to 1992 and finally to 1993. The US Army received

2793-450: The turret. Between 1969 and 1971 Norway acquired 126 M109Gs from West Germany. They were then upgraded to the M109A3GN configuration during the latter half of the 1980s. Soon after the adoption of A2/A3 versions, the Division Weapon Support System study was initiated in 1980, which by the end of the decade resulted in the development of several modernization packages. The most modest one

2850-554: The vehicle domestically; however, due to the amendment bill by Rep. Samuel S. Stratton of New York, which established a limit for foreign military technology cooperation, the turret and the M185 cannon from Watervliet Arsenal were imported from the United States. Compared to the M109A2, besides 63 percent of parts being produced locally, K55 has a driver's night periscope and light exposure minimization device to enhance night-time operations as well as additional radio systems. The vehicle has

2907-548: The vehicle to shoot K307 and K310 ammunition designed for K9 platform without laying spades at a maximum distance of 32 km. An APU (auxiliary power unit) was installed to operate the howitzer without turning on the main engine. The Army Consolidated Maintenance Depot joined the K55A1 upgrade, releasing its first results in December 2013. The upgrade cost 20% of the K9 Thunder, 800 million KRW, as of 2021. The K55A1 upgrade program

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2964-549: Was a light-weight carriage using high-grade steel that was estimated to save some 1,200 lb (540 kg); work began in July 1945 and continued after the war, although nothing seems to have come from it. A mid-1960s variant was the 155mm XM123 & M123A1 auxiliary-propelled howitzers. The XM123 was produced by American Machine and Foundry and outfitted with two 20 horsepower air-cooled engines produced by Consolidated Diesel Corporation, driver's seat, steering wheel, and guide wheel on

3021-518: Was changed to be hydraulic (as compared to the electric mechanism on previous M109s), and added a manual override. The M109A4 also gained a second hydraulic filter and more reliable engine starting equipment which greatly improved the ability to start the vehicle in an emergency. Ammunition stowage remained the same as in previous models. This modification was also designed for the US Army Reserve, originally planned as an update for all M109A4s under

3078-649: Was developed by the Ground System Division of United Defense LP , now BAE Systems Land and Armaments . The M109 was powered by the 8V71T, a 8-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine, produced by the Detroit Diesel Engine Division of General Motors Corporation. The 8V71T is a turbocharged version of the 8V71 commercial truck engine. It was rated 390 hp at 2300 rpm and was used in the M107, M108, M110, and M578 series as well. First produced in 1963. It had

3135-570: Was experimentally mounted on a lengthened chassis of the M5 light tank . The resulting vehicle received the designation 155 mm Howitzer Motor Carriage T64. A single prototype was built before the T64 project was abandoned in favor of T64E1, based on the M24 Chaffee light tank chassis. This was eventually adopted as the M41 Howitzer Motor Carriage and saw action in the Korean War . Towards

3192-467: Was reduced to 85. These M41s served in the peacetime army, where they received the appellation "Gorilla", and went on to serve in the Korean War before being retired. Some M41s were also passed on to the French Army , but they were soon replaced by other designs. The M 41 has a crew of 10 people in total to serve the piece. Additional tasks are assigned to certain gunners M41s were used in action in

3249-524: Was the Howitzer Extended Life Program update originally designated as M1903A3E1 and later adopted as M109A4, initially scheduled for 1985-1987 but actually fielded in 1989 in the Reserve Component of the US Army . This modernization program fitted M109A2s and M109A3s with Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical / Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (NBC/RAM) improvements, including air purifiers, heaters, and Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) (protective) gear. The traversing mechanism's clutch

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