Sito Con Accesso Database Militare Usa

[wardriver]

Ciao a tutti!


Ho trovato in giro per internet un sito in cui registrandosi ti fornisce una password che ti fa accedere ad alcuni database militari americani dove sono pubblicati files considerati top secret contenenti segreti militari tra cui nuove armi, rapporti di missioni ecc... ma il punto è: ci sarà qualcosa di vero oppure è una trovata ideata dal governo americano per "gettare fumo negli occhi" alla gente facendoci vedere soltanto quello che vogliono farci vedere, in modo tale da "tenerci occupati"? Anche perchè ci sono alcune sezioni relative al terrorismo e simili, ma... caso strano non parla mai o quasi... degli "sgarri" che gli americani hanno fatto durante questa guerra...,almeno ,parla si... di corruzione che anche in molti loro reparti militari e di intelligence esiste, ma non dice proprio tutto... In poche parole... in questo sito..., si... qualcosa di giusto e vero lo hanno pubblicato..., però, come ho detto prima... non proprio tutto...! Non so...secondo me c'è sotto qualcosa di sospetto, che non vogliono dirci... boh... lascio a voi giudicare!

Riporto qui sotto un articolo preso da questo database:

155-mm M109 SP howitzer

VARIANT(S) AND/OR ALTERNATE NAME(S):

---- 105-mm M108 SP howitzer (variation based on early prototype)
---- K55 (South Korean designation)
---- M109A5E Espana (Spanish designation)
---- M109A6 Paladin (U.S. upgrade)
---- M109AL Rochev (Israeli designation)
---- PzHb 66/74 (Swiss designation)
---- PzHb 74/88 (Swiss designation)
---- PzHb 88/95 Bison (Swiss designation)
---- Rechenstelle (Austrian fire direction center version)
---- SP122 (Egyptian D-30 armed casemate version)
---- VBCL (Belgian command version)
---- XT-69 (Taiwanese open gun mount version)
EQUIPMENT CATEGORY: Artillery/Guns -- Self-Propelled Guns/Howitzers
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA


PICTURES OF: 155-mm M109 SP howitzer

Please note the highlighted country of Taiwan found in the Users/Platforms section links directly to the Nations Record
DESCRIPTION

The widely used M109 carries a 155-mm howitzer and is the principal self-propelled artillery support for U.S. Army divisions. It is a large tracked vehicle with a fully traversable turret and prominent bustle. Early variants had short, 23-caliber barrel. Later versions, including the M109A6 Paladin, have a 39-caliber barrel. Under a contract awarded in October 1985, BMY (now United Defense Limited Partnership-UDLP), York, Pa., began a howitzer improvement program (HIP) in which A2 hulls are refurbished and mated with a new turret. The Paladin upgrade is a major product improvement program (PIP) that United Defense provides numerous enhancements, including reliability, availability, maintainability, survivability, lethality and responsiveness to older-model M109 howitzers.
Presently, the M109 family of vehicles is in the middle of its life cycle (1962-2025). At the end of 1999, the last of a total of 824 M109A6/Paladin SPHs were delivered to the U.S. Army and National Guard units.
The first armament modification phase substitutes the M284 gun for the A2/A3s M185. Modifications include a strengthened gun mount to prevent barrel rotation with maximum charge. Later armament options include the XM283, derived from M198 towed 155-mm howitzer. It has the same interior ballistics as the M284, but is more reliable. XM282 is a 58-caliber cannon designed to fire M864 base-bleed projectile to 28 mi (45 km).
The Paladin consists of 1,900 parts. Major components include the following:
turret (UDLP/Ground Systems Division);
cannon/ballistic shielding (Watervleit Arsenal);
low-heat rejection engine (Detroit Diesel);
navigation/positioning system (Honeywell);
and the automatic fire-control system (AFCS) (Alliant Techsystems) The AFCS has a ballistic computer/weapon controller, power conditioner and an inertial reference navigation systems/dynamic reference unit based on the modular azimuth positioning system (MAPS) using ring laser gyro on-board land navigation. The AFCS permits 0.6 mi. (1 km) separation between vehicles, improving gun battery survivability.
The AFCS had been plagued by software problems and random computer lockups that could be solved only by shutting down the entire system and rebooting. The software glitches involved interference between the fire-control and navigation modules.
Du Pont Kevlar armor has been added to the Paladin, forming an inner lining of the cab, roof and crew compartment sides. Rolled homogeneous steel armor has been fitted over the driver's compartment and on the rear of the bustle. An upgraded suspension has longer torsion bars and hydropneumatic bump stops to handle the greater vehicle weight. Both engine cooling and the electrical system have been improved, the latter including a sealed starter.
Mean time between failure (MTBF), which averages 75 hours in the A3, is increased to 122 hours, according to BMY. Mean time to repair (MTTR), estimated at 4.5 hours in the A3, is reduced to two hours.
Improved protection also includes the segmentation of hydraulic lines and the use of a Halon fire-suppression system. The hydraulic system, which is distributed in the A3, has been centralized in the Paladin. The Halon system is intended to snuff out internal fires in less than 1/4 second. In addition, a Microclimate Cooling System has been added to improve the working environment and protect against the effects of nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) warfare. Projectile stowage has been placed lower in the hull to reduce threat of secondary explosions from counter-battery fires.
According to UDLP, the Paladin can move from road march to firing status in one minute. Response time while in firing position is less than 30 seconds. These reaction times give Paladin a true "shoot and scoot" capability. The Paladin's travel lock, a front-mounted bracket that steadies the long barrel during vehicle movement, has been modified to enable remote operation.
The gun fires high-explosive (HE) with 14.6 lb (6.62 kg) of Trinitrotoluene (TNT) or 15.4 lb (6.98 kg) of Composition B explosive, M692/M731 HE area denial artillery munition (ADAM), M718/M741 anti-tank remote anti-armor mine system (AT-RAAMS), rocket-assisted HE (HERA) with 16 lb/7.25 kg Comp B (M549) or 15 lb/6.8 kg TNT (M549A1), Copperhead cannon-launched guided projectiles (CLGP), nuclear, XM867 artillery delivered expendable communications jammer (ADEXJAM) submunitions, chemical, smoke and illumination rounds.
The M483 round carries eight layers of M42 dual-purpose grenades ahead of three layers of M46 grenades, the difference being a stronger case on the M46 to absorb the "setback load" when the gun is fired. The ADAM rounds dispense 36 anti-personnel mines; the designators distinguish between long self-destruct and short self-destruct fuzes. The RAAMS rounds plant nine magnetic anti-tank mines. The M864 base-burn dual-purpose improved conventional munitions (DPICM) projectile is a successor to the M483; it projects 24 M46 and 48 M42 grenades 30 percent farther than the M483.

PICTURES


STATUS

Initial operational capability (IOC) M109 was in 1963, the M109A1 in 1973, M109A2 in 1979 and M109A6 in 1992. The T196 prototype was ordered in October 1956. There were 2,111 M109s built by Cadillac Motor Car (FY1962-1963), Chrysler Corp. (FY1964) and Allison Division of General Motors (FY1965-1969) at the Cleveland Army Tank Plant. M109A1 and later built by BMY Combat Systems (formerly Bowen-McLaughlin-York, now United Defense) of York, Pa. Samsung Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries (SHI) assembles M109A2 howitzers under a series of agreements with BMY (United Defense), the first of which was signed in 1984. BMY manufactures most of the main components and delivers kits to SHI, which adds locally produced components. Approximately 1,000 howitzers were delivered to the South Korean army from SHI through 1995.
Low-rate production of the M109A6 HIP (Howitzer Improvement Program) Paladin was approved in February 1990. A $74 million contract for 44 Paladins was awarded to BMY (United Defense) in September 1990 with work completed by Jan. 31, 1993. A later option for 60 more, which was exercised in April 1991 in a $29.6 million contract, called for delivery by Jan. 31, 1994. Some thought was given to undertaking later production at a U.S. Army depot (see Issues).
Iraq's holding of M109s was entirely made up of war prizes. In addition to an unknown number of Iranian M109s taken during the 1980-1988 Gulf War, Iraq is believed to have captured 18 Kuwaiti M109s in its August 1990 invasion and annexation of Kuwait.
Britain has replaced all M109s in its service with the AS-90 self-propelled howitzer (see separate record for details).
Egypt requested the possible purchase of 279 M109A2/A3s on May 24, 2000. Cairo intends to use them to replace Soviet-era towed artillery. The total cost of the vehicles, training, equipment and spares was reported at $48 million.
A possible sale to Greece seems to have been derailed by Athens' decision to purchase German-made PzH 2000s in 2002.

BUILDER(S)

United Defense, Ground Systems Division, York, Pa. Samsung Shipbuilding and Heavy Ind., South Korea (licensed manufacture)
USERS/PLATFORMS

Austria 162 x M109A2/A3/A5OeE Belgium 108 x M109A2 Brazil 72 x M7/108 40 x M109A3 Canada 58 x M109A4 (+ 18 x M109A4 in storage) Denmark 76 x M109 Egypt 164 x M109A2 (+ 179 x M109A2/A3 on order) Germany 516 x M109A3G Greece 195 x M109A1B/A2/A3GEA1/A5 Iran 160 x M109 Iraq unknown number of captured M109A1/A2 Israel 508 x M109A1/A2 Italy 260 x M109G/L Jordan 234 x M109A1/A2 Kuwait 23 x M109A3 Libya 14 x M109 Morocco 44 x M109A1 Netherlands 121 x M109A3 Norway 126 x M109A3GN Pakistan 150 x M109A2 Peru 12 x M109A2 Portugal 6 x M109A2 Saudi Arabia 110 x M109A1B/A2 South Korea 1,040 x K55 Spain 112 x M109A1/A5 34 x M108 Switzerland 558 x PzHb-66/74/79/88 (M109U) Taiwan 225 x M109A2/A5 100 x M108 Thailand 20 x M109A2 Turkey 26 x M108T United Arab Emirates 85 x M109A3 USA 2,087 x M109A1/A2/A6
CHARACTERISTICS

CREW M109A2/A3 6 (commander, gunner, 3 ammunition servers and driver) M109A5 SPH 5 (Chief of section, gunner, assistant gunner, No. 1 cannoneer and driver) M109A2/A3 6 (Chief of section, gunner, 3 ammunition servers and driver) WEIGHTS M109A2/A3 Combat 55,000 lb (24,948 kg) Ground pressure 11.83 lb/sq in (0.83 kg/cm sq) M109A5 SPH Combat 55,000 lb (24,948 kg) M109A6 Paladin Combat 63,600 lb (28,848 kg) Ground pressure 13.53 lb/sq in (0.95 kg/cm sq) DIMENSIONS All Models Length hull 20 ft 4 in (6.19 m) Width over skirts 10 ft 4 in (3.15 m) Tracks length on ground 12 ft 1 in (3.69 m) width 1 ft 3 in (0.38 m) Ground clearance 1 ft 6 in (0.46 m) M109A2/A3 Length gun forward 29 ft 11 in (9.12 m) Width with ADMG 10 ft 9 in (3.28 m) M109A6 Paladin Length with rear box 22 ft 4 in (6.81 m) gun forward 31 ft 9 in (9.68 m) Width with ADMG 10 ft 7 in (3.24 m) over side boxes 12 ft 10 in (3.92 m) PROPULSION M109A2/A3 Engine General Motors 8V-71T 569-cu in (9.32-liter) liquid-cooled, turbo-charged two-stroke V-8 diesel Power 405 hp at 2,300 rpm Power-to-weight ratio 16.23 hp/metric ton Fuel 135 U.S. gal (511 liters) Transmission Allison ATD-XTG 411-2A (A3) or 411-4 with quick disconnect powershift crossdrive, 4 forward and 2 reverse gears M109A5 SPH Engine General Motors 8V-71T LHR, 9310cc, 2-cycle diesel Power 440 hp Power-to-weight ratio 17.96 hp/metric ton Fuel 135 U.S. gal (511 liters) Transmission Allison ATD-XTG 411-4A, 4 forward and 2 reverse gears M109A6 Paladin Type DDC 8V-71T 568-cu in (9.3-liter) liquid-cooled, turbo-charged two-stroke V-8 diesel/JP8 Power 440 hp Power-to-weight ratio 15.25 hp/metric ton Fuel 133 U.S. gal (503 liters) Transmission Allison ATD-XTG 411-2A (A3) or 411-4 with quick disconnect powershift crossdrive, 4 forward and 2 reverse gears SUSPENSION All Models Type torsion bar, 7 road wheels, front drive, rear idler, no return rollers ELECTRICAL M109A5 SPH Amperes 180 Volts 24 M109A6 Paladin Amperes 650 Volts 24 PERFORMANCE All Models Obstacle vertical 1 ft 9 in (0.53 m) trench 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) Fording amphibious with airbags w/out preparation 3 ft 3 in (1.00 m) Gradient 60 percent M109A2/A3, M109A5SPH Speed 35 mph (56 kmh) Range 220 mi (354 km) M109A6 Paladin Speed 40 mph (64 kmh) Range 214 mi (344 km) WEAPONS All Models Cannon grooves 48 rifling right-hand rifling with constant, 8.93-deg twist breech type Welin-step thread recoil system hydropneumatic elevation -3/+75 deg (-53/+1,333 mils) traverse 360 deg (6,400 mils) Air defense 1 x 12.7-mm MG mounted on commander's cupola ammunition 500 rounds M109A2/A3 Cannon 155-mm/39-cal M185 rifled howitzer fitted with muzzle brake and fume extractor ammunition 12 conventional, 2 Copperhead rounds range by round type M864 24,175 yd (22,000 m) max M483A1 15,951 yd (14,586 m) full charge 19,400 yd (17,740 m) maximum M718/M741 15,951 yd (14,586 m) full charge 19,400 yd (17,740 m) maximum M692/M731 15,951 yd (14,586 m) full charge 19,400 yd (17,740 m) maximum response time 11 min rate of fire 1 rd/min first hour 4 rd in first 3 min max Machine gun 1 x M2 .50 caliber ammunition 500 rounds M109A5 SPH Cannon 155-mm/39-cal M284 rifled howitzer fitted with muzzle brake and fume extractor ammunition 34 complete rounds range by round type same as for M109A2/A3 assisted 32,967 yd (30,000 m) maximum unassisted 24,175 yd (22,000 m) maximum Rate of fire same as for M109A2/A3 M109A6 Paladin Cannon 155-mm/39-cal M284 rifled howitzer fitted with muzzle brake and fume extractor ammunition 39 rounds including 2 Copperhead range by round type M549A1 HERA 32,976 yd (30,000 m) HE 26,247 yd (24,000 m) M864 DPICM 24,175 yd (22,100 m) assisted 32,967 yd (30,000 m) maximum unassisted 24,175 yd (22,000 m) maximum response time 60 sec rate of fire 1 rd/3 min sustained 3 rd/15 sec max; 8 rd/min if using optional semi-automatic loading system and automatic primary feeder PROJECTILES Type Weight Length M712 Copperhead 140.0 lb (63.50 kg) 54.0 in (1,372 mm) M864 DPICM 103.2 lb (43.80 kg) 35.3 in ( 898 mm) M825 Smoke WP 103.0 lb (46.72 kg) unknown M718 RAAMS Long 103.0 lb (46.71 kg) 30.7 in ( 781 mm) M741 RAAMS Short 103.0 lb (46.71 kg) 30.7 in ( 781 mm) M692 ADAM Long 102.5 lb (46.49 kg) 31.6 in ( 803 mm) M731 ADAM Short 102.5 lb (46.49 kg) 31.6 in ( 803 mm) M483A1 HE 102.5 lb (46.49 kg) 35.4 in ( 899 mm) M121 Chem GB/VX 98.9 lb (44.86 kg) 26.9 in ( 684 mm) M110 Smoke WP 97.9 lb (44.40 kg) 23.7 in ( 602 mm) M631 Chem CS 96.7 lb (43.88 kg) 23.8 in ( 604 mm) M549 HERA 95.9 lb (43.54 kg) 33.7 in ( 858 mm) M449 APICM 95.0 lb (43.09 kg) 27.5 in ( 698 mm) M107 HE 94.6 lb (42.91 kg) 23.9 in ( 607 mm) M110 Chem HD 94.6 lb (42.91 kg) 23.9 in ( 607 mm) M485A2 Illum 93.6 lb (42.48 kg) 23.7 in ( 602 mm) M116 Smoke HC 93.0 lb (42.22 kg) 23.4 in ( 594 mm) M867E1 Chem Binary unknown unknown SENSORS/FIRE CONTRIOL All Models Infrared night vision devices M109A5 SPH Optics Optical-Survey PROTECTION M109A2/A3 Armor light alloy aluminum to protect against small arms fire and shell splinters NBC no system M109A5 SPH Armor maximum 20-mm light alloy aluminum, small arms and artillery fragment protection NBC ventilated face piece system (VFPS) Fire suppression CO2 fire extinguisher system in crew and engine compartments M109A6 Paladin Armor 5083 aluminum with composite spall liners and supplemental armor NBC MCS system Fire suppression automatic
VARIANTS

105-mm M108 SP howitzer

T196 development designation; designed at the same time as the M109. Mounts 105-mm M103 howitzer with small fume extractor but no muzzle brake. Produced only in 1962-63. In service in Brazil, Spain, Taiwan and Turkey. 105-mm M109 SP howitzer

Original production model developed from T-196 and T-196E1. Combat weight is 52,438 lb (23,786 kg); hull length with the gun forward is 21 ft 8 in (6.61 m). Maximum vehicle range of 242 mi. (390 km). Has short (23-caliber) 105-mm howitzer M126 with muzzle brake, distinctive large "lazy D"-shaped fume extractor. Maximum M126 range of 15,914 yd (14,600 m), 28 rounds in vehicle. M109A1 (1970)

Mounts longer M185 155-mm gun and incorporated elevation, traversing and suspension improvements. M109A2 (1978)

Features many detail improvements. Larger turret bustle carries 36 155-mm projectiles. About 836 were produced for the U.S. Army and Army National Guard. M109A3 (1980)

Has improved M178 mounting. Designation also applies to retrofitted models. M109A4

There are 737 U.S. Army Reserve component howitzers refitted, under the NBC and reliability, availability and maintainability (RAM) program, that were completed in FY1992. Includes:

• heaters and purifiers for ventilated face-piece system for NBC protection and stowage for NBC suits;
• 180-amp electrical charging system;
• vaneaxial fan assembly increases cooling capacity and reliability;
• two hydraulic filters replacing one power-pack filter;
• external power receptacle;
• crew compartment sub-floor drains for torsion-bar pockets;
• traverse mechanism upgrade of internal gearing and clutch and addition of hydraulic tubing and external clutch valve;
• rewire air cleaner switch to shut off when vehicle's in neutral;
• add starter-circuit relay to prevent over-ranking;
• move slave-start receptacle to driver's compartment;
• and add protective covers over sensors mounted on engine hood.

M109A5 (1993)

Further upgrade of Reserve Component M109A4s with Modified Armament System (RC/MAS) that brings the cannon and gun mount up to A6 standard. Completion in FY1993. The M109A5 offers upgraded components providing greater durability. It has a higher horsepower low heat rejection (LHR) engine and an improved transmission for increased performance. There is also a protection device to prevent starter burnout and a 180-amp alternator that will extend battery life. The suspension system has been strengthened and an external NATO power receptacle allows the M109A5 to be electrically powered by the M992 field artillery ammunition support vehicle (FAASV ).
The M109A5 share commonality with all of the other M109 family members and fires all NATO-standard 155-mm ammunition.
M109A6 Paladin

Further HIP development includes creating a new gun mount that accepts 39- and 58-caliber 155-mm cannon in development at Watervliet Arsenal, Albany, N.Y. Live-fire testing of prototypes began in October 1987. A three-month operational testing phase began in June 1989. Procurement of up to 1,266 Paladins through competitive bidding had been planned, but that number has but subsequently cut to 824, with 664 FAASVs being converted at Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, Pa. All work was completed by July 1999.
M109G

West German development first fielded in 1964. Rheinmetall-designed horizontal sliding-wedge breechblock, different muzzle brake, and a different fire control system. Barrel length is 14 ft 6 in (4.422 m), weight complete is 4,224 lb (1,916 kg), of lining 2,072 lb (940 kg), barrel chamber volume is 823 cu in (13.489 liters), 22.75-ton (3,200-bar) recoil force. Max recoil length is 32 in (815 mm) in 0-41 deg elevation, decreasing to 18.3 in (465 mm) by 51.2 deg elevation. Maximum range increased to 20,165 yds (18,500 m). Two three-barreled smoke dischargers on turret.
M109A3G

German update that overhauls the basic design and upgrades many systems. Original M109G gun is replaced by Rheinmetall 39-caliber gun with a range of 27,012 yd (24,700 m). Turret bustle modified to hold 22 projectiles, with another 12 stowed in the hull. Gun has fume extractor, modified obturation system, breech ring, buffer and muzzle brake. Barrel weight increased to 5,247 lb (2,380 kg) for complete assembly, 3,131 lb (1,420 kg) for inner liner. Barrel chamber volume increased to 1,150 cu in (18.845 liters). Barrel length up to 22 ft 10 in (6.96 m). The A3G can fire NATO and FH 70 ammunition, achieving 2,713 fps (827 mps) with latter.
Rheinmetall is prime contractor; refitting at 860 Army Maintenance Depot in St. Wendel, Germany.
M109A3GN

Virtually identical to M109A3G. Norwegian upgrade program in which Norsk Forsvarsteknologi (NFT) at Narvik, Norway, performs all upgrade steps except for fitting of new cannon. First contract was in June 1986. M109L

IOC in 1989. Italian contractor was Oto Melara. Vehicle weight is 54,675 lb (24,800 kg). Replaced original locally produced howitzer in 220 vehicles with 39-caliber weapon internally similar to the FH-70/SP-70 project. Refit required few changes to the existing M109 mount. Gun fitted with M109G-type muzzle brake. Maximum range for an HE projectile is 26,246 yds (24,000 m) or 32,808 (30,000 m) for a HERA projectile. Panzerhaubitze (PzHb) 74, 66/74, 79 and Bison

PzHb66 denoted 140 M109s purchased in 1968 with the short barrel; PzHb74s are 120 M109A1s fitted with the M185 howitzer; PzHb66/74s are PzHb66s refitted with the longer gun; PzHb79 is designation for 200 M109A1s procured in 1979. Bison is a proposed Swiss modification that includes an indigenously developed gun with a 47-caliber barrel, a muzzle brake and a flick rammer for a higher rate of fire. It has a range of approximately 16.8 mi. (27 km). Four rounds can be fired in 20 seconds. A bustle compartment has been added to increase stowage to 42 rounds. The vehicle has wider tracks and smoke dischargers. Applique armor has also been added. A 52-cal Bison variant is being emplaced in fixed positions.
M109A5E

Under a September 1995, $7.3 million contract with Barnes and Reineke, Inc., Spain's entire fleet of M109s was upgraded to this variant, which is unique to Spain. Other Designations

As the M109 has been exported to a myriad of foreign clients, there are several designations associated with this system. Some of the more well-known ones are as follows:

• K55-- South Korean designation, also known as the KM109A2
• M109 ADATS-- M109 hull with ADATS air defense missile mount
• M109BE-- Belgian designation
• M109A1B-- New-build M109A1
• M109A1C-- Israeli HIP version
• M109A1NL-- Dutch upgraded M109
• M109A2BE-- Upgraded M109BE
• M109A2G-- German version of M109A2
• M109A2G2-- Upgraded M109A2G
• M109A2UK-- Version in service with UKLF
• M109A3-- M109A1s rebuilt in depot
• M109A3E2-- HIP program demonstrator
• M109A3G-- Upgraded German upgraded M109G
• M109A3NL-- Dutch M109 upgraded to M109A3
• M109A3NO-- Norwegian M109 upgraded to M109A3
• M109A5OeE-- Austrian army upgraded version
• M109AL-- Israeli M109 designation
• M109AL var 1-- Israeli M109AL including some Program 145 upgrades
• M109AL Rochev-- Israeli Program 145 upgraded version
• M109E1-- Prototype for the M109A1
• M109E4-- Prototype
• M109G-- German designation for M109
• M109L-- M109 fitted with FH-70 ordnance in service with Italy
• M109OeE-- Austrian army original designation
• M109U-- M109 modified for Swiss service
• M109UK-- M109 designation for British army
• PzHb 66/74-- Swiss upgraded version
• PzHb 74/88-- Swiss upgraded version
• PzHb 88/95 Bison-- Swiss upgraded version
• Rechenstelle-- Fire direction center version for Austria
• SP122-- Egyptian D-30 armed casemate version
• VBCL-- Command version in Belgian service
• XM992-- Prototype FAASV
• XT-69-- Open gun mount version in Taiwan
• XT-69A1-- XT-69 with longer barrel

M992 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle (FAASV )

Resupply vehicle created by substituting a covered superstructure for the M109 turret. See separate database entry.
ISSUES AND NOTES

The U.S. Army's displeasure with BMY's management of the HIP program was underscored by an October 1990 report that the Army planned to move M109A6 production from BMY's York, Pa., plant after the first 100 vehicles were completed. The Army would then stage a competition for later production or produce the A6 in one of its own depots (e.g., Letterkenny Depot in Chambersburg, Pa.). Letterkenny was later used to produce support components for the Paladin and to recover parts from vehicles being scrapped. On Sept. 27, 1991, President George Bush announced that all ground-launched tactical nuclear weapons, including the M454 155-mm projectile with W48 0.1-kt yield warhead, would be eliminated from the U.S. inventory as soon as possible.
Criticism of the M109 continued after the 1991 Persian Gulf War. The low-range and somewhat slow speed of the vehicles in actual combat conditions led to the creation of the Crusader program, which was expected to eventually replace the M109 in U.S. service. However, with Crusader's cancellation in 2002, the Pentagon has started to look hard at other replacements for the aging M109, including non-conventional concepts.

OPERATIONAL NOTES

Over 500 U.S. and British M109s (including 24 Marine Corps vehicles) were sent to Saudi Arabia beginning in August 1990 as part of the Persian Gulf War. An outline of U.S. artillery and MLRS action by the U.S. Army's Directorate of Combat Developments was published in the May 1991 edition of Armed Forces Journal International. Although the report focused on the MLRS, some observations about the M109 were also made. For example, the M185 howitzer's relatively short range put the Iraqi artillery out of reach of all but full-charge or rocket-assisted projectiles during the pre-ground war bombardment phase. On the other hand, 155-mm DPICM munitions proved very effective against Iraqi artillery, especially when fired together with MLRS batteries. Seventy percent of the rounds fired by the 1st Cavalry Division's artillery were DPICM. The relatively few (90) Copperhead projectiles fired reflected the Fire Support Vehicle's difficulties in keeping up with the advance.
British 155-mm howitzers (most or all of them M109s) fired approximately 10,000 rounds during preparations for the ground war and the ground war itself. In addition, Saudi M109s supported the U.S. Marine Corps-Saudi offensive into eastern Kuwait.

PROGRAM COST

In FY1998, the per-unit cost of a M109A6 Paladin was $1.624 million.
IL LINK DEL SITO è : www.militaryperiscope.com

Grazie per l'attenzione !

Un Saluto a tutti!

Wardriver!!!

[ulfenor]

Bravo

[ConteMax]

Poi se ti arrestano o ti portano a Guantanamo non ti lamentare.

[Keiros]

non vorrei dire ma che gli usa si servano degli howitzer non è precisamente un segreto militare.

[Princ.Citeriore (POL)]

Poi se ti arrestano o ti portano a Guantanamo non ti lamentare.

vacanza gratuita a Cuba !!!