Self-propelled howitzer is one of the important force multipliers of the battlefield, thanks to its ability to carry firepower to front lines under armour protection. Countries that want to have a good mechanized power continue their investments in these systems.
The 2'nd Battalion of 82'nd Field Artillery Regiment affiliated to the US Army received additional M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzer. Within the framework of the increasing combat capability and firepower of the Armoured Brigade Combat Teams, the US signed an agreement with BAE Systems for the procurement of 48 sets of M109A7 and M992A3 Tracked Ammunition Carrier Vehicles last March.
The hull, engine, turret and suspension systems have been improved in the M109A7, which was developed by upgrading the M109A6 self-propelled howitzer. The system, which can perform sustainable shots with 155 mm 39 calibre M284 barrel and autoloader integrated into the M182A1 gun mount, is able to on targets with rocket-assisted projectiles to 30 km range with 1 round-per-minute rate of fire. The howitzer, driven by the power pack consisting of L3 HMPT-500 automatic transmission integrated into the 600 BG diesel engine, provides advanced situational awareness to the crew in order to protect against counter-battery firings. The survivability of the vehicle has been increased with additional armour plates, automatic fire extinguishing system and protection kits.
