M109A6 Paladin Howitzer and M992A2 FAASV

Some quick M109A6-PIM facts:

• The M109A6-PIM is supported by the U.S. Army as a vital technology enhancement program to maintain the combat capability and sustainability of its Heavy Brigade Combat Teams (HBCTs).
• A new automated projectile loader will allow for more rapid and controlled firing.
• The system is being fitted to fire both the Modular Artillery Charge Systems (MACS) and the GPS-guided Excalibur round.
• Advanced automotive, drive-train and suspension components taken from the Bradley Combat Systems chassis, will increase the endurance of the system and lessen logistic time in the field.

In-depth background

The M109A6 Paladin Integrated Management (M109A6-PIM) program is a semi-automated, air-conditioned and electronically controlled 39-caliber, 155 mm artillery system designed to meet the needs of the U.S. Army’s Heavy Brigade Combat Teams (HBCTs).

The Paladin is the primary indirect fire support system for the HBCTs, and the M109A6-PIM is supported by the Army as a vital technology enhancement program to maintain the combat capability of its HBCTs. The M109A6-PIM will solve long-term readiness and modernization needs of the M109 family of vehicles, which includes the M992 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle, through a critical redesign and production plan that leverages the most advanced technology available today to provide a more robust, survivable and responsive indirect fire support capability for HBCT Soldiers.

The M109A6-PIM uses the existing main armament and recently designed cab structure, while replacing outmoded chassis components with advanced automotive, drive-train and suspension components from the Bradley Combat Systems to increase sustainability and commonality across the HBCT.

It also incorporates select new technologies, including an automated projectile loader and modern electric gun drive systems to replace the current hydraulically operated elevation and azimuth drives designed in the early 1960s. The automatic gun drive system will allow firing rates of eight rounds per minute, three rounds in 15 seconds or a sustained rate of one round per three minutes to ranges up to 24 kilometers with unassisted projectiles or 30 kilometers with assisted projectiles. The Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS) and XM982 Excalibur GPS/inertial navigation-guided extended range rounds will also be compatible with the M109A6-PIM. Using the Excalibur round may potentially increase maximum range to 40 kilometers with an accuracy of better than 10 meters.

The electric gun and ammunition handling components, as well as a micro-climate (air conditioning) system, will be powered by BAE Systems’ Common Modular Power System (CMPS).

CMPS, which will also be installed on Stryker and has been installed on High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) demonstrator vehicles, is based on Army TARDEC and Program Executive Office – Ground Combat Systems-developed CMPS architecture. The system featured on the M109A6-PIM is capable of providing 35 kilowatts of 600-volt direct current. This power can be used for voltage conversion and can support other, higher power loads required within the Paladin platform.

The M109A6-PIM is considered to be the most cost-effective method to significantly improve sustainability and survivability, while reducing the logistics burden on the HBCT and supporting fires brigades. The program will be executed as a public/private partnership between the Army’s Project Manager-HBCT, Anniston Army Depot and BAE Systems that leverages the strengths of both public and private sectors to ensure the best value for U.S. Soldiers. The M109A6-PIM production would be performed at Anniston Army Depot, Ala., and BAE Systems facilities in York, Penn., Aiken, S.C., and Elgin, Okla.

For more information on the M109A6-PIM, click here.