BAE Systems modification contract to deliver M109A7 self-propelled howitzers to US Army

December 2019 Global Defense Security army news industry
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BAE Systems Land & Armaments LP, York, Pennsylvania, was awarded by U.S. Army a $249,152,760 modification to contract W56HZV-17-C-0001 for the Self-Propelled Howitzer and carrier, ammunition, tracked vehicles and their associated support under the production contract to build and deliver M109A7s and M992A3s.

BAE Systems modification contract to deliver M109A7 self propelled howitzers to US Army 925 001
 M109A7 155mm self-propelled howitzer (Picture source BAE Systems)

In December 2017, The U.S. Army has awarded BAE Systems a contract that clears the path to begin full-rate production of the company’s M109A7 Self-Propelled Howitzer and M992A3 ammunition carrier vehicles. BAE Systems will initially produce 48 vehicle sets, with the options calling for 60 sets per year for approximately three years of deliveries thereafter during full-rate production.

The M109A7 is the latest howitzer in the BAE Systems M109 family of vehicles, the primary indirect fire support system for the ABCTs. It uses the existing main armament and cab structure of a Paladin M109A6 and replaces the vehicle’s chassis components with modem components common to the Bradley vehicle. The improved chassis structure provides greater survivability and commonality with the existing systems in the ABCT, reducing operational sustainability costs by replacing obsolete components.

The M109A7 is supported by the Army as a vital technology enhancement program to maintain the combat capability of its ABCTs. The M109A7 will solve long-term readiness and modernization needs of the M109 family of vehicles through a critical redesign and production plan that leverages the most advanced technology available today. This state-of-the-art “digital backbone” and power generation capability provide a more robust, survivable and responsive indirect fire support capability for ABCT Soldiers.

The M109A7 artillery system is armed with a 155mm M284 cannon with an M182A1 gun mount and an automated loader. The 155 mm artillery system can fire at a sustained rate of one round a minute whereas the maximum rate of fire is four rounds a minute. The system has a range of 22 km with standard projectiles and 30 km with rocket-assisted projectiles.

The self-propelled howitzer can also be equipped with fire precision munitions, including the Excalibur and the precision guidance kit.