M109 howitzer

The M109 during operations in the Balkans

The M109 self-propelled 155 mm howitzer was first introduced in the early 1960s. Continually upgraded and improved, to todays current version the [M109A6] "PALADIN", it is still the primary indirect-fire support weapon of maneuver brigades of armored and mechanized infantry divisions of the US Army, Israel Defense Forces, Canadian Forces and many other militaries, including the Norwegian Army.

General Characteristics

Length: 30 ft (9.1 m)
Width: 10.3 ft (3.1 m)
Height: 10.7 ft (3.3 m)
Weight: 27.4 tons
Speed: 35 miles per hour (56 km/h)
Range: 216 miles (350 km)
Crew: M109 (6), PALADIN (4)
Armament:
- Primary: 155 mm. howitzer
- Secondary: .50 caliber (12.7 mm) or 7.62 mm. machine gun
Rate of fire: 3 rounds per minute maximum, 1 round per minute sustained
Shooting Range: 18,000 meters, 23,500 meters with rocket-assisted projectile
Pictures: shooting.

M109 howitzer

General Characteristics

See also