M109 155mm SP HowitzerModels: M109A2/A3/A4/A5/A6
Prime Contractor United Defense, L.P. (York, PA)
TRW (Carson City, CA)
Crew 4 (accompanying M992 FAASV-5)
Weight empty (approx.) 56,400 lbs
Weight combat-loaded (approx.) 63,615 lbs
Propulsion 2 cycle diesel, 440 horsepower, Detroit Diesel Corp. DDEC 8V71T
Allison ATD-XTG-411-4 transmission
Cruise Range 186 miles
Fuel Capacity 133 gallons
Max speed (Highway) 38 mph
Max speed (Off-road) 19mph
Into action time 45 seconds from a complete stop
Armament (Main) 155 mm, 39 caliber,
Gun Mount M284 cannon assembly, fitted with the M182A1 mount
Armament (Secondary) 0.50 caliber M2 MG
Extended Range 30 km with HE RAP and M203 propellant.
Max unassisted Range 22,000 m
Max assisted Range 30,000 m
Minimum Range 4,000 m
Max Rate of Fire 4 rds/min for three minutes
Sustained Rate of Fire 1 rd/min (dependent on thermal warning device)
On an interesting note, on 24 May 2000 the government of Egypt requested a possible sale of 279 M109A2/A3 155mm self-propelled howitzers, support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical data, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering and logistics personnel services, and other related elements of logistics support.
The estimated cost was $48 million. Egypt will use these howitzers to replace aging Soviet towed artillery and to complement the modernization of the M1A1/M60A3 divisions.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/m109-var.htm
