BAE Partners US Army to Develop 52-Caliber M109 Paladin Howitzer

BAE Systems has signed a research and development agreement with the US Army for the 52-caliber version of the M109 self-propelled howitzer prototype.

Under the Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center (DEVCOM-AC), BAE will accelerate the system’s development.

The M109-52 is an upgrade on the current 39-caliber M109A7 platform with the Rheinmetall L52 155mm, 52-caliber cannon.

Following the cancellation of the Extended Range Cannon Artillery program, the M109-52 is one of the solutions for the US Army’s long range precision fires requirements.

The program developed a 58-barrel cannon and was discontinued because of high barrel wear.

Low-risk, More Cost-effective

Meanwhile, BAE has pitched the platform as a low-risk, more cost-effective alternative to the candidates being tested for the US Army’s long-range requirements such as the RCH 155, Archer, Sigma, and the K9.

“We are working with DEVCOM-AC to continue modernizing the US Army’s long-range precision fires needs,” artillery product line director for BAE Systems’ Combat Mission Systems Dan Furber said.

“We’re bringing together battle-proven systems with mature technologies to secure a significant leap forward in capability at a much lower cost – that’s the power in partnership.”

M109-52 Paladin

The L52 barrel is expected to enhance the howitzer’s range from 24 kilometers (15 miles) to 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) using standard high-explosive shells and more than double with a rocket-assisted or base bleed round to over 60 kilometers (37 miles).

The M109-52 is mounted on a reconfigured turret of the M109A7, retaining its key mechanical and electronic systems.

It also shares the M109A7’s chassis, which in turn is shared by the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle and is retained by its replacement, the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle.

Commonality of components will simplify logistics and training.