Lightweight 155mm Howitzer
Abstract
The Lightweight 155mm Howitzer (LW155), also known as the M777A2, provides direct, reinforcing, and general support fires to maneuver forces. It replaces all howitzers in all missions in the USMC and replaces the M198 howitzer as the general support artillery for light forces in the Army. The LW155 fires unassisted projectiles to a range of 15 miles and assisted projectiles to 19 miles, but the addition of the digital fire control system enables the weapon to program and fire the improved Excalibur precision-guided munition to ranges in excess of 25 miles with better than 10-meter Circular Error Probable (CEP) accuracy. The LW155 is the first ground combat system whose major structures are made of high strength titanium alloy and the system makes extensive use of hydraulics to operate the breech, load tray, recoil and wheel arms. The combination of titanium structures and the use of hydraulic systems resulted in a significant weight savings over the M198 system (~7000 lbs.). Compared to the M198, the LW155 emplaces three-times faster and displaces four-times faster. It traverses 32 percent more terrain worldwide and is 70 percent more survivable than the M198. The LW155 was first introduced into the Marine Corps in April 2005 and since then 10th, 11th, 12th and 14th Marines and the schoolhouses have been fielded. The Army has been fielding the system to its Stryker Brigades and Fires Brigades. The LW155 is currently in OEF with both Services.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Source ID
- 2112_0206623M_7_1319_PB_2011
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