INDUSTRY INSIGHT


WHEN UPGRADING IS ENOUGH


The M109A7 Self-Propelled Howitzer, a prime example of the shift in focus away from new programs to restoring and upgrading the capabilities of current systems, is in low-rate initial production at BAE Systems’ York, PA, facility. The company plans to deliver the first of these vehicles to the Army this spring. (Photo courtesy of BAE Systems)


programs to restoring the capabilities of current systems and upgrading them with new and emerging technologies. A prime example of this is the M109A7 program, which marks a signifi- cant upgrade over the vehicle’s predecessor, the M109A6 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer. Te program has restored space, weight, power and cooling capacity lost from previous upgrades, while providing growth potential for emerging technologies.


Te design includes components common with the Bradley, including the chassis, engine, transmission, suspension and steering system; improves survivability; and leverages technolo- gies developed during the Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon program, such as a 600-volt onboard power system. Te state-of-the-art


152 Army AL&T Magazine January–March 2015


“digital backbone” and power generation capability provide significant growth potential for future payloads as well as accom- modating existing battlefield network requirements. Te Army and industry accomplished all of this by leveraging existing designs and capabilities, without developing new technologies.


Tis shift to upgrades as we sustain our current fleet offers the chance to integrate new technologies incrementally over time rather than waiting for an all-new vehicle to integrate existing, and by then potentially outdated, capabilities. How we choose technologies, and our ability to integrate them at Technology Readiness Levels 6 and 7, may hold the key to maintaining the effectiveness of our vehicles over time rather than focusing all


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