BOUNCE
COMPONENTS OF THE M119A3 RECOIL SYSTEM
The redesigned recoil system consists of a new recuperator, external replenisher and a new buffer (recoil brake). The new fixed recoil plate sets recoil stroke to a constant length of 25 inches, removes the variable recoil linkage and replaces the existing bearing housing. (SOURCE: MAJ Wade Perdue, PM TAS)
To counteract the effects of these high operational-tempo com- bat conditions and to increase the survivability of the howitzer, the Project Manager for Towed Artillery Systems (PM TAS), which manages the M119A3 howitzer within the Program Exec- utive Office for Ammunition (PEO Ammo), has developed an ongoing system modernization program.
Trough this program, the howitzer has received several signifi- cant upgrades that improve performance, maintainability and safety. Te most recent upgrades incorporated into the current configuration include digital fire control; increased low tem- perature capability, from -25 to -51 degrees Fahrenheit; and the M20 breech.
PM TAS has now shifted its attention to upgrading the how- itzer’s legacy recoil system, which in the past has been plagued with reliability and maintainability issues. PM TAS is working with the U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) and RIA-JMTC on a program to enhance reliability and maintainability and reduce current manufacturing complexity, which in turn results in an overall reduced module cost.
WHY REDESIGN? Although the M119 has proven to be one of the most reliable and responsive fire support assets over the past two decades, its Achilles’ heel has been the legacy recoil system. Field reports from OEF and OIF, relayed through formal systems and in anecdotal reports, have exposed shortfalls with the legacy
42 Army AL&T Magazine July-September 2015
system that negatively affect performance as well as sustainment costs. Shortfalls of the legacy system include reliability issues in the form of frequent seal leakage from both the recuperator and buffer, resulting in increased maintenance time. Additionally, the variable recoil linkage, which sets the recoil length based on the elevation of the gun, is prone to breaking and binding. Both modules are rigidly mounted, allowing little or no movement, which causes binding and premature wear of the metal parts and seals within the buffer and recuperator.
As the operational artillery community drives the requirements for a higher-performing, more reliable recoil system, the sustain- ment side drives requirements for overall system cost. Te legacy recoil system is very complex and includes a lot of moving parts. Tis complexity means constant maintenance and adjustment during normal and combat operations, resulting in high replace- ment rates. Supplying spares to keep up with the high demand can be difficult because of the complexity of manufacturing the required parts. Additionally, the assembly process requires spe- cialized tooling, increasing costs and leading to problems with availability.
RECOIL SYSTEM COMPONENTS Te M119 howitzer’s recoil system consists of a recoil brake (a damping system) and a hydropneumatic recuperator (a gas spring system). A recoil system’s main function is to absorb and control the rearward movement of the cannon and return it to its original firing position, thus avoiding violent shock to, or movement of, the carriage. Te buffer, the damping aspect of
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