ADAPTING ARTILLERY


Design change strengthens battle-worn M119A3 howitzer at less cost than new system


by Mr. Joseph Lipinski and MAJ Wade Perdue O


ver a decade has passed since the beginning of Operation Enduring Free- dom (OEF), and the Army has asked more from its artillerymen than at any time in history. No matter what the mission, from multiple deploy- ments to conducting nonstandard missions in some of the most remote


locations in the world, artillerymen have always been flexible and adaptable. But high- altitude mountain warfare has tested more than the limits of our Soldiers; it has tested the limits of the howitzers they fire, as witness the M119A3.


With its extended range, accuracy, reliability and mobility, the M119A3 howitzer has proven to be a vital fire support platform for infantry brigade combat team (IBCT) commanders. Te howitzer has seen extensive use in the mountainous territory of Afghanistan, firing multiple-round, high-angle, high-charge missions daily in support of combat troops. Continuous firing of high charges at high angle caused component damage, such as holes and cracks, on the lower carriage and baseplate of the M119A3, eventually making these items unserviceable. “High angle” defines fire delivered at elevations greater than that of the maximum range for the gun and ammunition con- cerned. Range decreases as the angle of elevation increases.


High-angle fire is used for firing into or out of deep defilade, such as that found in heavily wooded, mountainous and urban areas. It is also used to fire over high-terrain features near friendly troops.


ASC.ARMY.MIL 63


SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY


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