Feasibility of a 7,000-lb 155-mm Towed Howitzer

An investigation was undertaken to determine a sensible design weight for a lightweight howitzer. After choosing 7,000 lb (3,175 kg) as a design goal, a study was undertaken to ascertain the feasibility of such a system while attempting to maintain 155-mm range and lethality. Work done previously by the U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Center (ARDEC) and the Materials Testing Laboratory (MTL) on reducing the weight of various howitzer components is reviewed. Techniques being employed by various organizations currently developing 9,000-lb howitzers are also presented. These are meant to provide a precursory look at what has been done by others to minimize the weight of a 155-mm artillery system. Details of the estimated weight savings attributable to composite replacement parts, incorporation of a soft recoil system, and restricting the maximum charge to the M119A2 are presented to demonstrate the possibility of a 7,000-lb lightweight 155-mm howitzer. While such a weapon does not have a range capability equivalent to the current M198 155-mm system, it would bring an upgraded firepower capability to the light maneuver forces, who presently use 105-mm artillery, and increase the current engagement range.Army Research Lab Aberdeen Proving Ground is the author of 'Feasibility of a 7,000-lb 155-mm Towed Howitzer', published 1996 under ISBN 9781423584834 and ISBN 142358483X.