M109A6 Paladin 155 mm self-propelled howitzer - American Artillery

M109A6 Paladin 155 mm self-propelled howitzer is a further upgrade of the M109 self-propelled howitzer, which was introduced in early 1960s. This M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer entered service with the US Army in 1991. Production ceased in 1999. A total of 950 artillery systems were built for the US Army. Export operators are Israel and Taiwan. With the cancellation of Crusader and NLOS-C programmes the US Army will continue to rely on the M109A6 Paladin artillery system, until it will be upgraded to the M109A7 standard.
The M109A6 has a larger turret than its predecessor. It is armed with the M284 155mm/L39 howitzer, fitted with a semi-automatic loading system. Maximum range of fire is 24 km with standard projectiles and 30 km with rocket-assisted projectiles. Maximum rate of fire is 4 rounds per minute. Sustained rate is one round every three minutes.
Some of the US Army M109A6 Paladins are being fitted with modification kits to fire M982 Excalibur extended-range precision guided projectiles. The Excalibur has a maximum range of 40 km.
The Paladin can stop and fire the first round in under 60 seconds. Brief redeployment time allows to avoid counter-battery fire and gives shoot-and-scoot capability.
Secondary armament consists of a roof-mounted 12.7 mm machine gun. Some vehicles were fitted with 40 mm automatic grenade launcher in place of machine gun.
The M109A6 is fitted with an automatic fire control system with an integrated navigation and inertial positioning system. It is also fitted with a muzzle reference system.
Armor of the M109A6 Paladin provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Vehicle is fitted with NBC protection system. Turret is fitted with Kevlar anti-spall lining.
Vehicle is powered by the Detroit Diesel 8V71T diesel engine, developing 440 hp. Some Paladins will be upgraded with a Cummins 600 hp diesel engine.
The M109A6 Paladin is supported by the M992 ammunition supply vehicle. It can carry a maximum of 93 rounds and transfer them to the self-propelled howitzer via conveyer.

Hope you enjoy!

--------------Please Like, Share and Subscribe!------------------

Like T-Shirts? - https://shop.spreadshirt.ca/MatsimusGaming/
Wish to donate to support my channel? - Paypal link: paypal.me/Matsimus
Come chat with me! Get Discord Free! Here is my server: https://discord.gg/jh3xYgw
Add me on Steam: Matsimus
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010408909068
Twitter: @MatsimusGaming
Please help support my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=3081754&u=3081754&ty=h

Matsimus Gaming