Has Gun ... Will Travel

Has Gun ... Will Travel The M109A6 Paladin 155-mm SP Howitzer is due to join the force in June 1993 v . - .

1 It looks a lot like the last version of the M109-series self-propelled howitzer, but the new A6 version, dubbed the Paladin, is a lot smarter. What makes it unique is its speed in responding to calls for fm, a re sponsiveness measured in seconds, rather than minutes. The new gun system can consistently receive, process, and fire at targets within 30 seconds, if halted, and within 60 seconds when on the march. What makes this possible is a new fue control system incorporating a position navigation system that conAn improved cannon and gun mount Paladin can fire assisted projectiles stantly updates the system’s ballistic extends the range approximately 6 ki- to a range of 30 kilometers. computer. This cuts the processing lometers. The system can fire the full A Paladin platoon is currently at time necessary before the round can range of 155-mm projectiles, includ-the NTC with a rotation of the 1st be on the way, and ensures that the ing illumination, dual purpose im-Cavalry Division to demonstrate its Paladin can reposition itself more proved conventional munitions, increased capabilities to “shoot and quickly, too, improving survivability. scatterable mines, and high explosive scoot.” - ARMOR - March-April 1993 41