Posted on 01/26/2010 9:57:16 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
BAE Systems has unveiled its brand new howitzer for deployment in the U.S. Army and eventually for military customers elsewhere. The next-generation howitzer is an upgraded Paladin Integrated Management vehicle in the M-109 Paladin family of vehicles, a combat-proven weapon system manufactured by BAE Systems in York, Pa.
It was not immediately clear when the weapon would be marketed outside the United States, currently its major user. Previous PIM models are known to be operational with the Israeli army, and usage has been reported in Kuwait and Taiwan.
Congressional representatives, community leaders and BAE employees attended a ceremony at the manufacturer's York facility.
BAE Systems said the modernization of the Paladin howitzer was considered a critical step in providing the U.S. Army with a sustainable and supportable fleet of upgraded vehicles.
Joe McCarthy, vice president and general manager of the Heavy Brigade Combat Team systems for BAE Systems, said the rollout of the PIM system will ensure that the HBCT continues to have the premier Fire Support Platform needed to support the warfighter.
With current fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq, the introduction of the new weapon has raised speculation in the defense industry about the timetable for the howitzer's deployment.
BAE Systems received a $63.9 million contract in August 2009 to produce seven PIM vehicles. Five of the seven are self-propelled howitzers and two are field artillery ammunition support vehicles.
The first of the seven vehicles covered by the contract was presented at the ceremony.
The next-generation howitzer uses the existing main armament and cab structure of a Paladin M109A6 and replaces the out-of-date chassis components with up-to-date components from Bradley Combat Systems.
(Excerpt) Read more at spacewar.com ...
I’ve decided I want one of those rather than a Tesla. Heads would REALLY turn.
Is this an upgrade or a significant advancement?
Don't hear much about this nowadays.
Any info would be great.
It's too heavy for light or old infrastructure. It weighs in at over 70 tons.
Don’t be such a downer. Here I am with a tear in my eye over this beautiful piece of machinery, and you gotta spoil ther mood!
Looks kind of like the German "Ferdinand" of WW-2
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