Howitzer progress; New gun on target in testing

MCAS Yuma (USMC Web Site) | Feb. 15, 2002 | Cpl. Kyle Davidson

[LavaDog]

For all you "Cannon Cocker" FReepers.

[Fred Mertz]

Incoming!

[Lancey Howard]

It was only 20 years ago we were still using the 105 along with the 155. I think they were Korean War leftovers - - man they were old. Nice to see the Marines are finally helping to lead the way with new merchandise rather than wait for Army throwoffs.

I remember in the early '80s, in the FDC, making the switch from charts and protractors to the TI calculator (with the fancy template). I sure hope the Marines are advancing their FDC technology as well as their guns.

Semper Fidelis,
LH

[Rebelbase]

Post the link. I need to send this article to someone, sans commentary.

[donozark]

It can be found off top of page at usmc.mil

[soycd]

FIRE FOR EFFECT!!!

[LavaDog]

Rebel, Sorry I'm a Grunt and do not know how to post links but the story is on www.usmc.mil.

[Redleg Duke]

I am happy to see the M198 finally heading for the museum. It was born in the late 60's/early 70's as a response to the Russian's field gun with extreme range (dispite destroying the hearing of the crew). I remember the cover of the Field Artillery Journel when they trumpetted "We've Got Thirty?) (km).

While living in northern California, I watched the 155 Battalion from the 7th ID convoy down 101 to Camp Bob, knowing that they needed a special license and clearance from CalTrans to haul their 198s because of their length.

The 777 is going to be a grand addition to the Redlegs of the Corps and hopefully, the light forces of the US Army.

"Not all are priviledged to be Field Artillerymen!"

[PatrioticAmerican]

I thought the Marines had thier towed weapon. The M40A3! (hehe)

[paul544]

[rbmillerjr]

The 82nd abn could use this big time as it would greatly increase ability to stay light with more firepower... I would imagine 101 abn (air-assault) would be heavy on the shopping list as well.

[Rebelbase]

Thanks, I found it, here is the link. Commandant appraises Howitzer progress; New gun on target in testing

[archy]

Even if you're trying to be funny, the M40A3 is a direct-fire weapon; the M777 is of course an indirect-fire weapon, better suited to transport by Marine aircraft- rotary wing for now, and maybe the Osprey someday- than the Army's preferred self-propelled tracked artillery pieces.

Though the one pictured here has an Army crew, it goes bang pretty much the same no matter who yanks the rope. Whether it hits what it's aimed toward can be another matter, but both services have some pretty fair cannoncockers and gunbunnies.

[eno_]

Finally! Something I can tow with the Land Rover!

[BluH2o]

It was only 20 years ago we were still using the 105 along with the 155. I think they were Korean War leftovers - - man they were old ...

Back in the "old" Corps when I served (10th Marines - Camp Lejeune) the 105's in our Battery were mostly WWII vintage, probably via Korea. Every 6 to 8 years they were taken out of service and shipped to Albany GA for refurbishing. The Marine Corps takes pride in making equipment last.

[ASA Vet]

Repeat!

[Combat Boot]

For those of you who were stationed at bragg, you might remeber my unit's (A 1/321 (reflagged from 1/39)) cadence... "The big guns go - Boom Boom, The little guns go - to the eighty second!"

[LavaDog]

Only if you pass the background check and 24hr waiting period.

[Junior]

This low profile gun that can propel a 39-caliber round a maximum range of 18.9 miles, ...

Wouldn't the barrel be 39 calibers, and not the round?

[Wisconsin]

nah...they had to do something to get the range, so it is a sharply shouldered cartridge.....