Long range for big money. American howitzer M777ER
In the middle of the two thousand years, the newest towed howitzer M777 entered into service with the US Army. Soon, two modernization projects were implemented. weaponsaimed at improving the basic technical and operational characteristics. Recently, the American industry is engaged in a new project to upgrade existing weapons. Until the end of this decade, it is planned to transfer to the customer the first serial howitzers of the new model M777ER.
One of the main characteristics of artillery guns - the range of fire. Due to its enhancement, the basic combat qualities of the howitzers can be improved, both firepower and combat survivability. It is an increase in the firing range that is the main goal of the current US ERCA program (Extended Range Cannon Artillery - “Extended Range Gun”), within which the advanced gun M777ER (Extended Range) is created. According to the results of this program, a new modification of the M777 howitzer, which has a number of characteristic differences and enhanced characteristics, should go into service.
Project
The proposal to create a new version of the M777 howitzer appeared at the beginning of the current decade, and the real development work started in the framework of the 2015 of the fiscal year. The creation of a new artillery system was assigned to BAE Systems, which had previously developed a base howitzer, as well as the Picatinny arsenal, which is part of the Military Development Center (ARDEC). Together, the two organizations were to conduct the necessary research, find ways to modernize the gun and implement such proposals.
The first published image of howitzers M777ER
In accordance with the 2015 plans of the year, by the middle of the next fiscal year, the project developers were to form the main provisions of the new project. By the middle of 2018, it was planned to complete all the necessary design work, and in the next year it was necessary to build prototypes. For the second quarter of the 2019 of the fiscal year, the Pentagon planned the start of mastering production and operation. The adoption of M777ER guns was attributed to the middle of the 2020 year.
Modern towed and artillery systems caliber 155 mm capable of attacking targets at ranges of order 30 km. Research on the ERCA program has shown that there is a theoretical possibility of more than doubling this parameter - to 70 km. Such a task can be solved at the expense of a longer barrel, better accelerating the projectile, as well as with the help of active-reactive shots. It was confirmed that modern technologies allow the creation of a weapon with the desired parameters.
According to the established schedule, the first few years were devoted to research and design, and prototypes were to appear only in 2018 year. However, Picatinny’s arsenal and BAE Systems were able to accelerate work in a noticeable way, and thanks to this, the first tests began in the 2016 year. At the same time general information about the project, the technical features of the modernization of the gun and its intended results were published.
The design and its capabilities
The M777ER howitzer was taken as a basis for the M777A2 serial product, equipped with special control systems. In the basic version, it has digital tools for various purposes, and also is equipped with an EPIAFS device for introducing commands into programmable projectile fuses. Apparently, the customer and the designers considered that the combination of the existing electronics and the promising tool would provide the highest possible combat and operational characteristics.
The basis of the M777ER project is the instrument itself, which received the working designation XM907. In general, it looks like the aggregates of the existing M777A2 system, but it has a number of serious differences. First of all, for the updated howitzers created an elongated barrel. The existing unit with a length of about 5 m (39 gauges) was supplemented with a section of length 1,8 m, with the result that the full length of the barrel increased to 55 gauges. Increasing the length of the barrel led to an increase in the number of loads on the main devices of the gun, which had to be re-created.
The gun M777A2 at the time of the shot
The howitzer bolt still has a piston design, but it has been reworked in accordance with the increased requirements. Also needed a new muzzle brake. The new device has a pair of transverse partitions, interacting with the powder gases. The muzzle brake for the M777ER differs markedly from the basic M777A2; It has a different shape and size.
The XM907 cannon on the towed carriage is equipped with a discharging mechanism that facilitates preparation for the shot. In addition, the project involves the use of special shops for the rapid production of several shots in a row with minimum intervals. Each such store, having the appropriate dimensions, holds six shots of separate loading.
According to recent reports, the ERCA program provides for the use of modernized fire control systems. The updated equipment is capable of calculating data for firing at a distance from 30 to 70 km, and is also compatible with modern and promising shells. From the serial M777A2 to the new M777ER, the EPIAFS goes to work with programmable fuses. At the same time, it is possible to use a standard panoramic sight. It is expected that from the point of view of the gunner’s work, the upgraded howitzer will hardly differ from the existing ones.
According to known data, the XM907 cannon did not require a new mast and is installed on an existing product. The howl howl M777 is mainly assembled from titanium and aluminum parts, due to which it has a minimum weight with sufficient strength indicators. It is due to the lightweight gun carriage howitzer new American family are distinguished by a high ratio of firepower and weight.
The lower machine of the mast has a central support platform, with which four sliding beds are articulated. The rear beds are equipped with folding coulters. The front provides for the installation of a pair of wheels for transportation in tow. The upper machine, capable of rotating on the lower one around the vertical axis, is equipped with vertical guidance, wheel chocks and a cradle for the barrel. For manual control, both manual and mechanical drives are provided. The design of the mast provides a circular alignment horizontally from vertical to zero + 71 °.
M777ER Prototype under test
The M777 howitzers of the first modifications in the stowed position have a length of 9,5 m, in a combat one - around 10,7 m. In the new M777ER, these parameters are significantly larger due to the trunk extended by 1,8 m. The mass of existing systems is 4,2 t, while the new is heavier by about 1000 pounds (450 kg). Despite the increase in weight and size, it is expected that the upgraded weapon will not be less comfortable. Possible deterioration of running gear or other characteristics can be considered an acceptable price for a sharp increase in combat qualities.
It is alleged that the upgraded howitzer will retain full compatibility with all 155-mm separate-loading shots used by the US Army. It is expected that a longer barrel will allow to send conventional projectiles at a distance of at least 25-30 km - further than the serial M777 with a barrel length 39 caliber. Active-reactive and guided projectiles of existing models will also be able to show improved range characteristics. However, with their help you will not be able to get the desired range in 70 km.
In the framework of the ERCA program, a promising controlled active-rocket projectile XM1113 is being developed along with a howitzer. This product will be flown using the enhanced XM654 propellant. The new projectile should be equipped with a homing system based on satellite navigation, which will allow it to effectively destroy stationary objects with previously known coordinates.
It is the right combination of the barrel length of the XM907 product, a powerful charge and a projectile with an increased supply of solid fuel, which is expected to significantly increase the range of the projectile. According to current calculations, the M777ER howitzer with an XM1113 / XM654 shot can attack targets at distances up to 65-70 km.
Test process
At the end of March, 2016, the US Army announced the start of testing a prototype model of a promising howitzer. Arsenal Picatinny and the company BAE Systems have produced a full-size model of the gun, corresponding to the main provisions of the project. On the serial carriage from M777A2 imposed mock stem group, made in accordance with the project under development. The resulting artillery system, of course, could not be used in fire tests. However, she demonstrated the appearance of M777ER, and also had to take part in some checks.
View from a different angle
In the spring of 2016, specialists from several organizations conducted field tests, the purpose of which was to determine the driving characteristics of a promising howitzer. According to known data, an increase in the length and mass of the gun did not have a significant impact on the permeability and strength of the gun carriage. The system assembly met the requirements, and this allowed to proceed to the next stages of the project.
In February 2017, the US military published information about the new phase of inspections. By this time, BAE Systems had produced the first full-scale prototype of the M777ER howitzer, fully compliant with the project. A gun with a barrel length 55 caliber and single-chamber muzzle brake was sent to the landfill, where they performed several dozen shots and evaluated the results.
As part of these tests, existing 155-mm shells with variable charges like Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS) were used. Testers performed 70 shots with full control over performance and performance of various systems. The fire was carried out using different propellant charges and with different angles of elevation. The official report of the Pentagon did not give the exact values of the characteristics obtained, but indicated that a longer barrel made it possible to obtain a range increase of several kilometers. Thus, the main innovation of the ERCA project confirmed its potential.
According to the test results, the development organizations had to make some changes to the existing project, which made it possible to improve the instrument as a whole and its individual aggregates. It was reported that in July, the experienced howitzer M777ER had to re-enter the test site for the next test phase. The third test shooting was planned for November. This time it was planned to attract artillerymen from the ground forces and the Marine Corps, who will have to operate serial weapons in the future.
In preparation for the shot
According to the latest information, in the 2018-19 years, tests of new shots should begin, including the XM1113 active-missile guided missiles. Successful completion of this stage of the ERCA program will allow to begin the preparation of the mass production of the newest weapons with unique characteristics. In accordance with the current plans, at the very beginning of the next decade, the army and the ILC will receive the first serial howitzers of the M777ER with shells of new types. After that, mass production of new products and modernization of existing M777A2 on a new project will begin.
Advantages and disadvantages
With the successful completion of all the work being carried out by the American industry at the present time, the artillery units of the United States will be able to receive new weapons with uniquely high characteristics. It is argued that the complex in the form of a M777ER gun and a guided projectile of a new type with an enhanced propelling charge will allow the firing range to be almost doubled in comparison with the current weaponry. Located in a closed position, gunners will be able to attack targets in 70 km from themselves.
It is easy to guess what consequences of a tactical nature the appearance of such artillery systems may have. In their firing range, the new model howitzers will surpass not only all the barrel systems of their caliber, but also many multiple launch rocket systems. First of all, this expands the area of responsibility of the gunners. In addition, it becomes possible to strike at great depths by towed artillery, without involving long-range MLRS or aviation. The advantages of this approach are obvious.
Also, a large firing range can dramatically reduce the risks of being hit by a retaliatory strike. To destroy the battery, the enemy will have to use not 155-mm artillery or MLRS with similar indicators, but more serious weapons or even to attract aviation. This will lead to a slight increase in the time to organize a retaliatory strike, and in certain circumstances will allow it to stay longer in position, firing at the target.
In general, the program Extended Range Cannon Artillery and its main elements in the form of a M777ER howitzer and XM1113 projectile look extremely interesting. The proposed concept can seriously affect the characteristics and potential of the towed howitzer artillery, as well as to a certain extent change the tactics of the use of guns. Together with serial howitzers and projectiles for them, the US Army will receive new opportunities.
Working moments test
However, you should not overestimate the new American project and forget about its shortcomings. The main problem of the ERCA program, as often happens, is excessive cost. In 2015-17, only about 5 million dollars were spent on the development of only one gun. According to published documents, in 2018-19, the annual spending on the program will increase and increase several times. The launch of mass production will require new funding and will clearly affect the total cost of the project.
According to known data, howitzers M777A2 were purchased by the Pentagon at 4,6 million dollars apiece. Prospective M777ER will not be cheaper, although their cost has not yet been clarified. Thus, the total cost of the development work planned for the order of serial guns and projectiles for them must reach a very high level. As a result, the program will have opponents, and this may be followed by a reduction in funding with a decrease in plans.
Apparently, the ERCA project was not without technical problems, but its developers are not in a hurry to announce their list. Probably, a longer and heavier barrel makes it difficult to haul guns, especially in rough terrain, and its manufacture is associated with technological problems. Also it is worth expecting that the increased return from the enhanced charge XM654 has a bad effect on the survivability of the existing lightweight carriage.
It seems that the American industry still managed to create a towed howitzer, combining an acceptable caliber and the highest firing characteristics. However, the ERCA / M777ER project is still not brought to the stage of mass production, and therefore its results are still unknown. The available data on the new howitzer does not allow making particularly pessimistic estimates, but also does not give cause for excessive optimism. However, everything suggests that the US Army can really get a highly efficient weapon with a long range. But a howitzer and shells for it will be able to make a noticeable hole in the budget.
On the materials of the sites:
http://army.mil/
https://armyrecognition.com/
https://defense-update.com/
http://globalsecurity.org/
http://deagel.com/
http://i2insights.com/
One of the main characteristics of artillery guns - the range of fire. Due to its enhancement, the basic combat qualities of the howitzers can be improved, both firepower and combat survivability. It is an increase in the firing range that is the main goal of the current US ERCA program (Extended Range Cannon Artillery - “Extended Range Gun”), within which the advanced gun M777ER (Extended Range) is created. According to the results of this program, a new modification of the M777 howitzer, which has a number of characteristic differences and enhanced characteristics, should go into service.
Project
The proposal to create a new version of the M777 howitzer appeared at the beginning of the current decade, and the real development work started in the framework of the 2015 of the fiscal year. The creation of a new artillery system was assigned to BAE Systems, which had previously developed a base howitzer, as well as the Picatinny arsenal, which is part of the Military Development Center (ARDEC). Together, the two organizations were to conduct the necessary research, find ways to modernize the gun and implement such proposals.
The first published image of howitzers M777ER
In accordance with the 2015 plans of the year, by the middle of the next fiscal year, the project developers were to form the main provisions of the new project. By the middle of 2018, it was planned to complete all the necessary design work, and in the next year it was necessary to build prototypes. For the second quarter of the 2019 of the fiscal year, the Pentagon planned the start of mastering production and operation. The adoption of M777ER guns was attributed to the middle of the 2020 year.
Modern towed and artillery systems caliber 155 mm capable of attacking targets at ranges of order 30 km. Research on the ERCA program has shown that there is a theoretical possibility of more than doubling this parameter - to 70 km. Such a task can be solved at the expense of a longer barrel, better accelerating the projectile, as well as with the help of active-reactive shots. It was confirmed that modern technologies allow the creation of a weapon with the desired parameters.
According to the established schedule, the first few years were devoted to research and design, and prototypes were to appear only in 2018 year. However, Picatinny’s arsenal and BAE Systems were able to accelerate work in a noticeable way, and thanks to this, the first tests began in the 2016 year. At the same time general information about the project, the technical features of the modernization of the gun and its intended results were published.
The design and its capabilities
The M777ER howitzer was taken as a basis for the M777A2 serial product, equipped with special control systems. In the basic version, it has digital tools for various purposes, and also is equipped with an EPIAFS device for introducing commands into programmable projectile fuses. Apparently, the customer and the designers considered that the combination of the existing electronics and the promising tool would provide the highest possible combat and operational characteristics.
The basis of the M777ER project is the instrument itself, which received the working designation XM907. In general, it looks like the aggregates of the existing M777A2 system, but it has a number of serious differences. First of all, for the updated howitzers created an elongated barrel. The existing unit with a length of about 5 m (39 gauges) was supplemented with a section of length 1,8 m, with the result that the full length of the barrel increased to 55 gauges. Increasing the length of the barrel led to an increase in the number of loads on the main devices of the gun, which had to be re-created.
The gun M777A2 at the time of the shot
The howitzer bolt still has a piston design, but it has been reworked in accordance with the increased requirements. Also needed a new muzzle brake. The new device has a pair of transverse partitions, interacting with the powder gases. The muzzle brake for the M777ER differs markedly from the basic M777A2; It has a different shape and size.
The XM907 cannon on the towed carriage is equipped with a discharging mechanism that facilitates preparation for the shot. In addition, the project involves the use of special shops for the rapid production of several shots in a row with minimum intervals. Each such store, having the appropriate dimensions, holds six shots of separate loading.
According to recent reports, the ERCA program provides for the use of modernized fire control systems. The updated equipment is capable of calculating data for firing at a distance from 30 to 70 km, and is also compatible with modern and promising shells. From the serial M777A2 to the new M777ER, the EPIAFS goes to work with programmable fuses. At the same time, it is possible to use a standard panoramic sight. It is expected that from the point of view of the gunner’s work, the upgraded howitzer will hardly differ from the existing ones.
According to known data, the XM907 cannon did not require a new mast and is installed on an existing product. The howl howl M777 is mainly assembled from titanium and aluminum parts, due to which it has a minimum weight with sufficient strength indicators. It is due to the lightweight gun carriage howitzer new American family are distinguished by a high ratio of firepower and weight.
The lower machine of the mast has a central support platform, with which four sliding beds are articulated. The rear beds are equipped with folding coulters. The front provides for the installation of a pair of wheels for transportation in tow. The upper machine, capable of rotating on the lower one around the vertical axis, is equipped with vertical guidance, wheel chocks and a cradle for the barrel. For manual control, both manual and mechanical drives are provided. The design of the mast provides a circular alignment horizontally from vertical to zero + 71 °.
M777ER Prototype under test
The M777 howitzers of the first modifications in the stowed position have a length of 9,5 m, in a combat one - around 10,7 m. In the new M777ER, these parameters are significantly larger due to the trunk extended by 1,8 m. The mass of existing systems is 4,2 t, while the new is heavier by about 1000 pounds (450 kg). Despite the increase in weight and size, it is expected that the upgraded weapon will not be less comfortable. Possible deterioration of running gear or other characteristics can be considered an acceptable price for a sharp increase in combat qualities.
It is alleged that the upgraded howitzer will retain full compatibility with all 155-mm separate-loading shots used by the US Army. It is expected that a longer barrel will allow to send conventional projectiles at a distance of at least 25-30 km - further than the serial M777 with a barrel length 39 caliber. Active-reactive and guided projectiles of existing models will also be able to show improved range characteristics. However, with their help you will not be able to get the desired range in 70 km.
In the framework of the ERCA program, a promising controlled active-rocket projectile XM1113 is being developed along with a howitzer. This product will be flown using the enhanced XM654 propellant. The new projectile should be equipped with a homing system based on satellite navigation, which will allow it to effectively destroy stationary objects with previously known coordinates.
It is the right combination of the barrel length of the XM907 product, a powerful charge and a projectile with an increased supply of solid fuel, which is expected to significantly increase the range of the projectile. According to current calculations, the M777ER howitzer with an XM1113 / XM654 shot can attack targets at distances up to 65-70 km.
Test process
At the end of March, 2016, the US Army announced the start of testing a prototype model of a promising howitzer. Arsenal Picatinny and the company BAE Systems have produced a full-size model of the gun, corresponding to the main provisions of the project. On the serial carriage from M777A2 imposed mock stem group, made in accordance with the project under development. The resulting artillery system, of course, could not be used in fire tests. However, she demonstrated the appearance of M777ER, and also had to take part in some checks.
View from a different angle
In the spring of 2016, specialists from several organizations conducted field tests, the purpose of which was to determine the driving characteristics of a promising howitzer. According to known data, an increase in the length and mass of the gun did not have a significant impact on the permeability and strength of the gun carriage. The system assembly met the requirements, and this allowed to proceed to the next stages of the project.
In February 2017, the US military published information about the new phase of inspections. By this time, BAE Systems had produced the first full-scale prototype of the M777ER howitzer, fully compliant with the project. A gun with a barrel length 55 caliber and single-chamber muzzle brake was sent to the landfill, where they performed several dozen shots and evaluated the results.
As part of these tests, existing 155-mm shells with variable charges like Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS) were used. Testers performed 70 shots with full control over performance and performance of various systems. The fire was carried out using different propellant charges and with different angles of elevation. The official report of the Pentagon did not give the exact values of the characteristics obtained, but indicated that a longer barrel made it possible to obtain a range increase of several kilometers. Thus, the main innovation of the ERCA project confirmed its potential.
According to the test results, the development organizations had to make some changes to the existing project, which made it possible to improve the instrument as a whole and its individual aggregates. It was reported that in July, the experienced howitzer M777ER had to re-enter the test site for the next test phase. The third test shooting was planned for November. This time it was planned to attract artillerymen from the ground forces and the Marine Corps, who will have to operate serial weapons in the future.
In preparation for the shot
According to the latest information, in the 2018-19 years, tests of new shots should begin, including the XM1113 active-missile guided missiles. Successful completion of this stage of the ERCA program will allow to begin the preparation of the mass production of the newest weapons with unique characteristics. In accordance with the current plans, at the very beginning of the next decade, the army and the ILC will receive the first serial howitzers of the M777ER with shells of new types. After that, mass production of new products and modernization of existing M777A2 on a new project will begin.
Advantages and disadvantages
With the successful completion of all the work being carried out by the American industry at the present time, the artillery units of the United States will be able to receive new weapons with uniquely high characteristics. It is argued that the complex in the form of a M777ER gun and a guided projectile of a new type with an enhanced propelling charge will allow the firing range to be almost doubled in comparison with the current weaponry. Located in a closed position, gunners will be able to attack targets in 70 km from themselves.
It is easy to guess what consequences of a tactical nature the appearance of such artillery systems may have. In their firing range, the new model howitzers will surpass not only all the barrel systems of their caliber, but also many multiple launch rocket systems. First of all, this expands the area of responsibility of the gunners. In addition, it becomes possible to strike at great depths by towed artillery, without involving long-range MLRS or aviation. The advantages of this approach are obvious.
Also, a large firing range can dramatically reduce the risks of being hit by a retaliatory strike. To destroy the battery, the enemy will have to use not 155-mm artillery or MLRS with similar indicators, but more serious weapons or even to attract aviation. This will lead to a slight increase in the time to organize a retaliatory strike, and in certain circumstances will allow it to stay longer in position, firing at the target.
In general, the program Extended Range Cannon Artillery and its main elements in the form of a M777ER howitzer and XM1113 projectile look extremely interesting. The proposed concept can seriously affect the characteristics and potential of the towed howitzer artillery, as well as to a certain extent change the tactics of the use of guns. Together with serial howitzers and projectiles for them, the US Army will receive new opportunities.
Working moments test
However, you should not overestimate the new American project and forget about its shortcomings. The main problem of the ERCA program, as often happens, is excessive cost. In 2015-17, only about 5 million dollars were spent on the development of only one gun. According to published documents, in 2018-19, the annual spending on the program will increase and increase several times. The launch of mass production will require new funding and will clearly affect the total cost of the project.
According to known data, howitzers M777A2 were purchased by the Pentagon at 4,6 million dollars apiece. Prospective M777ER will not be cheaper, although their cost has not yet been clarified. Thus, the total cost of the development work planned for the order of serial guns and projectiles for them must reach a very high level. As a result, the program will have opponents, and this may be followed by a reduction in funding with a decrease in plans.
Apparently, the ERCA project was not without technical problems, but its developers are not in a hurry to announce their list. Probably, a longer and heavier barrel makes it difficult to haul guns, especially in rough terrain, and its manufacture is associated with technological problems. Also it is worth expecting that the increased return from the enhanced charge XM654 has a bad effect on the survivability of the existing lightweight carriage.
It seems that the American industry still managed to create a towed howitzer, combining an acceptable caliber and the highest firing characteristics. However, the ERCA / M777ER project is still not brought to the stage of mass production, and therefore its results are still unknown. The available data on the new howitzer does not allow making particularly pessimistic estimates, but also does not give cause for excessive optimism. However, everything suggests that the US Army can really get a highly efficient weapon with a long range. But a howitzer and shells for it will be able to make a noticeable hole in the budget.
On the materials of the sites:
http://army.mil/
https://armyrecognition.com/
https://defense-update.com/
http://globalsecurity.org/
http://deagel.com/
http://i2insights.com/
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