Active rockets M549A1 for Ukrainian howitzers
155 mm NATO-style shells. Photo Telegram / "Military informant"
Foreign countries in the order of military assistance transfer to the Ukrainian army a variety of artillery systems and ammunition for them. Recently it became known that along with the American M777 howitzers, 155-mm M549A1 active-rockets arrived in Ukraine. These products are not new, but are suitable for solving all major combat missions - and their appearance requires an appropriate response.
Help with artillery
As part of one of the stages of military-technical assistance, the United States plans to transfer 90 M777 howitzers and 184 rounds for them to Ukraine. A dozen more guns and a large number of shells will be provided by Australia and Canada. Calculations are also taught. To date, the United States has shipped almost all of the guns and about two-thirds of the planned amount of ammunition. The Ukrainian side claims that the first howitzers have already reached the front, and their combat use is beginning.
As always, the Ukrainian military does not miss the opportunity to boast of imported novelties. The other day, a set of photographs appeared in Ukrainian sources from the position of one of the artillery units equipped with the new M777s. In one of the shots, standard pallets with foreign shells got into the frame.
Despite the low quality of the image, you can see some of the design features of the shells, as well as determine their markings. Closer to the camera are the M549A1 products - 155 mm active rockets designed and manufactured in the USA. They differ from standard high-explosive fragmentation shells in their increased firing range.
According to various foreign sources, the US artillery aid package may include several thousand active-rocket M549A1. At the same time, the exact number of such shells planned for transfer and already shipped to the recipient remains unknown.
However, it is now clear that howitzers and ammunition for them have reached Ukraine and are on the front lines. Moreover, some samples have already managed to change the owner. Just yesterday, there were reports of the first M777, which became a trophy of the Russian army.
previous generation
The future M549 was developed in the US in the seventies for use with existing and future 155mm guns such as the M114, M198 or M109. The requirements for the new ammunition were determined by the characteristics of these guns, and in the future this led to the emergence of various restrictions. Currently, we are talking about obsolescence and the need for replacement.
Projectile M549(A1) in section. FAS Graphics
The basic version of the M549 projectile was not widely used. Due to the insufficient stability of the explosive in the warhead, it could not be used with the new reinforced M203 propellant charge. In this regard, in 1977, the upgraded M549A1 projectile was created and put into service.
Improved ammunition entered the gross production and was supplied in large quantities to the artillery units of the US Army and other countries. Despite its considerable age, the M549A1 remains the main 155-mm active-rocket of the American artillery. It is used with all major types of artillery, from older M109s to modern M777s.
However, the characteristics of the M549A1 no longer fully meet the requirements of the Pentagon, and therefore measures are being taken to replace it. In the near future, a new XM1113 projectile with increased range and accuracy will enter production. It is planned to be used both with modern artillery systems and with weapons under development.
Technical features
Products M549 and M549A1 are artillery shells of 155 mm caliber of separate loading, compatible with various propellant charges and guns of American design. They differ from ordinary "blanks" by the presence of their own solid-propellant jet engine, with the help of which an increase in the firing range is ensured. The total length of the M549(A1) projectile is 873,5 mm with a caliber of 155 mm. Weight - 43,5 kg.
When using a gun with a barrel length of 39 klb and a full charge, the maximum range of the M549A1 product reaches 30 km against 22,4 km for a conventional projectile. The 52-caliber barrel allows you to send active-reactive ammunition to 40 km.
M549(A1) projectiles are made in a forged steel case, consisting of two parts. The larger head has an ogive shape and performs the functions of a warhead. It contains an explosive charge and carries a head fuse. The tail compartment is the body of the jet engine.
One of the compatible propellant charges is an M203 in a cap. U.S. Department of Defense graphics
The basic modification of the M549 carried 16 pounds (7,3 kg) of Composition B explosive. Due to the low impact resistance in the M549A1 project, it was replaced with 15 pounds (6,8 kg) of TNT. In both cases, an impact fuse is used with the possibility of setting a delay. Undermining the charge leads to the destruction of the body of the projectile with the formation of a large number of high-velocity fragments.
The jet engine of the projectile holds two checkers of solid fuel with a total mass of 3,2 kg. Ignition is carried out using a retarder set for 7 seconds. Powder gases are ejected through a conical nozzle into the bottom of the housing.
Preparation for a shot with an active-rocket projectile is minimally different from the use of other ammunition. In this case, it is required to use the appropriate shooting tables. At the time of the shot, the flame of the propellant charge ignites the retarder of the jet engine. After 7 sec. after that, the engine ignites, and for the next 3 seconds. the projectile gains additional acceleration. Further, the flight passes by inertia, and the increased speed allows you to increase its range.
Threat and reaction
The modern M777 towed howitzer with the M549A1 active-rocket projectile can be a very effective weapon. Such systems give the Ukrainian army new combat capabilities and lead to additional risks. This is not a reason for panic, but requires a timely and complete response.
First of all, the danger of new artillery systems is due to the increased firing range. With the help of the M777 and M549A1 products, the Ukrainian army gets the opportunity to attack civilian and military targets at a greater depth of defense. At the same time, American guns in range surpass some of the systems in service with the defenders of Donbass.
Additional risks are associated with the fact that the M777 howitzer has an advanced digital fire control system and is characterized by increased accuracy when using all compatible projectiles. In the presence of high-quality intelligence data, such a system poses an increased danger.
Shooting from the M777 howitzer. Photo by the US Department of Defense
However, all the advantages of imported howitzers and shells can be answered. Moreover, the fight against such threats does not require fundamental innovations and can be carried out only by existing means already used in the Special Operations zone.
Reconnaissance means and systems are of decisive importance in the fight against new howitzers. Timely detection of guns on the march or in positions allows you to strike and disable them. An attack can be preemptive or retaliatory, depending on various factors. It is also necessary to identify storage sites for guns and ammunition. Apparently, all this will not be a difficult task - our army has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to search for and identify enemy targets.
The defeat of new guns and ammunition can be carried out by any available forces and means available on the site. According to the target designation of reconnaissance, cannon or rocket artillery should work, aviation or missile systems. In this case, the combat mission is assigned to the nearest fire weapon capable of performing a strike in the minimum time.
In general, the Russian army has every opportunity to timely detect and destroy foreign howitzers and ammunition for them. Moreover, such targets can be destroyed even at the stage of transportation and before entering the combat zone. This option of dealing with enemy artillery, for obvious reasons, is preferable.
Practical results
Thus, American howitzers and shells handed over to the Ukrainian army find themselves in a difficult situation. They have good characteristics and, in theory, can effectively solve various combat missions. However, the realization of the full potential of such systems is impossible. It is hampered by the insufficient number of howitzers, the limited level of training of personnel and the most active opposition from the Russian side.
As a result, the prospects for the "Ukrainian" M777 and M549A1 products are predictable and obvious. significant portion weapons and ammunition will be destroyed under certain circumstances; some won't even make it to the combat zone. More successful examples will not be destroyed, but will become a trophy for the advancing Russian and Republican troops.
Information