ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- An upgraded self-propelled howitzer system was officially inducted during a ceremony at Anniston Army Depot May 14.
The new family of vehicles includes the M109A7 self-propelled howitzer and the M992A3 Carrier Ammunition Tracked vehicle.
These vehicles represent a significant upgrade of the Army's M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer, including reclaiming space, weight and power-cooling to ensure the system remains relevant with room for additional capabilities in the future.
According to BAE Systems, the original equipment manufacturer for the vehicles, the cannon will remain unchanged from the M109A6 Paladin. However, the M109A7 will have a new chassis, engine, transmission, suspension, steering system and improved survivability as well as an upgraded electric ramming system.
The new 600-volt on-board power system is designed to accommodate emerging technologies and future requirements, as well as current requirements like the Battlefield Network.
The on-board power system leverages technology developed during the Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon program and ensures the vehicle system will have growth potential well into the future.
"It is fantastic to see the kind of ground combat system that will reassure our Soldiers they have the best equipment," said Brig. Gen. David Bassett, program executive officer for Ground Combat Systems.
Production of the M109A7 family of vehicles is a joint effort between Anniston Army Depot and BAE Systems.
"This ceremony provides yet another opportunity to shine the light on successful partnerships and again speaks volumes of what partnering initiatives continue to accomplish," said Col. Bolander, commander of Anniston Army Depot. "This moment and the joint efforts of Anniston Army Depot and BAE Systems, which began as early as 2007, marks the start of Low Rate Initial Production of the M109A7 Self Propelled Howitzer and M992A3 Carrier Ammunition Tracked artillery system vehicles."
The program begins with production of 66 vehicles.
Full production of an additional 450 vehicles is projected, depending on funding.
The upgraded vehicles include fabrication of a new vehicle chassis structure at BAE Systems York and utilization of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle common suspension, drive train and components.
"For those of us who have been around artillery for a while - 40 years for me - it is exciting to see where we have ended up today," said Mark Signorelli, vice president and general manager for BAE Systems.
ANAD will disassemble M109A6 Paladin vehicles and M99A2 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicles to provide BAE Systems with cab structures, overhauled gun and cannon assemblies and other select vehicle components.
The installation will remanufacture and or modify select vehicle components to be installed at BAE Systems York, Penn., and Elgin, Okla., assembly facilities.
"Every hand that touches this vehicle is making our country safer," said Bassett. "Thank you for all you do for our Army."
The unused chassis and components will be turned in by ANAD for disposition. ANAD will also provide personnel to perform system level indirect fire operations on the Fort Sill, Okla., firing range to support production at the local BAE assembly facility.
"Our relationship with BAE Systems is living proof partnering with industry works," said Bolander.
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