Whose Name We Share

124 M777A2 Howizter The M777 was originally designed as UFH (Ultralight Field Howitzer) by Vickers in the UK before being bought out by the American BAE systems who renamed the platform M777. The gun was rolled out in 2005, with Australia purchasing 54 in 2008, the first of which were due to arrive in late 2010. The gun weighs 41% less than the M198 it was destined to replace and it achieves this chiefly through titanium parts. The light design allows it to be both towed and air-lifted. Aside from weight reduction, the key improvement of the M777A2 is the lethality, sheer power and the implementation of a digital control firing system. This includes its own internal power supply to run the inertial navigation and positional units and gyros, GPS and MVS. This allows the gun to self-locate, promoting quick emplacement and laying of the gun. Prep time is also decreased with the introduction of the Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery Fuse Setter, doing away with manual fuse setters. Now with the press of a button you’re fused and ready to go. Digitisation also allows firing data to be relayed non-verbally and can be implemented in radar systems, meaning a counter battery mission can be generated from the detection of an opposing battery. In case of electronic failure, the gun can also be fired on reciprocating dial sights. The 155mm gun fires at a reasonable 4 rounds per minute using the versatile separate loading ammunition with 2 rounds being the sustained rate. It destroys all it touches within 21 – 40km at a velocity of 830m/s. Ouch.