M1299 howitzer

The M1299 is an American prototype 155 mm self-propelled howitzer developed by BAE Systems in 2019 under the Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program. It is based on the M109A7 howitzer, and was primarily designed for the purpose of improving the M109's effective range.

M1299
An Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) during a test in March 2021, at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground
TypeSelf-propelled howitzer
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service2024–2025 (planned)
Production history
Designed2019
ManufacturerBAE Systems
Specifications
Crew4 (driver, loader, gunner, commander)
Traverse360°
Rate of fire3 rpm (10 rpm with autoloader)
Effective firing range70 km (43 mi) (rocket-assisted round)
110 km (68 mi) (XM1155 round)
Main
armament
155 mm L/58 XM907 gun
EngineCummins diesel
600 hp (450 kW)
Suspensiontorsion bar

History

The Extended Range Cannon Artillery program was designed to produce a self-propelled howitzer system with an improved range and rate of fire compared to the existing M109A7 howitzer, in response to developments of Russian and Chinese artillery systems, which had become capable of outranging American systems.[1]

During tests conducted in 2018, the M777 howitzer was able to double its range through the use of higher energy propellant and rocket-assisted projectiles; hitting targets over 37 mi (60 km) away. Using the same principles, the Extended Range Cannon Artillery was developed.[2] BAE Systems was given a $45 million contract in 2019 to incorporate the ERCA's cannon into a M109 chassis,[3] which was unveiled at that year's Association for the United States Army.[4]

Increased range and accuracy is accomplished by having a longer barrel, at 58 calibers long, and by using the XM1113 rocket-assisted artillery shell. In 2020, the ERCA successfully hit a target 43 mi (69 km) away, which is over twice the range typically achieved by an M777 using the same round.[5][6][7][8]

According to the United States Army, the howitzer was to be completed in 2021 and undergo operational assessment in 2023.[9] It is having difficulty meeting this assessment goal.[10] It is expected to be fitted with an autoloader in 2025, which could increase its rate of fire from 3 to 10 rounds per minute.[11]

Design

Gun system
A XM1113 extended range artillery round, shown here at a range demonstration, uses a rocket-assist motor

The M1299 is armed with a new 155 mm L/58 caliber long, a 9.1 m gun tube, XM907 gun, designed by Benét Laboratories that will fire the XM1113 rocket-assisted round. This will give a range of over 70 km – much greater than the 38 km (24 mi) of the M109A7 Paladin. When fitted, an autoloader will allow rates of fire of up to 10 rounds per minute.[11] Originally the autoloader was planned to carry 31 rounds and be in service by 2024. As designed, it was too large for the vehicle, so it was reduced to a 23-round capacity for better weight, center of gravity, and "onboard kills".[12][13]

In December 2022, the XM907E2 cannon fired an XM1155 sub-caliber projectile out to 110 km (68 mi). The shell could be used to hit long-range targets that previously would require the use of more expensive missiles.[14][15]

See also

References
  1. Pickrell, Ryan (9 October 2018). "Army Futures Command Chief: Russia And China Are Eating Our Long-Range Lunch". Task and Purpose.
  2. Judson, Jen (6 June 2020). "US Army takes 40-mile shots from extended-range cannon in demo". Defense News.
  3. Keller, Jared. "Watch the Army's new supergun hit a target from 40 miles away". Business Insider.
  4. "Video: Check out BAE's giant ERCA cannon". Defense News. 16 October 2019.
  5. Wozniak, Jakub (24 December 2020). "New Army Extended Range Cannon Hits Target 43 Miles Away". Overt Defense.
  6. Evans, Michael. "US army supergun breaks record with direct hit on target 70 km away". The Times.
  7. Osborn, Kris (23 July 2020). "The U.S. Army's New Artillery Can Kill from 40 Miles Away". National Interest.
  8. Osborn, Kris (3 October 2021). "The Army Wants Artillery Rounds That Can Change Direction Mid-Flight". National Interest. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  9. Vandiver, John. "New Army cannon hits target 43 miles away in test". Stars & Stripes.
  10. "Extended Range Cannon Artillery Could Miss Army's 2023 Fielding Goal, Official Says". www.nationaldefensemagazine.org. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
  11. "New Army Cannon Doubles Range; Ramjet Ammo May Be Next". Breaking Defense. 6 March 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  12. Roque, Ashley (23 April 2021). "US Army opting for 23-round autoloader for ERCA". Jane's Information Group. Archived from the original on 28 April 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
  13. ERCA: Army Contracts To Help New Cannon ‘Fire Faster’. Breaking Defense. 16 April 2021.
  14. New Artillery Round Shoots Farther Than Some Missiles, Can Hit Moving Targets. Defense One. 29 March 2023.
  15. BAE Systems successfully tests artillery shell with double the range. New Atlas. 29 March 2023.
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