M109 Family of Vehicles

The M109A6 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer provides an important advance in performance, responsiveness and survivability versus earlier M109s. Able to operate independently, it has a firing range up to 30 km assisted with the standard M284 39-caliber 155-mm main armament. The advanced capabilities of the Paladin were critical during the initial combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Firing more than 14,000 rounds downrange, the BAE Systems-built Paladins provided critical fire support to soldiers throughout their march toward Baghdad.

Paladins were also critical during key urban battles, such as the November 2004 Battle for Fallujah. The Washington Post reported on Nov. 11, 2004: "Powerful artillery pieces such as the Paladin deserve much of the credit for the ease and speed with which the U.S. military has been able to take control of most of Fallujah, according to American soldiers who have been sweeping through the city over the past two days."

From the move, the M109A6 Paladin can receive a fire mission, compute firing data, select and take up firing positions, automatically unlock and point its cannon, fire the first round in under 60 seconds and move – day or night. This "shoot and scoot" capability not only significantly improves responsiveness to calls for fire, it also protects the vehicle and crew from counterbattery fire, significantly improving survivability.

The BAE Systems-built M992A2 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle (FAASV) is the firing-position partner for the M109A6 Paladin and other M109 series self-propelled howitzers. It provides timely, efficient, armor-protected ammunition delivery to cannon artillery systems during both firing and non-firing conditions.

Able to carry a 12,000-pound (5,454 kg) ammunition payload, the FAASV can be configured for various ammunition needs.

The Paladin Operations Center Vehicle (POCV) leverages the common automotive chassis of the M109 FOV and the structure of the FAASV to provide a command and control platform optimized to deliver the battle command on-the-move to Paladin-based fires battalions. 

The POCV, utilizing the combat-proven M109/M992 chassis, provides the ability to operate on the move, matching the cross-country and highway speed of the Paladin and FAASV. POCV is equipped with four flexible, networked computer workstations, a 10-meter telescoping mast antenna, and satellite and high-frequency communications equipment. 

The vehicle features more than 750 cubic feet of interior workspace and 87” of standing head-room, as well as integrated auxiliary power and environmental control units.