BAE Systems develops M109-52 howitzer prototype with longer-range Rheinmetall L52 cannon

BAE Systems develops M109-52 howitzer prototype with longer-range Rheinmetall L52 cannon

A major factor in artillery range is cannon length, with longer barrels allowing greater expansion of propellant gases. The M109A7 retained the 39-calibre 155mm tube of its predecessor, a standard first introduced on the M109A1. While the Army explored a 58-calibre tube under the Extended Range Cannon Artillery programme, industry efforts considered the use of a 52-calibre length tube on the M109A7. That effort led to BAE Systems’ development of…