The M777 Lightweight 155mm Towed Howitzer is lighter and smaller, yet more powerful than any gun of its kind. Compared to the M109 howitzer that weighs 49,940 pounds, the M777 weighs only 9,200 pounds making it highly mobile and easily transportable by aircraft, helicopter or truck.
The M777 will enhance the Army's operational capability to provide indirect firepower at any time of the day or night, and under severe weather conditions. The high-tech gun is capable of firing a 155-millimetre shell, at a rate of fire of two to four rounds per minute, while achieving high levels of accuracy.
In addition, the M777 can be equipped with a Digitized Fire Control System and loaded with precision-guided munitions that use location data from Global Positioning System satellites and an inertial navigation unit to steer precisely to the target. This gives the artillery the ability to destroy targets with increased accuracy, leading to less collateral damage.
Ammunition:
All current and developmental US and NATO standard 155mm projectiles and charges including the Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS)
Length:
9.51 m (towed)/10.21m (firing)
Width:
2.59 m (towed)/3.72 m (firing)
Height:
2.65 m (towed)
Weight :
4, 208 kg
Maximum Range :
24.7 km (30+ km assisted)
Minimum Range
2.6 km
Calibre:
155 mm
Rate of Fire:
2 Rounds/min (Sustained)/ 4 Rounds/min for 2 min (Intense)
Elevation:
+1275 mils to –43 mils
Traverse:
400 mils left and right (6400 mil capable)
Mobility
88 kph (Road)/50 kph (Cross country)
Transportability:
C 130/ CH 53/ CH 47
Detachment:
10 soldiers
To enter service:
2005
Number in service:
6
