Article

2007-07-08 Iraq

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Posted by McZoid 2007-07-08 05:26|| || Front Page|| [6 views ] Top
File under: Iraqi Insurgency

#1 Background on the M777-A1 here

Note: The container carrying spares for the howitzer got destroyed by an IED before the unit set up shop. It's truly getting field-tested.

Posted by Pappy 2007-07-08 11:18|| 2007-07-08 11:18|| Front Page Top

#2 At work:

http://www.usmc.mil/13thmeu/

Posted by McZoid 2007-07-08 14:24|| 2007-07-08 14:24|| Front Page Top

#3 McZoid is this the link you were after? McZoid's Linky

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The M777A1 has been selected by the US Marine Corps and the US Army as their next-generation medium-force weapon.

The M777A1 matches the firepower of current generation 155mm towed systems at less than half the weight. The construction of the M77A1 makes extensive use of titanium and titanium castings, enabling a weight reduction of 3,175kg (7,000lb) compared to the M198 howitzer which it replaces in the US Army and USMC inventory. The titanium is supplied by RTI International metals of Niles, Ohio.

The maximum firing range is 24.7km with unassisted rounds and 30km with rocket-assisted rounds. The M77A1 will fire the Raytheon / Bofors XM982 Excalibur GPS / Inertial Navigation-guided extended-range 155mm projectiles using the Modular Artillery Charge Systems (MACS). Excalibur will have a maximum range of 40km and accuracy of 10m. First firing trials of the M777A1 with Excalibur took place in August 2003. First production rounds were delivered in September 2006. Excalibur is scheduled for initial operating capability in 2008.

The M777A1 is able to deliver up to five rounds a minute under intense firing conditions and is able to provide a sustained rate of fire of two rounds a minute

The LRIP systems employ an optical sighting system for direct and indirect firing by day or night. Full production systems will be fitted with the General Dynamics Armament Systems Towed Artillery Digitisation (TAD) system. LRIP systems will be retrofitted with TAD.
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[we dont need no stinkin GPS or lazers!]
>:)
direct fire mission..

depress tubes zero elevation..

beehive rounds up!

Commence Fire!

Posted by RD">RD 2007-07-08 19:54|| 2007-07-08 19:54|| Front Page Top

#4 RD:
Yeah, on the Marine 13th webpage, scroll down to a page "Ground Sensor Team Keeps Ears to Ground During OIF." In open ground, sensors are available to detect activity within large perimeters. Presumably, helicopters with infrareds would be able to take out intruders - probably IED planters - at night. Search and destroy patrols in cities, suck. Where there are no collaterals, troops don't have to think about the State Department. IED and sniper casualties in Anbar, are way down. Casualties from direct action are way up, but so is morale. Unfortunately, without ethnic enclaving in Baghdad, pullbacks could begin by October. Another defeat could be snatched from the jaws of victory.

Posted by McZoid 2007-07-08 20:43|| 2007-07-08 20:43|| Front Page Top

#5 thanks McZoidm, we'll keep track of these good developements..

Posted by RD">RD 2007-07-08 23:19|| 2007-07-08 23:19|| Front Page Top

#6 thanks McZoid, we'll keep track of these good developements..

Posted by RD">RD 2007-07-08 23:20|| 2007-07-08 23:20|| Front Page Top

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