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2010-08-24 Afghanistan

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Posted by GolfBravoUSMC 2010-08-24 17:27|| || Front Page|| [1 views ] Top

#1 For those with an interest in this sort of thing:

For the curious among us:

The M777 began as the Ultralight-weight Field Howitzer (UFH), developed by VSEL's armaments division in Barrow-in-Furness, United Kingdom. In 1999, after acquisition by BAE, VSEL was merged into the new BAE Systems RO Defence. This unit became part of BAE Systems Land Systems in 2004. Although developed by a British company, final assembly is in the US. BAE System's original US partner was United Defense. However in 2005, BAE acquired United Defense and hence is responsible for design, construction and assembly (through its US-based Land and Armaments group). The M777 uses about 70% US built parts including the gun barrel manufactured at the Watervliet Arsenal.

The M777 is smaller and 42% lighter, at under 4,100 kg (9,000 lb), than the M198 it replaces. Most of the weight reduction is due to the use of titanium. The lighter weight and smaller size allows the M777 to be transported by USMC MV-22 Osprey, CH-47 helicopter or truck with ease, so that it can be moved in and out of the battlefield more quickly than the M198. The smaller size also improves storage and transport efficiency in military warehouses and Air/Naval Transport. The gun crew required is an Operational Minimum of five, compared to a previous size of nine.[1]

The M777 uses a digital fire-control system similar to that found on self propelled howitzers such as the M109A6 Paladin to provide navigation, pointing and self-location, allowing it to be put into action more quickly than earlier towed and air-transported howitzers. The Canadian M777 in conjunction with the traditional "glass and iron sights/mounts" also uses a digital fire control system called Digital Gun Management System (DGMS) produced by SELEX. This system has been proven on the British Army Artillery's L118 Light Gun over the past three to four years.

The M777 is also often combined with the new Excalibur GPS-guided munition, which allows accurate fire at a range of up to 40 km. This almost doubles the area covered by a single battery to about 5,000 km2. Testing at the Yuma Proving Ground by the US Army placed 13 of 14 Excalibur rounds, fired from up to 24 km away, within 10 meters of their target,[2] suggesting a circular error probable of about 5 meters.

Quite similar to the aging G5, it would make Gerald Bull quite proud may he rest in peace.

Posted by Besoeker 2010-08-24 18:09|| 2010-08-24 18:09|| Front Page Top

#2 Besoeker Hello!,
What a read!. Gerald Bull was interesting as well. It seems such a plain name for such an active life.

Posted by Dale 2010-08-24 18:33|| 2010-08-24 18:33|| Front Page Top

#3 Besoeker Hello!,
What a read!. Gerald Bull was interesting as well. It seems such a plain name for such an active life.
You have made the complex readable.

Posted by Dale 2010-08-24 18:39|| 2010-08-24 18:39|| Front Page Top

#4 No credit to me Dale, I just copied and pasted. God Bless our Canadian men and women at arms that continue to stand beside our own lads. Many have already paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Posted by Besoeker 2010-08-24 18:48|| 2010-08-24 18:48|| Front Page Top

#5 Sorry for the double post. I stutter at times.

But you are on to something with Gerald Bull. If I may refer you to;

http://www.damninteresting.com/project-babylon-gerald-bulls-downfall

Posted by Dale 2010-08-24 19:37|| 2010-08-24 19:37|| Front Page Top

#6 wow!!What was that, 8 rounds in 90 seconds?!! Kick-ass, man!

Posted by Texhooey 2010-08-24 20:56|| 2010-08-24 20:56|| Front Page Top

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23:54 Barbara Skolaut
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23:25 Frank G
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22:51 JosephMendiola
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22:41 Skunky Glins****
22:37 gorb
22:36 JosephMendiola
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22:14 Besoeker
22:12 Besoeker
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22:06 Skunky Glins****
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