BAE Systems has partnered with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center (DEVCOM-AC) to advance the M109-52 Self-Propelled Howitzer prototype. The Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) seeks further development to provide options that enhance long range fires, enhance technology and improve artillery systems Soldiers are using in operations today.
The M109-52 prototype delivers a low-risk technical solution and lower-cost approach that provides necessary core warfighting capabilities more rapidly.
Dan Furber, artillery product line director for BAE Systems' Combat Mission Systems business, said, "We are working with DEVCOM-AC to continue modernizing the U.S. Army's long-range precision fires needs. We're bringing together battle-proven systems with mature technologies to secure a significant leap forward in capability at a much lower cost – that's the power in partnership."
The CRADA builds upon previous work and testing performed independently by both BAE Systems and DEVCOM-AC to create a development pathway for new artillery capabilities and lethality upgrades to the M109A7 Paladin.
Continued work on the M109-52 will take place at Picatinny Arsenal and BAE Systems' robust U.S.-based defense industrial base including Anniston, Alabama; Elgin, Oklahoma; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Sterling Heights, Michigan; and York, Pennsylvania.
