M777 Portee Systems Makes International Debut
12 Jun 2006
A revolutionary transport concept for the BAE Systems M777 155mm howitzer is to make its international debut at Eurosatory. Developed in response to a specific UK MoD requirement (LIMAWS (G)) for an indirect fire solution to support the medium weight force, the M777 Portee system combines the ground breaking strengths of the worlds lightest 155mm howitzer with a purpose built vehicle developed by Supacat.
The integrated system has been extensively evaluated by the UK MoD as part of the LIMAWS (G) assessment phase, during which both tactical and strategic mobility were assessed and over 350 rounds fired in test conditions.
David Leslie, Sales Director of Land Systems says, "The M777 Portee is the worlds most flexible artillery system, not only providing 24hour indirect fire capability for the medium weight force, but also giving strategic and tactical deployment options never before available in a 155mm system. The M777 Portee demonstrates a unique combination of firepower and mobility with the potential to make a significant contribution to the MoDs medium weight capability requirements."
The 8x6 Portee System is a new vehicle design utilising suspension technology developed for Supacat's highly successful High Mobility Truck (HMT) 'family. These vehicles are now entering service in 2-axle and 3-axle form with both the UK and US armed forces. They offer a significant improvement in mobility over other wheeled military vehicles. The HMT suspension system makes the Portee ideally suited to operation over difficult and demanding terrain.
This Portee vehicle has the capability to transport the howitzer onto C-130 aircraft, amphibious craft as well as move as a compact system for longer road or cross country journeys. On reaching the combat area the howitzer is quickly dismounted, allowing it to be towed rapidly into and out of action and up to 3 ammunition containers can be carried in its place allowing a total of over 70 readily available rounds.
The HMT has been selected as the universal platform for a number of roles in the British Army, including mobile communications Ground Station, EW Ground Station, UAV Ground Station, lightweight mobile artillery platform (rocket) and for other specialized applications.
The system also offers complete interoperability with US forces as the M777 programme, now in full rate production for the US Marine Corps and US Army and in service with the Canadian Armed Forces, is designed and managed by the UK industry for the US Department of Defense. Interoperability is increased as the M777 can fire both US and UK ammunitions from the same barrel, including the XM982 Excalibur precision round, allowing it to achieve high levels of accuracy at ranges over 40km.
The 155mm howitzer combines titanium and aluminium alloys resulting in an overall system weight of less than 10000lbs (4218kg). The M777 is designed specifically to meet the growing requirement for flexible, easily re-deployable and accurate artillery fire and is equipped with a fully integrated digital fire control system the howitzer can be brought into action in less than one minute, and moved to an alternative firing position in less than three minutes.
Over 600 systems will be supplied to the US Marine Corps, the US Army and National Guard and the M777 entered operational service in Afghanistan with the Canadian Armed Forces earlier this year.
The speed of movement, deployability, rapid into and out of action times and overall manoeuvrability around the battlefield makes the howitzer 70% more effective than its predecessor, the M198, in terms of rounds fired and target effect, and also offers enhanced survivability. The M777 is designed to fire the most modern types of ammunition currently and is equipped with a fully integrated digital fire control system allowing it to be brought into action in less than one minute and moved to an alternative firing position in less than three minutes.
M777 is the most highly developed, rigorously tested, safe and reliable gun and weapon combination available to the worlds armed forces.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier trans-Atlantic defense and aerospace company, delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. BAE Systems, with more than 100,000 employees worldwide, had 2005 sales that exceeded $28 billion.
For further information, please contact
Barney OKelly, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 7803 667434
barney.okelly@baesytems.com
Kate Roberts BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 191 226 7026
kate.roberts@baesystems.com
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