The Next Generation M109A6 Paladin

The Paladin battalion strikes throughout the depth of enemy formations to suppress, neutralize, and destroy ground forces, direct-fire weapons, indirect fires systems, and air-defense systems. The battalion is organized and equipped to perform any of the four standard tactical missions — direct support (DS), general support (GS), general support reinforcing (GSR), and reinforcing (R) — or any other nonstandard missions as described. Under the M109A6 Paladin integrated management (PIM) program, Fort Sill’s U. S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Capability Manager Cannon (TCM Cannon) and BAE Systems are upgrading the M109A6 Paladin self-propelled 155mm howitzer, and the field artillery ammunition supply vehicle (FAASV), which will collectively be called the “M109 PIM Family of Vehicles (FOV).” The M109 PIM FOV will fire precision rounds/fuzes such as Excalibur (XM982) and precision guidance kit (PGK) fuze. The M109 PIM FOV program is being designed as a sustainment program engineered to improve readiness, avoid components obsolescence, and increase sustainability of the platform(s) out to the year 2060. The M109 PIM FOV simplifies and streamlines logistics functions and support efforts. These capabilities ensure operational compatibility with the Bradley FOV (BFV) and Abrams main battle tank (MBT) in the heavy brigade combat team (HBCT) and future combat systems (FCS) in the future force brigade combat team (FBCT). PIM will ensure this fire-support platform continues to meet the needs of the Army’s HBCT maneuver commander. Operationally, the PIM will be faster, more maneuverable, more easily sustained, and more lethal. The M109A6 PIM FOV uses the existing main armament (39-caliber cannon) and recently designed cab structure, while replacing outmoded chassis components with advanced components from the BFV to increase sustainability and commonality across the HBCT. It also incorporates select technologies from the non-line-of-sight (NLOS) cannon, including an automated (modified electric) projectile rammer and modern electric gun drive systems to replace the current hydraulically operated elevation and azimuth drives that were designed in the early 1960s. Additionally, there will be improved side and belly plate armor for improved survivability of the crew and the platform. In addition to armor improvements, both platforms will be fitted with blue force tracker capability to ensure compatibility with future modernization architectures, which will significantly improve operational awareness on the battlefield. This revolutionary technology will significantly reduce the logistics footprint within the HBCT. The electric gun and rammer components, as well as a micro-climate air con- 20 — ditioning system, will be powered by the common modular power system (CMPS). This system, which will be installed on the Stryker and has also been installed on high-mobility, multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV) demonstrator vehicles, is based on architecture jointly developed by the Army Tank-Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TAR DEC) and the Program Executive Office-Ground Combat Systems (PEO-

GCS).

The program will be executed as a public/private partnership between the Army’s Project Manager-HBCT (PM HBCT), Anniston Army Depot, and BAE Systems, leveraging both public and private sectors to ensure the best value for soldiers. It is expected that a total of 600 sets (Paladin and FAASV) of the M109A6 PIM FOV will be upgraded. The first prototype vehicles are expected to be complete in 2009, and ready for testing, with a projection of first unit equipped (FUE) in

2012. There will continue to be a mix of current Paladin and FAASVs in the fleet with the new M109 PIM FOV sets. This will be balanced through an effort called “National Level Recapitalization.” This program will be in place to maintain the current fleet through 2020, at which point it is expected the current fleet will then be completely replaced by the now sustainable M109 PIM FOV. In summary, the HBCT commander will now have more confidence in the field artillery’s ability to maintain speed and deliver accurate predicted timely fires where and when needed. There will not be a loss of existing capability, but again in complete sustainability for the current and future fleet of Paladins and FAASVs. The M109 PIM FOV is a cost-effective, low-risk solution to ensure the Paladin/ FAASV platform remains ready for the fight today and tomorrow. The goals of the program are to ensure the platform’s long-term viability and sustainability, and support tomorrow’s warfighters. Based on these goals, the modernization planners decided to integrate components they knew worked well, including:  Commonality with HBCT Bradley platforms; reduced logistics footprint.  Improved survivability; significant growth potential.  Additional on-board ammunition stowage; more kills.  M109 FOV Paladin projectile stowage of 43:  2 forward vertical (under the weapon).  10 in hull extension “ready racks.”  8 rear vertical (hull extension).  7 right-side sponson. Figure 1 — 21 = Paladin Common = Bradley Common Suspension and Track - 6 Road Arm Stations (BFV) - Torsion Bars (BFV) - 4 Rotary Dampers (U2) - Track 19.1" (BFV)

Power Train - Engine 600 HP (BFV) - Transmission HMPT 500-3ECB (BFV) - New PTO (upgraded BFV-style) - New Cooling System - Engine Compt AFES (FAASV) - Final drive (BFV) Electrical System - Common Modular Power System (CMPS) incl 600V, 70 kW Integrated Starter/Generator - 600V – 28V bi-directional conversion - Cable management for power and reliable high-data transmission capability between cab and chassis Electronic Systems

Armament - 39 caliber/ 155 mm (Paladin) - Travel Lock (Paladin) - 600V Electric Rammer (NLOS) Chassis (new structure) - Additional ground clearance - Structure integrity (71,500 lbs GVW) - Provisions for mine blast kit and side armor COS Cupola TAGS Driver’s Compartment - Shift Tower (BFV) - Brakes (BFV) - Steering (BFV/Paladin) - Seat (BFV/Paladin) - Hatch – larger diameter than Paladin - Composite Armor - Instrument Panel (BFV/M109) and Digital Display - Does not include Bradley DVE Gun Drives - Integrated with PDFCS - 600V Electric Elevation Drive (NLOS) - 600V Electric Traverse Drive (NLOS) - Electric joysticks - Manual gun drive backups ISCS- Individual/Spot Cooling System (Improved MCS) Blue Force Tracking - Space Allocation for BFT = NLOS Common = Other

 10 left-side sponson.  6 cab “ready rack.”  M109 FOV FAASV projectile stowage, approximately 95.  90 in forward projectile racks.  5 in vertical rack on left-side sponson.  Improved mobility; keeps pace with maneuver forces.  Sustains the M109 FOV out to 2060.  Architecture to support future modernization. M109 FOV Rollup Sustainment is the main reason for the PIM M109 FOV. Obsolescence has driven us to replace parts and components that can no longer be maintained or obtained beyond FY12, thus not keeping pace with other platforms in the HBCT. PIM will leverage fleet commonality for key components such as the Bradley engine, transmission, final drives, and suspension, and FCS cannon rammer. PIM will also:  Leverage Abrams and Bradley improvements as they arise.  Reduce the HBCT logistics footprint.  Increase fire support response.  Maintain mobility with the HBCT.  Reduce operational and support cost.  Maintain performance.  Increase mean time between failures. The PIM program will also improve crew survivability and add technology insertions, such as Force XXI battle command brigade and below (FBCB2) or blue force tracker, better communications, transparent armor gun shield (TAGS) for crew-served weapons station, and bolt-on belly and side armor capability. Additional improvements include power train, track and suspension, slip ring (communications), ammunition rammer, and digital fire control system (PDFCS). The program will also add new technology, including vehicle health management (VHM), which provides maintenance prognostic and diagnostic capability to the gun and ammunition carrier; survivability add-ons such as TAGS, side armor, and belly plate armor; and electric drives versus hydraulic drives (rammer and traversing mechanism). Major Corey B. Chassé is currently serving as the field artillery organizational integrator, National Guard Bureau, Arlington, VA. He received a B. S. from Liberty University, an M. A. from Farleigh Dickerson University, and a Ph. D. from Salsbury University. His military education includes the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, Field Artillery Captain Career Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, and U. S. Army Command and General Staff College. He has served in various command and staff positions, including chief, Current Cannons, TRADOC Capability Manager-Cannon, Fort Sill, OK; Excalibur action officer, TRADOC Systems Manager-Cannon, 1st Battalion, 30th Field Artillery, Fort Sill; assistant S3, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (HHB), 3d Battalion, 112th (3-112) Field Artillery (FA), New Jersey Army National Guard, Morristown, NJ; and commander, Battery B, 3-112 FA, New Jersey Army National Guard, Lawrenceville, NJ. “The PIM program will also improve crew survivability and add technology insertions, such as Force XXI battle command brigade and below (FBCB2) or blue force tracker, better communications, transparent armor gun shield (TAGS) for crew-served weapons station, and bolt-on belly and side armor capability.” 22 —