INVESTMENT COMPONENT
Modernization
Recapitalization
Maintenance
Provides the primary indirect fire support for Heavy Brigade Combat Teams (HBCTs), armored and mechanized infantry divisions as well as an armored ammunition resupply vehicle.
The M109A6 (Paladin) 155mm Howitzer is the most technologically advanced self-propelled cannon system in the Army. The Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle (FAASV) provides an armored ammunition resupply vehicle in support of the Paladin.
The Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) program addresses concerns about obsolescence, space, weight, and power and ensures sustainment of the Paladin and FAASV fleet through 2050. The PIM, scheduled to be fielded in January 2017, consists of the Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) and the Carrier, Ammunition, Tracked (CAT). PIM provides indirect fire support for full spectrum operations and can support HBCTs, infantry and Stryker BCTs. PIM improves: Survivability with Increased Force Protection and Survivability to enable “off-Forward Operating Base” operations; responsive fires by firing within 45 seconds of a complete stop with on-board communications, remote travel lock, automated cannon slew capability, and pivot steer technology; increased commonality and reliability by using Bradley powertrain, track, and suspension components; electric drive technology with electric elevation/traverse drives gun system and an electric rammer; and growth potential with future requirements and technology insertions that provide growth for future network requirements and increased power with a 600 volt system.
Other specifications:
Crew: Paladin and SPH = four; FAASV and CAT = four
Combat loaded weight: Paladin = 34.25 tons; FAASV = 29.26 tons, SPH = 39 tons, CAT = 36 tons
Paladin on-board ammo: 39 rounds, SPH: 42
FAASV on-board ammo: 95 rounds, CAT: 95
Rates of fire: Four rounds per minute for first three minutes maximum; one round per minute sustained
Maximum range: high-explosive/Rocket Assisted Projectile, 22/30 kilometers
Cruising range: Paladin and SPH = 180 miles; FAASV and CAT = 180 miles
Fire Support Network: Paladin Digital Fire Control System software supports Fire Support Network
Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS), Excalibur (XM982), Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2), Artillery Ammunition, Precision Guidance Kit (PGK)
ACQUISITION PHASE
Technology Development
Engineering & Manufacturing Development
Production & Deployment
Operations & Support
None
PIM Development:
BAE Systems (York, PA)
PIM SW Support/FATB/Matrix Support:
Armaments R&D Center (Picatinny Arsenal, NJ)
Program Management Support:
Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) (Warren, Ml)
Testing:
Yuma Test Center/Proving Ground (Yuma, AZ)
Aberdeen Test Center/Proving Ground (Aberdeen, MD)
