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British multinational arms, security, and aerospace company BAE Systems has successfully fired 155mm projectiles from an M109 self-propelled howitzer modified with the Rheinmetall L52 155mm, 52-calibre cannon.
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During the live fire exercise conducted at Camp Ripley in Minnesota, BAE tested the compatibility of the L52 cannon with the M109A7 platform, according to a public statement made on 9 October. Further testing is expected next year to assess extended range across a variety of projectiles.
“We’ve demonstrated that the integrated system of the M109-52 is a viable solution for long-range precision fires modernisation needs,” according to Dan Furber, BAE Systems’ Combat Mission Systems business, ground vehicle production director.
“Integrating these two highly capable and proven artillery systems provides stable designs and predictable performance.”
The M109-52 is a significant, low-risk, high-performance upgrade to the current 39-calibre cannon and provides the additional range required in large-scale combat operations, according to Furber.
The current testing is designed to deliver interoperability between battlefield partners using the M109 and L52 cannon platforms. The L52 artillery cannon is used by nine NATO and allied partner nations’ tactical artillery forces.
A full-sized M109-52 system is currently being shown at the Association of United States Army 2023 expo in Washington.
Earlier this year, BAE Systems Australia celebrated 70 years in business. The company has naval shipbuilding in Osborne, South Australia, and Henderson in Western Australia while it supports Anzac Class frigates for the Royal Australian Navy.
It has also been involved in the Jindalee Operational Radar Network, the Nulka active decoy, support of the Royal Australian Air Force Hawk lead-in fighter, as well as autonomous systems field, electronic warfare, communications and support of Collins Class submarine periscopes.
“BAE Systems Australia is officially 70 years old but can trace its history in Australia back to the 1870s and the Alfred graving dock in Melbourne, a monumental construction of Victorian bluestone some 143 metres long,” said BAE Systems Australia chief executive officer Ben Hudson.
“The shipyard that grew around the graving dock has manufactured more than 80 vessels during the last century and launched the careers of some of the greatest contributors to Australia’s defence sector.
“While we should be proud of our achievements, it is the future that is most exciting. Everyday, thousands of young Australian engineers and world-class manufacturing professionals are working on developing and deploying the capabilities that the Australian Defence Force will wield to secure our nation in the coming years.
“In Osborne, the Hunter Class frigate is taking shape and the high quality being produced in the shipyard has become the envy of many international experts who have visited during the past 18 months.
“Hunter is the most advanced surface combatant going into service anywhere in the world and has a unique mix of high-end anti-submarine warfare capabilities, along with an unparalleled air warfare suite that will see it become a flexible capability for our navy and formidable deterrent to help secure our nation.
“Our Red Ochre Autonomy and Sensors team is working in partnership with Boeing Australia to mature the MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed air system, which will provide revolutionary air combat capabilities to the Royal Australian Air Force.
“The wider BAE Systems Australia autonomous systems team is also working with Innovaero in Perth to rewrite the aviation rule book in developing the STRIX uncrewed autonomous aerial system that takes off like a helicopter, but flies like a conventional aircraft.”
