USMC Concepts & Programs 2013 - Defense Innovation Marketplace

chapter 3: programs
are made of high-strength titanium alloy resulting in a
weight savings of more than 7,000 pounds when compared
to the M198 system. The system makes extensive
use of hydraulics to operate the breech, loading
tray, and suspension system reducing crew size and fatigue.
The M777A2 provides significant improvements
in displacement and emplacement, capable of being
emplaced in less than 3 minutes and displaced in 2-3
minutes. A primer feed mechanism supports firing a
maximum of four rounds per minute, with sustained
firing of two rounds per minute. The M777A2 is capable
of firing unassisted high-explosive projectiles using
conventional and modular propellants to a range of 15
miles and rocket-assisted projectiles to approximately
19 miles.
The M777A2 is a pre-planned upgrade to the initial
M777 design that adds a Digital Fire Control System
(DFCS) improving pointing accuracy to 1 mil.
The DFCS uses a global positioning system, an inertial
navigation unit, and a vehicle motion sensor to accurately
locate and orient the weapon to deliver greater
accuracy and responsiveness. The system integrates radios
for voice and digital communications and a chief
of section display that can be mounted into the cab
of the prime mover for use as a navigation aid during
towing. The systems mission computer processes
fire missions and outputs pointing information to onboard
gunners and chief of section displays. A planned
software upgrade will support on-board ballistic computations
commencing in the fall of 2013.
Operational Impact
The LW155 provides significantly greater combat
capability to troops. The weight reduction improves
transportability and mobility without impacting range
and accuracy. The M777A2 is towed by the USMC Medium
Tactical Vehicle Replacement and can be airlifted
by the CH-53E/K, CH47D and the MV-22B Osprey
into remote high-altitude locations inaccessible by
ground transportation.
The M777A2 can fire the precision guided Excalibur
munitions up to 24 miles with sufficient accuracy,
for example, to target commensurate portions
of a building, reducing the chance of non-combatant
casualties and enabling supporting fire to be delivered
much closer to friendly troops. The M777A2 has
proven it is battle worthy and reliable, achieving an
operational availability greater than 90% supporting
Operation Enduring Freedom for USMC, Army and
Canadian forces.
Program Status
The LW155 has been in-service with the U.S. Marine
Corps and Army since 2005 and is deployed in
current operations. The Marine Corps has procured
its full approved acquisition objective of 511 M777A2
howitzers while the Army has purchased 488 systems.
Both services will take final deliveries during 2013.
The Canadian army purchased 37 base-model M777s
under a foreign military sale contract while the Australian
army has purchased 54 M777A2s to date. The
Government of India has also expressed interest in
purchasing the M777A2 submitting a Letter of Request
for 145 systems in Nov 2012.
Developer/Manufacturer:
The M777A2 prime contractor is BAE Systems located in
Barrow in Furness in the United Kingdom. BAE Systems
manages a supply chain consisting of both US and UK vendors
who deliver components for final integration at BAE
systems integration facility in Hattiesburg, MS. The Program
Manager -Towed Artillery Systems also supplies a number
of Government Furnished Equipment items, including the
Cannon Assembly manufactured by Watervliet Arsenal.
Final acceptance testing occurs at Yuma Proving Grounds.
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