thedrifter
08-10-07, 06:55 PM
24th MEU to mark howitzer first
Staff report
Posted : Friday Aug 10, 2007 18:35:09 EDT
The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit will be the Corps’ first to deploy with M777A2 155mm lightweight howitzers, a couple of which were on display during the MEU’s activation at Camp Lejeune, N.C., on Friday.
The big guns weigh about half as much as the 16,000-pound M198 howitzers and are more accurate. Their lighter weight makes them more maneuverable and increases survivability, said Gunnery Sgt. Waco Ashlock, battery gunnery sergeant with the MEU.
The M777A2 has an automated fire direction system, which self-locates weapons, receives digital fire orders and transmits digital status reports. They are also faster to emplace and have the ability to use precision-guided munitions.
Ellie
Staff report
Posted : Friday Aug 10, 2007 18:35:09 EDT
The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit will be the Corps’ first to deploy with M777A2 155mm lightweight howitzers, a couple of which were on display during the MEU’s activation at Camp Lejeune, N.C., on Friday.
The big guns weigh about half as much as the 16,000-pound M198 howitzers and are more accurate. Their lighter weight makes them more maneuverable and increases survivability, said Gunnery Sgt. Waco Ashlock, battery gunnery sergeant with the MEU.
The M777A2 has an automated fire direction system, which self-locates weapons, receives digital fire orders and transmits digital status reports. They are also faster to emplace and have the ability to use precision-guided munitions.
Ellie