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1001-Gun U.S. Salute for BAE Systems’ M777 Howitzer

Dépèche transmise le 22 février 2011 par Business Wire

1001-Gun U.S. Salute for BAE Systems’ M777 Howitzer

HATTIESBURG, Miss.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--An order for 46 M777 howitzers from the U.S. Department of Defense takes the total number of guns ordered to 1001. The order comes as BAE Systems continues deliveries of M777 to Canada and Australia, in addition to the U.S.

“M777 has passed every development and operational test in vital areas such as accuracy, consistency, operational flexibility and mobility. There is no other modern howitzer which has been subjected to such rigorous examination, or been engaged in such unrelenting operational usage and regular deployment by airborne assets”

Weighing in at less than 4200kg, the revolutionary M777 is the world’s first artillery weapon to make widespread use of titanium and aluminium alloys, resulting in a howitzer which is half the weight of conventional 155mm systems. As a result, it can be deployed by medium-lift helicopters quickly and beyond the reach of roadside bombs to otherwise inaccessible areas, extending its reach over the theater of operations.

Mike Smith, managing director of BAE Systems’ Global Combat Systems Weapons business commented: “M777’s capability is proven in combat daily – being sling-loaded under helicopters and air-dropped in some of the most demanding operational conditions on the planet. These additional orders serve to reinforce the confidence that our customers have in the system and its support.”

“M777 has passed every development and operational test in vital areas such as accuracy, consistency, operational flexibility and mobility. There is no other modern howitzer which has been subjected to such rigorous examination, or been engaged in such unrelenting operational usage and regular deployment by airborne assets,” added Smith.

The success of M777 on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan is reflected in a global interest in the howitzer. BAE Systems is responding to a range of enquiries from countries wanting effective lightweight artillery support for rapid reaction and expeditionary forces.

BAE Systems’ facility at Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is responsible for final integration and test of the weapon system. The prime contract management of the M777 program and manufacture and assembly of the complex titanium structures and associated recoil components are undertaken at Barrow-in-Furness in the United Kingdom.

The M777 effort is managed by the U.S. Army/Marines Light Weight 155mm Joint Program Office at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey.

BAE Systems’ Land & Armaments sector is the largest military land systems manufacturer in the world. It provides design, development, production, through-life support and upgrade of armored combat vehicles, tactical wheeled vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, artillery systems, munitions as well as military and law enforcement products.