M109A4/A4+ Medium Self Propelled 155mm Howitzer
To see additional photos of M109's and Paladins firing click on the link 
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The M109A4 and M109A4+ are fully tracked, armoured vehicles used to provide close artillery support. The vehicles are air-transportable and carry a total of 36 rounds. The 155mm cannon is designated the (M185). The assembly comprises a breech ring, bore evacuator, muzzle brake and a tube cannon. The breech mechanism is a semi-automatic, screw block type, designated for separate loading ammunition. Breech opening and closing is accomplished by utilizing the energy of counter recoil and closing, by laminated torsion springs. Firing is accomplished by the mechanism (M35) which uses cartridge type primers, fired by a continuous pull percussion mechanism. The mount consists of a cradle assemble that mounts the hydraulic variable recoil mechanism, S.A. cam, recuperator, counter recoil buffer, upper and lower rotors, limit stops and dust shields. Pad and brackets are available for mounting the fire control instruments.
MANUFACTURER - Bowen_McLaughlin-York, York PA USA
MODELS - M109A4 and M109A4+
YEAR OF MANUFACTURE - M109A3/A4 (1968) and M109A2/A4+ (1985)
ARMAMENT - 155 mm Howitzer and a 12.7 (50) calibre machine gun
WEIGHT - 24,948 kg combat loaded
DETACHMENT - 7
ESTIMATED MAXIMUM SPEED - 53.3 km/h
RANGE OF OPERATION - 220 km on roads
RANGE OF WEAPON - 18,000 m
QUANTITY PURCHASED - 76
