M109A6 Paladin
Overview
M109A6 Paladin
Two US Army M109A6 Paladins seen during an exercise in 2014.
Source: US Army -
© Public domain
2000 - 2022 (27 pcs)
Paladin (official nickname)
Ukraine
Saudi Arabia
Description
Introduction
The M109A6 Paladin is a modern era self-propelled howitzer of US origin. It was developed as a deep modernization of the existing M109 series under the Howitzer Extended Life Program.
Design
The M109A6 is a deep modernization of the earlier M109 system. It uses new ordnance of the same length, has a higher level of automation, uses digital communications and the crew is reduced from 6 to 4. The digital communications suite is encrypted and can receive direct input for the fire control system from an external fire direction center. A visual feature of the Paladin are the large stowage boxes on the turret rear which can be swung to the sides in order to access the large rear hatches in the turret bustle for easy access to the shells.
Firepower
The new 155mm M284 39-caliber howitzer provides increased accuracy, is easier to load by a reduced crew and can be quickly laid using digital fire control systems. Time to fire upon halt has been reduced from minutes to less than 30 seconds. This allows for faster time on target, and also reduces vulnerability to counter battery fire when using a fire and move doctrine. Effective range is 22 km with unassisted projectiles and 30 km with rocket assisted projectiles. For self-defense a 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun is mounted on the turret roof.
Protection
The M109A6 retains the all-around protection level of 32mm aluminum armor. This protects against small arms fire and shell splinters. However, protection is improved by introducing kevlar spall liners and internal steel armor around the charges. Furthermore, the M109A6 can be reloaded under armor protection by the M992 FAASV armored resupply vehicle.
Mobility
Mobility is kept at the same level as before. An uprated 440 hp diesel engine is used in the M109A6, compensating for the increase in combat weight. The tracked chassis provides good mobility in the field. Mobility was improved on the later M109A7 upgrade, which has a new chassis and significantly more powerful engine.
Users
The main user of the M109A6 Paladin is the United States Army. Over 950 were produced for the US Army. The Paladin was not exported until decades later. Some systems were delivered to Ukraine, while an export order to Saudi Arabia was approved. The M109A5, which is a less extensive upgrade, was exported to more nations than the Paladin. From 2022 onward the US Army Paladin systems were being modernized to the M109A7 standard.
Details
Media
M109A6 Paladin
US Army M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer seen during an exercise in Germany in 2016.
Source: US Army
Copyright: Public domain
M109A6 Paladin
Rear view of a Utah Army National Guard M109A6 Paladin during a live fire exercise in 2004.
Source: US Air Force
Copyright: Public domain
M109A6 Paladin
US Army M109A6 sends a round down range during combat operations in Fallujah, Iraq, in 2004.
Source: US Army
Copyright: Public domain
M109A6 Paladin
A M109A6 Paladin of the South Carolina Army National Guard seen firing its 155mm M284 howitzer during an exercise in 2024.
Source: US National Guard
Copyright: Public domain
M109A6 Paladin
US Army M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer seen during an exercise in Germany in 2014.
Source: US Army
Copyright: Public domain
M109A6 Paladin
US Army M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer being camouflaged during an exercise in Germany in 2014.
Source: US Army
Copyright: Public domain
M109A6 Paladin
Internal view of an Idaho National Guard M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer in 2022.
Source: US National Guard
Copyright: Public domain
M109A6 Paladin
M109A6 Paladin being resupplied by a M992 FAASV during an exercise at Fort Irwin in 2015.
Source: US Army
Copyright: Public domain
Related articles
M109A5
The M109A5 uses the same new ordnance of the M109A6, but on a platform similar to the M109A4.
Browning M2HB
A 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun is fitted on the turret roof of the Paladin for self-defense.