M777 howitzer
The M777 howitzer is a towed 155 mm artillery piece in the howitzer class. It is used by the ground forces of Australia, Canada, Colombia, India, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and the United States. It was first used in combat during the War in Afghanistan.
| M777 Lightweight Towed Howitzer | |
|---|---|
US Marine gunners test fire an M777 howitzer | |
| Type | Towed howitzer |
| Place of origin | United Kingdom |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2005–present |
| Used by | See Operators |
| Wars | |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering |
| Designed | 1987–2003 |
| Manufacturer | BAE Systems |
| Produced | 1987–present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 4,200 kg (9,300 lb) |
| Length |
|
| Barrel length | 5.08 m (16.7 ft) L/39 |
| Crew | 7+1 |
| Shell | M107, M549, M712 Copperhead, M795, ERFB, M982 |
| Caliber | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Carriage | Split trail |
| Elevation | 0° to +71.7° |
| Rate of fire |
|
| Muzzle velocity | Charge 8S: 827 m/s (2,710 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range |
|
The M777 is manufactured by BAE Systems' Global Combat Systems division. Prime contract management is based in Barrow-in-Furness, UK as well as manufacture and assembly of the titanium structures and associated recoil components. Final integration and testing of the weapon is undertaken at BAE's facility in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, US. Depending on the year, contract and systems package, the M777 has been exported for individual unit costs including US$2.025 million (in 2008) and $3.738 million (in 2017).