Towed Howitzer (105mm) M119A1/A2
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Mission
Provide destructive, suppressive and protective indirect and direct field artillery fires in support of combined arms operations.
Entered Army Service
1989
Description and Specifications
The M119A1/A2 105mm towed howitzer is a lightweight towed weapon that provides direct support fires to light, airborne and air assault forces. The prime mover for the M119 is the HMMWV. However, it can be dropped by parachute or airlifted with its basic load of ammunition by UH60 and CH47 helicopters or C130 aircraft. The M119A1 and the product-improved M119A2 provide significantly greater range and lethality than the M101A1 and M102 howitzers. Based on the L118 British Light Gun, the M119 systems in U.S. units are modified with U.S. fire control (digital), increased low-temperature capability (from -25 F to -50 F), improved interchangeability of spare/repair parts, simplified tail light assembly, improved trail access cover, reduced maintenance on the elevating clutch, increased trail life, and the addition of brackets to incorporate a chronograph and battery computer system. The Light Artillery System Improvement Program (LASIP) Block I improvements, initiated in 1998, provided a new low-temperature recuperator, which increased low-temperature capability (from -25 F to -50 F), increased brake diameter from 11″ to 12″, improved interchangeability of spare/repair parts, simplified tail light assembly, improved trail access cover, reduced maintenance on the elevating clutch, increased trail life, and added brackets to incorporate a chronograph and battery computer system. Block I improved howitzers were redesignated as the M119A1. Additional LASIP improvements in Block II include a redesigned elevation gearbox, removal of radioactive tritium from the fire control system, installation of a new buffer with improved seals and no compensating tubes, simplified oil filling and monitoring hardware, addition of a rollbar to reduce damage during airdrop, and an improved rammer/extractor tool. Application of LASIP Block II to the M119A1 fleet should be completed in FY2004. Howitzers with Block II applied are designated as M119A2.
- Length: 20.75 ft
- Width: 5.83 ft
- Height: 7.25 ft
- Weight: 4,270 lbs
- Crew: 7
- Range: 14,000 m standard; 19,500 m rocket-assisted
- Max. Rate of Fire: 6 rounds per minute for first 2 minutes
- Sustained Rate of Fire: 3 rounds per minute
- Ammunition: The M119A1/A2 fires all standard NATO 105mm artillery ammunition, including the M1 High Explosive, M314 Illuminating, M60/M60A2 White Phosphorous (smoke). In addition, it fires the M913 and M760 extended range ammunitions.
Manufacturer
Joint US/RO Partnerships (Rock Island Arsenal, Watervliet Arsenal, Seller Instruments, and Royal Ordnance, U.K.)
