New Delhi, Feb 14 (IANS) Britain’s BAE Systems will display what is arguably the world’s most battle-proven lightweight 155mm towed howitzer at the DEFEXPO-2008 international defence exposition here Feb 16-19.
“The M777 howitzer is the world’s first artillery system to incorporate the large-scale use of titanium and aluminium alloys, resulting in a field gun that is half the weight of conventional 155mm systems,” a BAE Systems statement said Thursday.
“Weighing less than 4,220 kg, it is the world’s lightest 155mm howitzer. With its low profile, high survivability, and quick deployment and stowage capabilities, the M777 can be positioned rapidly in the most challenging theatres of operation,” the statement added.
The M777 is a frontrunner for an Indian Army order for 140 such guns. The army had in January issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the lightweight gun to BAE Systems and to Singapore Technologies.
Earlier this month, the Indian Army floated a second global tender for the self-propelled wheeled version of the gun to five companies, including BAE Systems, even as it is readying a third tender for the towed variety.
The Indian Army intends to purchase 400 155mm guns, with the total deal expected to be in the region of $2 billion. Of these, 185 will be of the wheeled version and 175 of the towed version.
“We believe M777 is the lowest-risk, most capable solution for ultra lightweight howitzer requirements,” Mike Mendoza, BAE Systems’ India managing director, said in the statement.
“Its modular design allows efficient, cost-effective transfer of technology and work share for industrial partners,” he added.
The M777 is currently in operation with the Canadian and the US armed forces, with 300 howitzers delivered to the US Army and the US Marine Corps. BAE Systems has orders for up to 400 additional systems from these existing customers.
The A2 version of the M777 incorporates a software update that enables the gun to programme and fire GPS-guided M982 Excalibur ammunition with a maximum range of 40 km and accuracy on target of within 10 metres.
The M777 can be sling-loaded by medium-lift helicopters and airdropped by C-130 transport aircraft.
BAE Systems is a premier global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services.
With 96,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems’ sales exceeded $27 billion in 2006.