M109A2

The M109A2 is an armored self-propelled howitzer that served as a significant artillery platform for the United States Army and Marine Corps. It is an upgraded variant of the original M109 howitzer, which entered service in the late 1950s. The M109A2 featured improvements over its predecessor, primarily in its armament and reliability. The main armament consists of a 155 mm M185 howitzer, capable of firing various types of ammunition.

The M109A2's chassis is derived from the M108 howitzer, providing protection against small arms fire and artillery shell fragments. Its crew typically consists of four to six personnel, including the commander, gunner, driver, and ammunition handlers. The vehicle is propelled by a diesel engine, giving it a reasonable cross-country mobility. A key characteristic of the M109A2 was its rotating turret, allowing for a wide arc of fire.

While the M109A2 was a workhorse for many years, it was eventually superseded by more advanced variants like the M109A5 and the M109A6 Paladin, which offered enhanced fire control, increased range, and improved survivability. Despite its eventual replacement, the M109A2 played a crucial role in numerous military operations and deployments, contributing significantly to the indirect fire capabilities of the forces it served. Its design principles and operational experience influenced subsequent artillery system developments.