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M109A4
The M109A4 and M109A4+ are fully tracked, armoured vehicles used to provide close
artillery support. The vehicles are air-transportable and carry a total of 36 rounds. The
155mm cannon is designated the (M185). The assembly comprises a breech ring, bore
evacuator, muzzle brake and a tube cannon. The breech mechanism is a semi-automatic, screw
block type, designated for seperate loading ammunition. Breech opening and closing is
accomplished by utilizing the eneryg of counter recoil and closing, by laminated torsion
springs. Firing is accomplished by the mechanism (M35) which uses cartridge type primers,
fired by a continuous pull percussion mechanism. The mount consists of a cradle assemble
that mounts the hydraulic variable recoil mechanism, S.A. cam, recuperator, counter recoil
buffer, upper and lower rotors, limit stops and dust shields. Pad and brackets are
available for mounting the fire control instruments.
MANUFACTURER - Bowen_McLaughlin-York, York PA USA
MODELS - M109A4 and M109A4+
YEAR OF MANUFACTURE - M109A3/A4 (1968) and M109A2/A4+ (1985)
ARMAMENT - 155 mm Howitzer and a 12.7 (50) calibre machine gun
WEIGHT - 24,948 kg combat loaded
DETACHMENT - 7
ESTIMATED MAXIMUM SPEED - 53.3 km/h
RANGE OF OPERATION - 220 km on roads
RANGE OF WEAPON - 18,000 m
QUANTITY PURCHASED - 76Status
Since 1971, 76 M109 howitzers are used on the mainly bases of the Land Force: CFB Shilo,
Manitoba; CFB Valcarier, Quebec, CFB Petawawa, Ontario and CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick.