Credit
Staff Sgt. Richard Wrigley / US Army · Public domain · WebP conversion · Public domain · Source ↗ · Modified
FORCETALLY
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At a glance
Measured figures
M109A6 Paladin · Hull
Single sourceM109A6 Paladin · Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin · hull length of
Single sourceConfiguration
| Specification | M109A6 Paladin | PCL-171 |
|---|---|---|
| Variant description | M109A6 Paladin[source]Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin Also originating in the Division Weapon Support System study in early 1980s, the Howitzer Improvement Program was devised as a more extensive modernization than the Howitzer Extended Life Program. The vehicle was originally designed as M109A3E2 before being adopted as M109A6 and is now better known as Paladin (M109A3E3 was to feature a longer barrel but was not adopted).[source]Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin The Paladin model has improvements in the areas of survivability, RAM, and armament. This includes increased armor, a redesigned internal arrangement for safer ammunition and equipment storage, engine and suspension upgrades, and improvement of the M284 Cannon and M182A1 Mount. The greatest difference is the integration of an inertial navigation system, sensors detecting the weapons' lay, automation, and an encrypted digital communication system, which utilizes computer controlled frequency-hopping to avoid enemy electronic warfare and allow the howitzer to send grid location and altitude to the battery Fire Direction Center (FDC) .[source]Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin The battery FDCs coordinates fire through a battalion or higher FDC. This allows the Paladin to halt from the move and fire within 30 seconds, with an accuracy equivalent to the previous models when properly emplaced, laid, and safed—a process that previously required several minutes under the best of circumstances. Tactically, this improves the system's survivability by allowing the battery to operate dispersed in pairs across the countryside, and allowing the howitzer to quickly move between salvos, or if attacked by indirect fire, aircraft, or ground forces. |
M109A6 Paladin · Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin · length with gun forward of
Single sourceM109A6 Paladin · overall
Single sourcehull length of 20.3 ft[source]Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin
length with gun forward of 32 ft[source]Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin
9.75 m overall[source]M109A6 Paladin
6.89 m hull[source]M109A6 Paladin
Length
Single source6.54–7 m (21.5–23.0 ft)[source]
M109A6 Paladin · combat load
Single sourceM109A6 Paladin · Dimensions · M109A6 Paladin
Single sourceM109A6 Paladin · Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin · combat weight of
Single sourceM109A6 Paladin · Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin · non-combat weight of
Single sourcenon-combat weight of 56,400 lbs (25.6 metric tons)[source]Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin
combat weight of 62,000 lbs to 63,615 lbs (28.1 metric tons to 28.9 metric tons)[source]Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin
28,848 kg[source]M109A6 Paladin · Dimensions
28.8 t combat load[source]M109A6 Paladin
Mass
DisputedNORINCO PCL-171 / 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer Vehicle / China | 2020 / "The PCL-171 complements existing mobile fire support solutions for China with its 6x6 wheeled arrangement and 122mm howitzer weapon." · | 12.1 tons
Single sourceM109A6 Paladin · commander, driver, gunner, loader
Single sourceM109A6 Paladin · Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin · commander, driver, gunner, loader
Single source4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader)[source]Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin
4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader)[source]M109A6 Paladin
Crew
Single sourceNORINCO PCL-171 / 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer Vehicle / China | 2020 / "The PCL-171 complements existing mobile fire support solutions for China with its 6x6 wheeled arrangement and 122mm howitzer weapon." · MANNED
Single sourceMaximum; M109A6 Paladin · On road
Single source56 km/h on road[source]M109A6 Paladin
Maximum; Maximum speed
Single sourceMaximum; NORINCO PCL-171 / 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer Vehicle / China | 2020 / "The PCL-171 complements existing mobile fire support solutions for China with its 6x6 wheeled arrangement and 122mm howitzer weapon." · 120 kph · Road Speed
Single sourceMaximum; NORINCO PCL-171 · Power & Performance · Road Speed · Road Speed · 120 kph · Road Speed
Single sourceMaximum; PCL-171
Single sourceMaximum; Speed
Single source120 km/h (75 mph)[source]
120 km/h（75 mph）[source]PCL-171
75 mph 120 kph[source]NORINCO PCL-171 · Power & Performance · Road Speed
75 mph 120 kph[source]NORINCO PCL-171 / 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer Vehicle / China | 2020 / "The PCL-171 complements existing mobile fire support solutions for China with its 6x6 wheeled arrangement and 122mm howitzer weapon."
120 km/h（75 mph）[source]PCL-171
120 km/h（75 mph）[source]PCL-171
120 km/h（75 mph）[source]PCL-171
120 km/h（75 mph）[source]PCL-171
120 km/h（75 mph）
Effective; M109A6 Paladin · Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin · Excalibur
Single sourceEffective; M109A6 Paladin · Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin · HE
Single sourceEffective; M109A6 Paladin · Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin · RAP
Single sourceM109A6 Paladin · On road
Single sourceM109A6 Paladin · with rocket assisted projectiles
Single sourceM109A6 Paladin · with unassisted projectiles
Single sourceHE: 21 km (13 mi) RAP : 30 km (19 mi) Excalibur : 40 km (25 mi)[source]Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin
22/30 (km)[source]M109A6 Paladin · High Explosive / Rocket Assisted Projectile
22/30 (km)[source]M109A6 Paladin · High Explosive / Rocket Assisted Projectile
22 km with unassisted projectiles[source]M109A6 Paladin
30 km with rocket assisted projectiles[source]M109A6 Paladin
350 km on road[source]M109A6 Paladin
Effective; conventional projectile
Single sourceMaximum; extended range projectile
Single sourceM109A6 Paladin · at 2.300 rpm
Single sourceM109A6 Paladin · Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin · Detroit Diesel 8V71T 8-cylinder water-cooled supercharged diesel engine
Single sourceDetroit Diesel 8V71T 8-cylinder water-cooled supercharged diesel engine 440 hp[source]Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin
440 hp at 2.300 rpm[source]M109A6 Paladin
NORINCO PCL-171 / 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer Vehicle / China | 2020 / "The PCL-171 complements existing mobile fire support solutions for China with its 6x6 wheeled arrangement and 122mm howitzer weapon." · 1 x YC6DV1 V6 liquid-cooled supercharged diesel-fueled engine developing and driving conventional 6x6 all-wheeled arrangement
Single sourceNORINCO PCL-171 · Power & Performance · Installed Power · 1 x YC6DV1 V6 liquid-cooled supercharged diesel-fueled engine developing and driving conventional 6x6 all-wheeled arrangement
Single sourceM109A6 Paladin · System · M109A6 Paladin
Single source155 mm[source]M109A6 Paladin · System
Bars compare reported quantities only. A larger figure does not make a system better; configurations and test conditions differ.
Ammunition storage of 155 mm rounds was increased from 36 to 39.[source]Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin
Developed from 1984, it was adopted in 1990 with original plans to field the weapon in 1991 later slipping to 1992 and finally to 1993. The US Army received the last of 950 Paladins it had ordered in June 1999. Seven further Paladins were ordered for the National Guard in July 2000, with an additional eighteen received in January 2002. In May 2022, the US Army began shipping its M109A6 Paladins for refitting to the M109A7 standard in order to begin the process of modernization.[source]Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin
| — |
| Main armament | M284 155 mm 39 caliber[source]Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin | 122 mm howitzer gun[source] |
|---|
| Transmission | Allison Transmission XTG-411-4[source]Only the source-declared variant M109A6 Paladin Allison XTG-411-4A[source]M109A6 Paladin 4 forward, 2 reverse[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Country of origin | United States[source]Inventory Origin column; table 3, row 3, cell 5; revision 1377059256 United States[source]M109A6 Paladin United States[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Source measurement | M109A6 Paladin[source]M109A6 Paladin · System Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)[source]M109A6 Paladin · System 4[source]M109A6 Paladin · System · units: ea INA[source]M109A6 Paladin · System According to United Defense, the Paladin can move from road march to firing status in one minute. Response time while in firing position is less than 30 seconds. These reaction times give Paladin a true "shoot-and-scoot" capability. The Paladin's travel lock, a front-mounted bracket that steadies the long barrel during vehicle movement, has been modified to enable remote operation.[source]M109A6 Paladin · System The Paladin consists of 1,900 parts. Major components include a low-heat rejection engine from Detroit Diesel; Honeywell navigation/positioning system; and an Alliant Techsystems automatic fire-control system (AFCS).[source]M109A6 Paladin · System 6.81 m[source]M109A6 Paladin · Dimensions 9.68 m[source]M109A6 Paladin · Dimensions 3.24 m[source]M109A6 Paladin · Dimensions 3.92 m[source]M109A6 Paladin · Dimensions 3.62 m[source]M109A6 Paladin · Dimensions 3.27 m[source]M109A6 Paladin · Dimensions 0.95 kg/cm sq[source]M109A6 Paladin · Dimensions 3.96 m[source]M109A6 Paladin · Dimensions 1 x DDC 8V-71T[source]M109A6 Paladin · Automotive V-8 diesel[source]M109A6 Paladin · Automotive 440 hp[source]M109A6 Paladin · Automotive · units: hp 15.25 hp/metric ton[source]M109A6 Paladin · Automotive Allison ATD-XTG 411-2A (A3) or 411-4 with quick disconnect powershift crossdrive, 4 forward and 2 reverse gears[source]M109A6 Paladin · Automotive 503 liters[source]M109A6 Paladin · Automotive 344[source]M109A6 Paladin · Automotive · units: km 64[source]M109A6 Paladin · Automotive · units: km/h INA[source]M109A6 Paladin · Automotive Not Amphibious[source]M109A6 Paladin · Automotive 30[source]M109A6 Paladin · Automotive · units: % 60[source]M109A6 Paladin · Automotive · units: % 0.53[source]M109A6 Paladin · Automotive · units: m 1.83[source]M109A6 Paladin · Automotive · units: m 1.07[source]M109A6 Paladin · Automotive · units: m Torsion bar, 7 road wheels, front drive, rear idler, no return rollers (all models except PIM). An upgraded suspension has longer torsion bars and hydro pneumatic bump stops to handle the greater vehicle weight.[source]M109A6 Paladin · Automotive The M109A5 offers upgraded components providing greater durability. It has a higher horsepower low heat rejection (LHR) engine and an improved transmission for increased performance.[source]M109A6 Paladin · Automotive The elevation/equilibrium cylinder and turret traverse clutch assembly are redesigned to prevent failures.[source]M109A6 Paladin · Main Gun Alliant Techsystems automatic fire-control system (AFCS).[source]M109A6 Paladin · Fire Control Yes, The AFCS has a ballistic computer/weapon controller, power conditioner and an inertial reference navigation systems/dynamic reference unit based on the modular azimuth positioning system (MAPS) using ring laser gyro on-board land navigation. The AFCS permits 0.6 mi. (1 km) separation between vehicles, improving gun battery survivability.[source]M109A6 Paladin · Fire Control INA[source]M109A6 Paladin · Fire Control INA[source]M109A6 Paladin · Fire Control Yes[source]M109A6 Paladin · Fire Control Yes[source]M109A6 Paladin · Fire Control It has an all weather ballistic shield mounted over the panoramic telescope; counterbalanced travel lock and provisions for mounting the M140 alignment device.[source]M109A6 Paladin · Fire Control 5083 aluminum with composite spall liners and supplemental armor.[source]M109A6 Paladin · Protection The turret is fitted with Kevlar anti-spall lining[source]M109A6 Paladin · Protection DuPont Kevlar armor has been added to the Paladin, forming an inner lining of the cab, roof and crew compartment sides. Rolled homogeneous steel armor is fitted over the driver's compartment and on the rear of the bustle.[source]M109A6 Paladin · Protection INA[source]M109A6 Paladin · Protection INA[source]M109A6 Paladin · Protection INA[source]M109A6 Paladin · Protection INA[source]M109A6 Paladin · Protection MCS system[source]M109A6 Paladin · Protection No[source]M109A6 Paladin · Protection Automatic. Improved protection also includes the segmentation of hydraulic lines and the use of a Halon fire-suppression system. The hydraulic system, which is distributed in the A3, has been centralized in the Paladin. The Halon system is intended to snuff out internal fires in less than 0.25 sec. In addition, a microclimate cooling system has been added to improve the working environment and protect against the effects of nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) warfare. Projectile stowage has been placed lower in the hull to reduce threat of secondary explosions from counter-battery fires.[source]M109A6 Paladin · Protection | The PCL-171 is an assault-vehicle-mounted, 122 mm self-propelled howitzer used by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Ground Force . The designation "PCL" is an acronym derived from pinyin ( Chinese : 炮车榴弹炮 ; pinyin : Pào Chē Liúdànpào ; lit. 'Gun Vehicle Howitzer').[source]PCL-171 · Lead; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage It was designed as an even more mobile and lightweight platform to complement the PCL-161 , which is based on a larger truck chassis but also equipped with a 122 mm howitzer.[source]PCL-171 · Development; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The howitzer has a maximum firing range of 18–22 km (11–14 mi) with conventional ammunition and up to 27–40 km (17–25 mi) with extended range ammunition. Each vehicle can carry 28 rounds of 122 mm rounds, for a total of 168 rounds of rounds for a battery of 6 guns.[source]PCL-171 · Design / Gun; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Up to 28 projectiles are carried on the truck itself, reducing the need for an accompanying ammunition carrier.[source]NORINCO PCL-171 · Carried projectiles Utilizing conventional loads, the gun can reach out to target areas some 14 miles away. Extended Range projectiles give it a reach out to 25 miles otherwise.[source]NORINCO PCL-171 · Gun firing ranges by projectile |
|---|
| Manufacturer | developed by the ground system division of United Defense LP (now BAE Systems Land and Armaments) and manufactured at the Paladin Production Operation centre at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.[source]M109A6 Paladin · System | China NORth INdustries COrporation (NORINCO)[source]NORINCO PCL-171 · complete artillery vehicle contractor |
|---|
| Chassis | The M108 and M109 shared a common chassis (along with the M113 APC), but the M109 was heavier and had a larger gun. The M108 proved unsuccessful, mainly due to its overly light gun.[source]M109A6 Paladin · System | — |
|---|
| Type | Self-propelled howitzer[source]M109A6 Paladin 155mm M284 L/39 howitzer[source]M109A6 Paladin 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun[source]M109A6 Paladin | Self-propelled howitzer[source] |
|---|
| Mount | M182A1 mount[source]M109A6 Paladin Pintle mount on turret roof[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Ammunition | 39 rounds[source]M109A6 Paladin 500 rounds, 100 ready to fire[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Elevation | -3° to +75°, manual and hydraulic[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Elevation rate | 7°/s[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Traverse | 360°, manual and hydraulic[source]M109A6 Paladin 360°, manual[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Traverse rate | 11°/s[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Stabilizer | No[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Chassis type | Tracked chassis, 7 roadhweels[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Layout | Drive sprocket front, idler rear[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Tread | 2.77 m[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Track width | 0.38 m[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Length on ground | 3.96 m[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Ground pressure | 0.83 kg/cm²[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Suspension | Torsion bar[source]M109A6 Paladin | hydropneumatic suspension[source] |
|---|
| Engine model | Detroit Diesel 8V71T LHR[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Engine type | Water-cooled supercharged V8 diesel[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Fuel | 503 L[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Turn radius | Pivot[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Power to weight ratio | 15.3 hp/t[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Ground clearance | 0.43 m[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Wall | 0.5 m[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Trench | 1.8 m[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Gradient | 60 %[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Slope | 30 %[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Fording | 1.1 m unprepared[source]M109A6 Paladin Amphibious with preparation and flotation devices[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Armor type | Aluminum hull and turret[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Armor thickness | 32 mm hull all around[source]M109A6 Paladin 32 mm turret all around[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| NBC system | Yes[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Smoke system | No[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Night vision | Yes[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
|---|
| Fire control | M117A2 panoramic telescope for indirect fire[source]M109A6 Paladin M118C for direct fire, 4x magnification with 10° field of view[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
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| Radio | Yes[source]M109A6 Paladin | — |
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| Place of origin | — | China[source] |
|---|
| In service | — | 2020–present[source] |
|---|
| Used by | — | People's Liberation Army[source] |
|---|
| Shell | — | 122 mm (4.8 in)[source] |
|---|
| Breech | — | Semi-automatic vertical wedge type breech block[source] |
|---|
| Role | — | assault-vehicle-mounted, 122 mm self-propelled howitzer[source] |
|---|
| O/A Length | — | 22.1 ft 6.75 meters[source]NORINCO PCL-171 · Structure · O/A Length 22.1 ft 6.75 meters[source]NORINCO PCL-171 / 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer Vehicle / China | 2020 / "The PCL-171 complements existing mobile fire support solutions for China with its 6x6 wheeled arrangement and 122mm howitzer weapon." |
|---|
| O/A Width | — | 7.1 ft 2.15 meters[source]NORINCO PCL-171 · Structure · O/A Width 7.1 ft 2.15 meters[source]NORINCO PCL-171 / 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer Vehicle / China | 2020 / "The PCL-171 complements existing mobile fire support solutions for China with its 6x6 wheeled arrangement and 122mm howitzer weapon." |
|---|
| O/A Height | — | 7.8 ft 2.38 meters[source]NORINCO PCL-171 · Structure · O/A Height 7.8 ft 2.38 meters[source]NORINCO PCL-171 / 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer Vehicle / China | 2020 / "The PCL-171 complements existing mobile fire support solutions for China with its 6x6 wheeled arrangement and 122mm howitzer weapon." |
|---|
| Rate of fire | — | 6-8 coups/min[source] |
|---|
| Reported operators | — |
|---|
NORINCO PCL-171 / 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer Vehicle / China | 2020 / "The PCL-171 complements existing mobile fire support solutions for China with its 6x6 wheeled arrangement and 122mm howitzer weapon." · Weight
Single sourceNORINCO PCL-171 · Structure · Weight · | 12.1 tons
Single sourceNORINCO PCL-171 · Structure · Weight · Weight
Single source11 t (11 long tons; 12 short tons)[source]
24,251 lb 11,000 kg | 12.1 tons[source]NORINCO PCL-171 · Structure · Weight
24,251 lb 11,000 kg | 12.1 tons[source]NORINCO PCL-171 / 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer Vehicle / China | 2020 / "The PCL-171 complements existing mobile fire support solutions for China with its 6x6 wheeled arrangement and 122mm howitzer weapon."
11,5 t[source]
11 t[source]
NORINCO PCL-171 · own Military Factory technical entry · explicit manned-crew card; not PCL-161 or PCL-181
Single sourceNORINCO PCL-171 · Structure · Crew · MANNED
Single source4 (MANNED)[source]NORINCO PCL-171 · Structure · Crew
4 (MANNED)[source]NORINCO PCL-171 / 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer Vehicle / China | 2020 / "The PCL-171 complements existing mobile fire support solutions for China with its 6x6 wheeled arrangement and 122mm howitzer weapon."
4[source]NORINCO PCL-171 · own Military Factory technical entry · explicit manned-crew card; not PCL-161 or PCL-181
90 km/h[source]
120 km/h（75 mph）[source]PCL-171
120 km/h（75 mph）[source]PCL-171
NORINCO PCL-171 / 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer Vehicle / China | 2020 / "The PCL-171 complements existing mobile fire support solutions for China with its 6x6 wheeled arrangement and 122mm howitzer weapon." · Range
Single sourceNORINCO PCL-171 · Power & Performance · Range · Range · source measurement 1
Single sourceNORINCO PCL-171 · Power & Performance · Range · Range · source measurement 2
Single sourceOperational; Operational range
Single sourceRange
Single source18–22 km (11–14 mi) (conventional projectile)[source]
27–40 km (17–25 mi) (extended range projectile)[source]
700 km (430 mi)[source]
435 miles 700 km[source]NORINCO PCL-171 · Power & Performance · Range
435 miles 700 km[source]NORINCO PCL-171 / 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer Vehicle / China | 2020 / "The PCL-171 complements existing mobile fire support solutions for China with its 6x6 wheeled arrangement and 122mm howitzer weapon."
Запас хода, км 700 км[source]PCL-171
Максимальная дальность, м 27-40 км (с дальнобойными снарядами)[source]PCL-171
600 km[source]
YC6DV1 V-type six-cylinder water-cooled supercharged inter-cooled diesel engine
Single sourceYC6DV1 V-type six-cylinder water-cooled supercharged inter-cooled diesel engine 295 hp (220 kW)[source]
1 x YC6DV1 V6 liquid-cooled supercharged diesel-fueled engine developing 295 horsepower and driving conventional 6x6 all-wheeled arrangement.[source]NORINCO PCL-171 · Power & Performance · Installed Power
1 x YC6DV1 V6 liquid-cooled supercharged diesel-fueled engine developing 295 horsepower and driving conventional 6x6 all-wheeled arrangement.[source]NORINCO PCL-171 / 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer Vehicle / China | 2020 / "The PCL-171 complements existing mobile fire support solutions for China with its 6x6 wheeled arrangement and 122mm howitzer weapon."