Resevoir Hogs
02-01-2006, 09:37 AM
From the Canadian Army Official Website
SHILO, Manitoba — To support an increased mission in Afghanistan, artillery units will be deploying with a new howitzer. Last month, A Battery, 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (1 RCHA), positioned four of the new M777s behind the officers' mess for a ceremonial first shoot. The senior gun in the corps artillery fired the first round.
This detachment, commanded by Sergeant Paul Dolomont, is the same that fired the last round from an M109 before it was removed from service in 2005.
"It sent a proud chill up my back, it's the start of a new era. This gun gives us the mobility that we'll need in the terrain of Afghanistan and a big punch on the ground," said Sgt Dolomont after the shoot.
The key features of the M777 include:
large calibre;
lightweight;
range and accuracy;
air portability; and
ability to fire conventional and precision munitions.
Major Bruno Di Ilio, Project Director of the lightweight 155 mm towed howitzer system describes the M777 as "the best lightweight towed howitzer in the world."
The ability to fire precision munitions is a valuable asset with the Triple 7, especially where an action may occur in built-up areas.
"It allows us to deliver rounds on a target and minimizes the possibility of collateral damage to property or population that may be near the target area," said Maj Di Ilio.
In 2006, Brigadier-General David Fraser, commander of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, will command the multinational brigade in Regional Command South, in Afghanistan.
"This gun system is going to be very important to us in helping to support the Afghan National Army, who we'll be helping to train and conduct operations with," said BGen Fraser.
This new system will be deployed to a combat environment for the first time with Canadian soldiers.
Article and photos by Master Corporal Dennis Power
http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/Images/6_1/2006_12_27_M777_M.jpg
We are very fortunate to now have this in inventory. Top of the line kit, this is, and hopefully the beginning of a whole set of new capabilities.
SHILO, Manitoba — To support an increased mission in Afghanistan, artillery units will be deploying with a new howitzer. Last month, A Battery, 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (1 RCHA), positioned four of the new M777s behind the officers' mess for a ceremonial first shoot. The senior gun in the corps artillery fired the first round.
This detachment, commanded by Sergeant Paul Dolomont, is the same that fired the last round from an M109 before it was removed from service in 2005.
"It sent a proud chill up my back, it's the start of a new era. This gun gives us the mobility that we'll need in the terrain of Afghanistan and a big punch on the ground," said Sgt Dolomont after the shoot.
The key features of the M777 include:
large calibre;
lightweight;
range and accuracy;
air portability; and
ability to fire conventional and precision munitions.
Major Bruno Di Ilio, Project Director of the lightweight 155 mm towed howitzer system describes the M777 as "the best lightweight towed howitzer in the world."
The ability to fire precision munitions is a valuable asset with the Triple 7, especially where an action may occur in built-up areas.
"It allows us to deliver rounds on a target and minimizes the possibility of collateral damage to property or population that may be near the target area," said Maj Di Ilio.
In 2006, Brigadier-General David Fraser, commander of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, will command the multinational brigade in Regional Command South, in Afghanistan.
"This gun system is going to be very important to us in helping to support the Afghan National Army, who we'll be helping to train and conduct operations with," said BGen Fraser.
This new system will be deployed to a combat environment for the first time with Canadian soldiers.
Article and photos by Master Corporal Dennis Power
http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/Images/6_1/2006_12_27_M777_M.jpg
We are very fortunate to now have this in inventory. Top of the line kit, this is, and hopefully the beginning of a whole set of new capabilities.