Fort Sill in Comanche County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

U.S. M109A3 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer

Photographed by James Hulse, September 9, 2021

1. U.S. M109A3 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer Marker

Inscription. The M109A2 and A3 were the Army's standard self-propelled howitzers during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Both the M109A2 and A3 were virtually identical with the A2 being a newly manufactured vehicle while the A3 was an upgraded, older vehicle. The M109A3 resulted from a conversion of existing M109A1 vehicles. The conversion was performed at Letterkenny Army Depot, Pennsylvania from 1979 thorough 1984. The upgrade was the Mid-Life Product Improvement Program (PIP) and its recommended improvements were based on the howitzer's first decade of service. A new mount for the more powerful M185 cannon was better suited for recoil forces. Ammunition stowage was increased from 28 to 36 rounds with the addition of a bustle on the rear of the turret. An improved engine, with a better fuel injection system and a turbocharger, was installed. The six-man crew of the M109 fired a variety of 98-pound projectiles, including high explosive, illumination, smoke and rocket assisted, laser-guided and the new Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munition (DPICM). DPICM is a devastating round with numerous sub-munitions (bomblets), which are

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capable of both anti-personel and anti-armor work. M109A2/A3s comprised 50% of the U.S. Army's Field Artillery force of 25 battalions during Operation Desert Storm.

Caliber - 6.1 in. - 155 mm
Weight - 55,000 lbs. - 24,948 kg
Range Standard - 19,690 yds. - 18,000 m
Extended - 23,500 yds. - 23,500 m
Shell Weight - 98 lbs. - 44 kg
Muzzle Velocity - 866 ft/sec. - 364 m/sec.
Elevation (-3 to +75 degrees) - (-53 to +1,333 mils)
Traverse - 360 degrees - 6400 mils
Rate of Fire - 4 rpm - Crew 6
Maximum Speed - 35 mph - 56 kph
Cruising Range - 220 miles - 354 km
Engine - Detroit Diesel Model 8V-71T engine, 420 hp and an Allison cross-drive transmission
CCN# 567698

Erected by U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum. (Marker Number 076.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, 1st Iraq & Desert Storm. A significant historical year for this entry is 1991.

Location. 34° 40.025′ N, 98° 23.231′ W. Marker is in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in Comanche County. It is at the intersection of Corral Road and Randolph Road, on the right when traveling west on Corral Road. The marker is located in the central section of Artillery

The U.S. M109A3 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 9, 2021

2. The U.S. M109A3 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer and Marker

Park at the U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Sill OK 73503, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Kiowa Tribe,

in the Comanche Nation,

and in Southwest Oklahoma—Great Plains Country.

It is also in the American South,

specifically on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Soviet M1974 (2S1) 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (a few steps from this marker); U.S. MGM-31A Pershing II (a few steps from this marker); U.S. M110A2 8-inch Self-Propelled Howitzer (a few steps from this marker); U.S. M198 155mm Howitzer (a few steps from this marker); Chinese Type 83 152mm Field Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); Austrian GHN-45 155mm Field Gun/Howitzer (within shouting distance of this

The side view of the U.S. M109A3 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 9, 2021

3. The side view of the U.S. M109A3 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer and Marker

marker); South African G-5 155mm Field Gun/Howitzer (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. M548 Cargo Carrier (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Sill.

More about this marker. Marker and Museum are located on Fort Sill, an active U.S. military installation. The museum is open to the public, but appropriate identification is required for access for Fort Sill.

Also see . . . U.S. Army Artillery Museum. (Submitted on February 24, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 989 times since then and 101 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 24, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.