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The Ultralightweight Field Howitzer (UFH), designated XM777 in the USA, was selected in 1997 by a joint US Army/Marine Corps initiative to replace the existing inventory of M198 155 mm towed howitzers. The first EMD system was delivered in June 2000. The US Marine Corps is expected to procure 413 systems and the US Army 273 systems. Production will begin in 2003. The British Army is also expected to order 65 systems and the Italian Army 70 systems.
The XM777 has been developed by BAE Systems RO Defence (formerly the Armaments Group of Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd) at Barrow-in-Furness. BAE is delivering eight units for the EMD (engineering and manufacturing development) phase. United Defense LP of Pascagoula, Mississipi will be responsible for final assembly, test and delivery of production systems for the US. The XM777 is normally operated by a crew of eight men but can be operated with a reduced detachment of five. ARMAMENT The XM777 matches the firepower of current generation 155 mm towed systems for less than half the weight. The Howitzer is equipped with a 39 calibre barrel. The muzzle velocity (at Charge 8 super) is 827 metres per second. The maximum firing range is 24.7 km with unassisted rounds and 30 km with rocket-assisted rounds. The XM777 is able to deliver up to 5 rounds per minute under intense firing conditions and is able to provide a sustained rate of fire of 2 rounds per minute. FIRE CONTROL The XM777 employs an optical sighting system for direct and indirect firing by day or night. The howitzer is compatible with digital fire control systems. General Dynamics Armament Systems has been selected by the US Army to develop a towed artillery digitisation (TAD) system for the XM777. The TAD digital fire control system will provide onboard ballistic computation, navigation, pointing and self-location, providing greater accuracy and faster reaction times. The TAD program will also include a laser ignition system, electric drives for the howitzer’s traverse and elevation and a powered projectile rammer. The programme is to be completed in 2005 and will also be applied to the US Marine Corps systems. MOBILITY The XM777 has a production weight of 3,745 kg and can be transported by helicopter, transporter aircraft and ship. The howitzer can be towed by an air-braked 4x4 vehicle greater than 2.5 tons. The maximum towed road speed is 88 km per hour and the towed cross-country speed is 50 km per hour. The load on the towing eye is rated at 60 kg. The towing ground clearance is up to 660 mm. |
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  XM777 matches the fire power of current generation 155mm towed systems for less than half the weight. | |
 The maximum firing range is 24.7 km with unassisted rounds and 30 km with assisted rounds. | ||||
 XM777 prior to elevation. | ||||
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