M777 Howitzer

Manufacturer: BAE Systems
Category: Tanks & Armored Vehicles
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Main Gun Caliber 155mm 39-caliber
Engine Power None (Towed System)
Maximum Speed Depends on towing vehicle
Armor Type No armored protection

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Vehicle Name	M777 Howitzer
Type / Role	Lightweight Towed Artillery
Manufacturer	BAE Systems
Country of Origin	United Kingdom / United States
In Service	Yes
Year Introduced	2005
Unit Cost	USD 3.5 to 4.5 million
Crew	7 to 8 personnel

2. Dimensions & Weight

Length (Gun Forward)	10.7 m
Width	2.8 m
Height	2.26 m
Weight	4.2 tons
Ground Clearance	Approx. 0.4 m
Chassis Material	Titanium Alloy and Aluminum

3. Performance

Engine Type	None
Engine Power	None
Power-to-Weight Ratio	N/A
Transmission	N/A
Maximum Speed (Road)	Depends on towing vehicle
Maximum Speed (Off-Road)	Depends on towing vehicle
Operational Range	24 km standard, 40 km assisted
Suspension Type	Towed Split-Trail Carriage

4. Armament

Main Gun	155mm 39-caliber Howitzer
Ammunition Capacity	External Supply
Secondary Armament	None
Gun Elevation/Depression	+71.7° / -3°
Fire Control System	Digital Fire Control System
Stabilization	Hydraulic Recoil System
Rate of Fire	2 to 5 rounds per minute

5. Protection & Armor

Armor Type	None
Reactive Armor	No
Active Protection System (APS)	No
NBC Protection	Limited Crew Equipment
Smoke Grenade Launchers	No
Fire Suppression System	No
Mine Protection	No

6. Mobility & Capability

Maximum Gradient	Tow Vehicle Dependent
Side Slope	Tow Vehicle Dependent
Trench Crossing	N/A
Vertical Obstacle	N/A
Fording Depth	Tow Vehicle Dependent
Turning Radius	Tow Vehicle Dependent
Amphibious Capability	No

7. Sensors & Electronics

Fire Control Computer	Yes
Thermal Imaging	Optional External Systems
Night Vision	Yes
Laser Rangefinder	External Observer Support
Ballistic Computer	Yes
Communication System	Secure Tactical Radio
Battlefield Management System	Compatible

8. Operational Info

Service Branch	U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps
Primary Operator	USA, Australia, India, Canada, Ukraine
Combat Experience	Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine
Upgrade Packages	Digital Fire Control Upgrades
Export Status	Active Export
Production Status	Active

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

7.8

Maintenance Efficiency 7 / 10
Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Lightweight compared to traditional 155mm artillery systems
Compatible with precision-guided Excalibur rounds
High battlefield mobility and air transportability
Long operational firing range
Proven combat performance in multiple conflicts

CONS

Requires towing vehicle for movement
Limited armor protection for crew
Slower relocation than self-propelled artillery
Vulnerable during deployment and setup
High maintenance costs for advanced fire systems

M777 Howitzer: Lightweight Long-Range Firepower

The M777 Howitzer is one of the most advanced lightweight towed artillery systems in service today. Designed to provide rapid, accurate, and long-range fire support, the M777 has become a core artillery platform for the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and allied nations. Built with extensive titanium components, the system combines reduced weight with high battlefield mobility, allowing transport by helicopter, cargo aircraft, or tactical vehicles.

Combat-tested in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, the M777 is valued for its precision strike capability and compatibility with guided munitions such as the M982 Excalibur precision artillery round.

Manufacturer

The M777 was originally developed by BAE Systems, with major production and integration work performed in the United States. It entered operational service in the mid-2000s as a replacement for older M198 howitzers.

Speed and Range

The M777 has no onboard engine because it is a towed artillery platform. It can be rapidly deployed by trucks, helicopters such as the CH-47 Chinook, or cargo aircraft.

The artillery system fires standard 155mm rounds to ranges of approximately 24 km, while rocket-assisted projectiles can reach up to 40 km. With Excalibur GPS-guided ammunition, the M777 can strike targets with high precision at long distances.

Cost / Price

The estimated unit cost of the M777 Howitzer is between USD 3.5 million and USD 4.5 million, depending on configuration, support systems, and ammunition packages.

Reviews

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