The M777 howitzer was designed and manufactured by the American division of the British concern BAE Systems. The gun was developed as an ultralight field howitzer using titanium components. Therefore, the M777 is 41% lighter than the previous M198 model and can be easily transported by helicopter.

The M777 uses a digital fire control system, which, in addition to increasing the accuracy of conventional projectiles, allows the use of guided high-precision shells M982 Excalibur. Excaliburs has an inertial and GPS guidance system and can even be used on targets near allied units or civilian objects.

The howitzer entered service in 2005 and has since received two upgrades for fire control, navigation, software and communications. The M777 is used by the armies of Australia, Canada, India, Saudi Arabia and Colombia. But most systems – more than 1,000 howitzers – are in service with the US Army and Marine Corps. All upgraded to M777A2.

M777 can “charge” enemies up to 37 km, and with the use of M982 Excalibur shells – up to 40 km. A record-breaking M777 shot was fired by the US Marine Corps during the war in Afghanistan, hitting targets at a distance of 36 km.

Given the importance of long-range artillery in modern warfare, and especially in the Russo-Ukrainian war, even the latest 18 digital howitzer M777 would be a very good gift for the artillery of the Armed Forces.

Specifications

• Weight – 4200 kg
• Length 9.5-10.7 m (transport, combat position)
• Length of a trunk – 5.08 m
• Calculation – 8 people (minimum – 5 people)
• Caliber – 155 mm
• Bullets – M107, M795, ERFB, M982
• Elevation angle of the trunk – from 0 ° to +71.7 °
• Rate of fire – 2 shots / min (normal), 7 shots / min (maximum)
• Initial speed 827 m / s
• Effective firing range – 24-40 km (depending on the projectile)

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