The U.S. Army is currently designing prototypes of the new larger-caliber extended-range cannon artillery (ERCA), the modified M777A2 mobile howitzer, which is rifled and mounted for gravity modifications to the weapon. This is to fill the current gaps in artillery capabilities.
The Next-Generation Howitzer weapon System provides the Army with a capability beyond that of the Paladin self-propelled howitzers, while this development also provides open architecture for the new system that allows future development of both guns and projectiles.
The new 155mm self-propelled howitzer will also provide field systems capable of accurately firing against targets at a distance of more than 70 kilometers, an increase in the rate of fire, an increase in the kill rate, increased reliability and greater survivability.
