Department of the Army's Program To Modify 155-mm. M109 Self-Propelled Howitzers to an M109A5 Configuration
NSIAD-84-60
Published: Mar 26, 1984. Publicly Released: Mar 26, 1984.
Skip to Highlights
Highlights
GAO reviewed the Army's program for modifying some of its self-propelled howitzers, a program estimated to cost $1.5 billion.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Army, during full-scale development, to perform an analysis that would determine whether it is cost-effective to modify the number of M109 howitzers that will continue to operate alongside the vulnerable M548 ammunition supply vehicles. |
Closed – Implemented
The Department of Defense (DOD) conducted such an analysis and concluded that those howitzers to be deployed in Europe will work with improved support vehicles, while the remaining howitzers will be deployed in the United States, and could continue to work with the M548 vehicle.
|
| Department of Defense | If it is not cost-effective to modify the number of howitzers that will continue to operate alongside the vulnerable ammunition supply vehicles, the Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Army, during full-scale development, to consider the option of modifying a lesser number of howitzers than the 1,500 now in the program, and apply the savings toward the procurement of additional, more survivable, M992 vehicles, if affordability considerations continue to limit the funds available for both programs. |
Closed – Implemented
According to DOD analyses, the lesser number of support vehicles will be sufficient to support the howitzers in Europe. The remaining howitzers can work with the M548, since they will operate in the United States.
|
| Department of the Army | If the decision is to continue into full-scale development, before contracting for modification of a large number of howitzers, the Secretary of the Army should ensure that the tests in the next acquisition phase adequately demonstrate that the selected cannon replacement will achieve the Army's availability goal and the added weight resulting from the modifications will not materially degrade the howitzer's mobility. |
Closed – Implemented
DOD decided to pursue in parallel a low-technology improvement program, and an advanced-technology program to reduce risk. DOD also decided to modify the howitzer suspension to accomodate a heavier vehicle without loss of mobility. The program schedule now calls for completion of test and evaluation before entering production.
|
Full Report
Office of Public Affairs
Topics
Army procurementCost analysisLogisticsNational defense operationsTestingWeapons systemsArmored vehiclesMilitary forcesAmmunitionProcurement