155 mm M549 HERA | |
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![]() Color-coded section view of a rocket-assisted projectile ammunition round | |
Type | Rocket-assisted projectile |
Place of origin | United States |
Service history | |
In service | 1970–present |
Production history | |
Designed | 1960s |
Manufacturer | General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems |
Specifications | |
Mass | 96 lb (43.6 kg) |
Length |
|
Diameter | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
Muzzle velocity | 2,710 ft/s (826 m/s) |
Maximum firing range | 18.7 mi (30.1 km)[note 1] |
Filling | |
Filling weight |
|
References | Janes[1] |
The M549 is a high-explosive rocket-assisted (HERA) 155 mm howitzer round developed for use by the US military in order to add additional range to standard howitzers, with a maximum range 30.1 km (18.7 mi) from a M198 howitzer. The projectile has two distinctive pre-assembled components—the high-explosive (HE) warhead and the rocket motor, making it a form of rocket-assisted projectile. The warhead is fabricated from high-fragmentation steel for increased effectiveness in terms of damage caused to target and contains a bulk-filled explosive (either TNT or Composition B).
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