M777 Howitzer reset program paves the way for organic Army support
NewsJune 04, 2012
Alice Moss
Military Embedded Systems
With the Anniston Army Depot-housed M777 Howitzer reset program underway, the U.S. Army is headed toward organic, rather than contractor, support of the artillery system reset.
The Anniston Army Depot, with the aid of M777 creator BAE Systems, is making progress on an M777 medium, towed Howitzer reset program that began a couple months ago and comprises two systems' resets, according to the U.S. Army website.
BAE Systems mechanics have made the depot their second home for the time being, coaching Anniston Army Depot employees on how to reset the M777, an M198 replacement. However, BAE Systems’ mechanics aren’t performing any “touch labor”; the literally hands-off training technique is so that Anniston Army Depot personnel can effectively learn M777 Howitzer overhaul procedures, requiring titanium-welding capability specific to the M777. (The titanium lends itself well to weight reduction while not stifling the effectiveness of the weapons, according to the Army.)
The impetus of the training is so that the Army can move to M777 organic support, rather than having contractors perform support. The transition has begun rolling forth with this direct sales contract, which has Anniston Army Depot as BAE’s subcontractor. Eventually, M777 reset operations will shift entirely to the depot from the company’s Hattiesburg, MS, location.
Meanwhile, the M777 hydraulic system and recoil system require rebuilding on every Howitzer, but the remainder of the artillery system is only repaired when needed.
