ForeArt – 2002 – M109A7 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer

Description:

Unassembled plastic model kit in 1/72 scale of a U.S. M109 self propelled artillery gun introduced in the early 60s, in its latest upgrade version, M109A7, which uses a completely new chassis and drive train, and a turret similar to the A6 upgraded variant. Chassis and drive train are shared with the Bradley family.

The latest iteration of the M109 for U.S. service is the M109A7, previously identified as the M109A6 Paladin Integrated Management (PIM). The M109A7 shares key chassis components with the Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV), including the engine, transmission, and tracks. This strategic alignment with the BFV ensures system commonality, resulting in substantial cost savings across production, parts inventory, and maintenance personnel. Leveraging technologies initially developed for the XM1203 Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon, the M109A7 incorporates onboard power systems.

The electric drive system surpasses the speed of the prior hydraulic system, while the automatic rammer consistently primes the round into the gun, ensuring uniform velocities and enhanced accuracy. Boasting a 600-volt onboard power system, the M109A7 is designed to accommodate additional armor and future networking technologies as they become available. With a sustained rate of fire of one round per minute and a maximum rate of fire of four rounds per minute, the M109A7 weighs 78,000 lb (35,000 kg), which is 10,000 lb (4,500 kg) heavier than its predecessor. It has the potential to grow in weight capacity to 110,000 lb (50,000 kg). Despite the increased weight, the M109A7 exhibits improved mobility, traveling at a faster speed than previous versions at 38 mph (61 km/h), and surpassing the maneuverability of a BFV

Newly tooled kit in 2023. Kit is a multimedia kit, including plastic parts, metal barrel (aluminium), PE (photo-etched) parts (brass) and 3D printed parts.

All the hatches/doors can be build open or close, there is also option for two different options for commander’s weapon. PE parts do not need to be bend, but you need to use them, they aren’t detail parts but required to build the model.

Decal sheet include 3 U.S. markings.