The M777 is currently replacing the aging M198 howitzers.
The M777 is designated as an Ultra-lightweight Field Howitzer (UFH). The entire system weights less than 10,000lbs making the M777 the lightest gun of its kind. This kind of engineering has made the M777 extremely adaptable and transportable to the changing battlefield environment.
Rate of fire is reported at five rounds per minute (sustained rate of 2 per minute) and the barrel can sustain a lifespan of 2,650 firings. Rocket Assisted Projectiles (RAP) increase the effective range out to 18.6 miles (30km). The M777A1 features a custom-design digital firing system that uses the latest in positioning and targeting technology. The M777A1 system makes extensive use of titanium in its underlying structures and will be set to fire the new Excaliber precision projectile. The M777A1 has begun replacing the current generation of M198 howitzers in the US Army and US Marines inventory. The system was fielded in 2006.
