M108/M109 Self-Propelled Howitzer Walk Around SS5721

In the early 1960s, the M108/109 ushered in the era of fully enclosed self-propelled artillery, transitioning from open-topped designs. Initially developed simultaneously, the M108 and M109 gained 'standard' classification in July 1963. However, production of the M108 ceased shortly after, as its 105mm gun proved less effective than the M109's 155mm cannon. Both vehicles saw action in Vietnam. In 1972, the M109s were upgraded with longer barrels, resulting in the M109A1. Over the years, various modifications were introduced, culminating in the mid-1980s with the M109A4, featuring nuclear, chemical, and biological protection. In 1990, the M109A6 'Paladin' was unveiled, boasting an enlarged turret, improved armor, increased ammunition stowage, NBC protection, and a microclimate for the crew, enabling it to go from road march to precise firing in under a minute.