Chapter 7. TRANSPORT OF ONE OR TWO M109-SERIES SELF-PROPELLED HOWITZERS

TM 55-2220-058-14

CHAPTER 7

TRANSPORT OF ONE OR TWO M109-SERIES SELF-PROPELLED HOWITZERS

7-1. Scope

This chapter provides guidance for transport of one or two M109-series self-propelled howitzers on the 140-ton

flatcar and prescribes the loading and tiedown procedures. The-tiedown and lift provisions for the M109,

M109A1, and M109A2 are the same. For purpose of illustration, the M109A1 is shown in this manual.

7-2. General

The M109-series howitzers are full-tracked vehicles. They are 128 inches (3.25 m) wide and 114 inches (2.90

m) high with the machinegun removed. The M109 weighs 44,437 pounds (20157 kg), the M109A1 weighs

49,048 pounds (22248 kg), and the M109A2 weighs 47,960 pounds (21755 kg).

When the howitzer is loaded on the flatcar, its tracks extend about one-half inch beyond each side of the car.

The M109-series howitzers can be transported without major disassembly.

7-3. Loading M109-Series Self-Propelled Howitzers

NOTE

Throughout the remainder of this chapter, the M109-series self-propelled howitzers will

be referred to as "the M109" or "the howitzer." Instructions and procedures apply to the

M109, M109A1, and M109A2.

a. A single M109 can be loaded onto the flatcar either by being driven onto the car over an endloading

ramp or by being lifted onto the car with a crane or cranes of at least 25-ton capacity. The M109 must be

centered on the car, with about equal overhang of its tracks on both sides of the car. The M109 must be

positioned so that the white mark at the center of the flatcar side is lined up with the center of the hub of the

fourth roadwheel of the M109. The chain tiedown arrangement for a single M109 is shown in figure 71. The bill

of materials required to secure one M109 on the flatcar is provided in table 7-1. The application of materials

and chain tiedowns for a single M109 is explained in table 7-2.

7-1