Field Artillery Today
a primer by Maj. Robert Grant, UCAS Army, United Canadian American States Field Artillery School (UCASFAS), reprinted with permission.

Saint Barbara, patron Saint of the Field Artillery1
  Field Artillery (FA) today has changed since the late 1990s. Systems such as the Battletac FDDM, neural implants, as well as improved targeting capabilities have improved accuracy, response time to a considerable degree. The use of the Matrix has allowed field commanders to control a front larger than was considered in the USA's DAWE (Division Advanced Warfighter Exercise) conducted in late 1997. During that time, the size of the front was considered to be 70 km. Now that area is now 120 kilometers. Other improvements, such as ammunition, and higher rates of fire have allowed this to happen. 155mm, is the standard for most Western forces, while 152mm is the standard for Russian systems, exported as well. Barrel lengths have stayed the same, allowing the munitions to make the longer ranges possible. In 1998, the maximum range of a 155mm shell with rocket assistance achieved a range of 40 km, 30km for unassisted shells (the US M109A6 being the prime example). Today, in 2058, a maximum range of 40km is possible for unassisted rounds, while rocket assisted rounds achieve a maximum range of 55km for 155mm rounds. Russia, with it's continued use of the 152mm caliber, can achieve a maximum range of 58km with rocket assisted rounds.
  Ammunition
  The ammunition has improved considerably over the decades. Ranges have increased, while weights have been reduced. Composite materials, uncommon for rounds in 1998, are now commonplace for all rounds in use for all calibers. This has reduced the weight for a typical round from 45 kg to about 38 kg, though some rounds are still as heavy as the ones that are being replaced. This not only reduces weight, but it's radar signature is also reduced, preventing counterbattery radars to locate firing units. Lethality has of course improved, with better explosive powder used in the shell. Smart munitions, now have gotten "smarter", allowing a commander to effectively employ them on the battlefield. Costs have been reduced as well, since "firing" a round only amounts to programmer time. Whereas in the past, designers had to live fire the round in order to gauge the effects. Now they use virtual reality to study it's effects. Any variable encountered can easily be added to the test, giving them a feel for what might happen. Manufacturing of the round, save for high explosive rounds, has been more precise, since the components have grown in sophistication, while costs have remained the same, or not more than previous costs. The optical chip has improved timed rounds, where the crewmember of the cannon piece had to make sure that he or she set the fuze right, all is accomplished by computer. The howitzer FCS (Fire Control System) can electronically set the fuze of the round while it is sitting in the breech. HOB (Height Of Burst) adjustments have gotten more finer, but still requires a trained forward observer to get the job done.
  Towed Howitzers
  The howitzer itself has changed over the decades, becoming lighter, more mobile, as well as carrying a larger amount of rounds for self propelled howitzers. Towed howitzers, long thought to be obsolete by the 21st century, have only gotten lighter, as well as more accurate. Once requiring a heavy lift helicopter, the current M78 Light Howitzer (155mm) deployed by the Army and is the mainstay of the Marines. This is normally found in the light units, and is used by other countries worldwide. Other countries, such as the Confederated American States, field the "Custer" Light Field Howitzer (155mm) among all of their units, being thier prime towed howitzer. It is similar to ours, but features a magazine system allowing rapid firing during a mission. We are trying to adapt that to our M78 so we can provide more effective fires on the battlefield. Other countries, such as Aztlan, are only offering generic lightweight systems. Russia, is offering versions for sale, more or less a "refined" version of the (some would say infamous) D-30 122mm howitzer, now offered as the 2A100 "Bear" 152mm howitzer. This has a ballistic computer, as well a sophisticated gun laying system. Other countries, such as Germany and Finland, both noted for their artillery systems in general, with Ruhrmetall producing the best of it's class, the RM40, with a weight (travelling) of 3,410 kg, and a firing weight of 3,500 kg is sold worldwide in large numbers. Patria of Finland, is producing the 155mm/52 P79 towed howitzer, is comparable to the RM40, with the RM40 being slightly cheaper.
  Self Propelled Howitzers
  Self propelled units have also dramatically improved since the fielding of the PzH 2000 and the M2000 Crusader, by Germany and the United States respectively. Advancements including digitized firing controls, as well as an automatic loader, able to select both the types of ammunition, as well as the charge all while in the vehicle. The Russians, developing on thier experience with autoloaders, put out the 2S24 152mm self propelled howitzer (also referred as the M2010). While not as sophisticated as the Crusader or the PzH 2000, the 2S24 proved to be effective in the fire support role, with export sales to China (including license production, known as the Type 101), India, as well Iran before goblinization ripped apart the country. The latest version, the 2S24M3, mounts the efficient Arena IV CIWS system, effectively making the 2S24M3 the first SP howitzer to mount such a system. Now city-states posses the system, using it to deadly effect in thier internicine wars. The Crusader proved it's might during border skirmishes with NAN states, with it earning the nickname "Bringer of Fire". However, the autoloader, along with the 2S24, proved unreliable at times, sometimes jamming and in one extreme case, blew the complete turret off the vehicle. Later, as technology improved, the number of accidents has steadily dropped, making autoloaders standard on all self propelled howitzers. Maneuverability has improved, beginning with the Crusader, the PzH 2000, even the 2S24 has improved capability in staying with maneuver elements. They are now able to keep up with the units they are supporting, further changing doctrine on the battlefield, allowing quicker, more rapid movement. Other countries have followed suit, offering the same for export. Sweden, with it's high technology base (now known of course as the Scandinavian Federation, or ScanFed) developed it's own Strv 208 155mm artillery system for home use, as well as limited export. Using a modified Strv 122 chassis, with two more road wheels, while using a turret similar to the Crusader. This initially caused some problems in the field, in regards to target identification, as people confused it as to be a larger version of the Strv 122. However, as more intelligence came through, it was reclassified to it's proper classification. Aztlan, never to be left out, introduced it's "Jaguar" 155mm self propelled artillery piece. This proved to a solid, well designed piece, easily getting a workout in the contested area of the Yucatan. One of the main differences between the Jaguar is the use of reactive armor to add substantial protection, which has saved the system from countless rebel anti-vehicle missiles. The vehicle mounts two heavy machine guns for effective anti-infantry defense. The UCAS currently uses the M292 Halberd SP Howitzer. It can carry up to 90 rounds, and can fire 3 rounds within 5 seconds, then move to another spot to fire again. The only difference however, is that the Halberd does not mount a turret. It is only restricted to it's frontal arc, but that has not in practice prevented it from becoming one of the best systems out today. It also mounts a turreted heavy machine gun, though it only mounts one. It too uses the Battletac FDDM to make the most out of it's fires.
  Target Acquisition
  FA target acquisition capability has decidedly been one of the changing factors on the battlefield. One of the most key emerging technologies is the use of the Battletac FDDM system, allowing FA units to fire on units previously unseen, and now can use a drone to spot a target, not always relying on a forward observer (FO), since the FO can only see so much. This obviously increases the chance that a target would be neutralized or destroyed, within a shorter period of time. This not only helps commanders on the battlefield, but reduces the time that the firing unit be exposed to counterbattery fire. The ability of the gun to automatically lay and orient saves considerable time, with the system able to adjust in response to firing data being entered. The use of the Matrix and simsense technology gives a commander a "feel" for where the target is, while aiding the same commander to instantly look up targets via a tactical Matrix that most forces (that can afford them) utilize for C4I on the battlefield (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence). With the ability to access satellite data while in the TOC (Tactical Operations Center), commanders can instantly know where they are at any given time. Counterbattery radars, perhaps one of the best assets to FA, has improved, with longer ranges and better acquisition, the switch to 3D radars has even allowed them to perform limited air defense capabilities, but never to replace. The obstacle of course is the finite acquisition, as composite rounds still present a problem. The use of decoys has added to the fray as well. The Ares Q-108 towed counterbattery radar can search up to 50 km while acquire a 155mm shell in trajectory at 40 km, and a 90% accuracy rate. Terrain still limits counterbattery radars, but that is a fact of warfare that cannot change no matter how sophisticated the system.
  Protection
  Protection for vehicles has likewise improved. The modern self propelled artillery piece has full NBC (Nuclear, Bioligical, Chemical) protection with life support for an average of 10 man hours is becoming commonplace. APPS along with crash cages provide the crew protection from crashes and the like. Armor protection has significantly improved, with the lighter armors providing superior protection compared to earlier armors. Reactive armor is now considered an improvement, with Aztlan's Jaguar a prime example. Other improvements, such as fire suppresion systems, have been added. Towed howitzers obviously do not have such protection, only what the soldier wears is his or her protection from the battlefield. Point defense weapons, new on the market for vehicles, has been applied to the Russian 2S24M3, with it mounting the Arena IV system. The UCAS has a system in service, teh M910 CIWS IV system. This is pretty much similar to the ArenaIV only that the M910 is more sophisticated.
  Rockets
  Rocket systems are steadily improving with tube artillery. The ability to deliver anything from bomblets to smart munitions has given rockets flexiblility and range that normal tube artillery can't achieve. Early rockets were the ones developed in early China, to the most modern ones today. Rocket technology reached a plateau of development in the 1980s-90s. Such systems as the BM-21, a 122mm rocket system that could reach 40 km, was the most common deployed by Russia. Later on, the Russians came up with the "Smerch" (Tornado) 300mm rocket launcher system with a range of 90 km. Even the South African Army, developed the highly effective Batelur (Batteler) MRL mounted on a SAMIL 100 truck. This is perhaps one of the most protected of any system, due to the high survivability in regards to mines. It fired 40 122mm rockets that could reach out to 30 km, and with spoiler rings, to a shorter range of 8 km. The US, not to be left behind, introduced the most effective system, the MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System, also colloquailly as the "Grid Square Remover", which it could spread it's munitions over a 1,000m grid square, pretty much either damaging or destroying the targets in that area). This is a tracked system that carried 12 227mm rockets in two "magazines" of six rockets that normally carried submunitions that were dispensed over a wide area. This system was able to reach 30km, and later on, with the M270A1 upgrade, was able to reach 45km. ATACMS offered the best alternative to long range fires, allowing targets to be attacked out to 100km, and able to carry submunitions, as well as the BAT (Brilliant Anti-Tank). This missile gained notoriety in the first Persian Gulf War, with VII Corps Artillery using many to attack Iraqi targets behind the lines. Brazil and other countries, including Spain, all had effective rocket launcher systems that fired a wide variety of warheads. Chemical, HE, incendiary, as well as submunitions to carrying smart munitions. Today, they have only gotten more lethal, with smarter muntions, and more effective explosives. Now rockets can even self guide themselves with GPS transponders, allowing the launcher to "shoot and scoot" and fire at another spot, making counterbattery fire less effective. With the projected CEP (Circular Error of Probability) now down to 5m, accuracy of guided rockets has improved. However, the cost has of course been high, since rockets are fired en masse at targets, being that rockets have given commanders a rapid means of fire support through the decades since their invention. Ares has developed the Rocketmaster, a system mounted on the well-known Roadmaster chassis. It mounts 32 AR-30 rockets, able to deliver HE and other warheads out to 30 kilometers. The AR-50, can deliver the same out to 50 kilometers. The UCAS still uses the old MLRS chassis for it's rocket support, and still fires the 227mm rockets that reach out to 45 km, while ER missiles can reach out to 60 km, though it carries less of a warhead. They also mount them on the CMTV (Common Military Transport Vehicle), a replacement for the FMTV series produced in the late 1990s for the US Army. It also follows the old HIMARS system, allowing airborne forces to have their own integral rocket artillery support. Aztlan has also developed it's own system, the Serpent, which carries 40 140mm rockets on a wheeled chassis, and can reach out to 40 km, and 55 km with an ER rocket. It also can deliver specialized rockets within a moments notice. A lighter version, the Spitting Serpent, is designed around the lines of the HIMARS, though it mounts 20 rockets on a heavily modified Appaloosa chassis. These have both seen action on the Texas/Aztlan border and are known to be reliable. Russia, ever the masters at this art, still employ the 300mm behemoth, though it can fire a wider variety of rounds than before. They also use 130mm rocket systems, mounted on GAZ-679 wheeled chassis. The current 9M55 rocket can reach out to 40 km, and an ER round can reach out to 60 km and can fire a wide variety of rockets.
  C4I
  With all these advancements, command, control, computers, communications, and intelligence (C4I) must remain in effect in order to allow fire support to be effective. The maneuver commander today that has the latest in field artillery, the best ammunition, or rockets, UAVs, and so on is nothing if he or she cannot manage C4I effectively. The ability to use virtual reality to project terrain, as well as the battlespace around, has increased the control ability to the extent that a fluid battle is still fluid, but more controllable with these devices. The use of AFATDS (Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System) by the United States since the late 1990s has allowed field commanders to exploit artillery to provide the maneuver commander with flexible firepower and planning not available before. This, coming right after the DAWE (Division Advanced Warfighter Experiment) conducted at Fort Hood, showed that digital upgrades could handle the burden of this influx of data processing. Now, with IAFSS v2.0 (Integrated Automated Fire Support System) being marketed by Fuchi, fire support planning is now more streamlined, and the ability to simulate any battlefield situation with virtual reality, has even allowed intelligence to be gleaned by the field commander. The use of the highly praised BattletacTM FDDM system has given field commanders the ability to call fire on targets that were previously unseen. All this can even accept data from satellites, projecting the data onto the situation display, that gives a clearer picture of where things are in relation to the user. With this capability, artillery as well as the maneuver force can exploit fires to the fullest.
  Training
  Without training, all this equipment means nothing. Despite the growing sophistication of material, there still needs to be the person who has to fix or use this. Despite the proliferation of skillsofts, virtual tutorials, and simsense, the real life experience is nothing that can be taken away. What makes an expert in a simulation may make that person just a newbie in the real world. Virtual reality still has held the most part the most effective way to train, despite the drawbacks mentioned before. With the ability to simulate most conditions, it's no wonder why it's more preferred. But still real life training is there, making sure that recruits don't get too complacent in the virtual world. In regards to field artillery, Fort Sill, once part of the United States, in Oklahoma, is still the premier field artillery school in the world. Now it is part of the Confederated American States. Despite this, foreign countries still send their officers and enlisted to train at this facility. We have of course developed our own school to make up for this loss, and at Fort Jarman, it has now become the UCAS Field Artillery Training Center (UCASFATC), where we still do Basic training, as well as OSUT training for 13B, or Cannon Crewmember, as well as other Field Artillery MOSs.
  Deployment
  Deployment of field artillery is now smaller than it was in the late 1990s to the present. With the majority of units comprising light field howitzers (LFH) that fire 155mm shells. All are either part of light units, or in the case of the USMC and CSMC, using towed howitzers. The majority of the nations today use self propelled howitzers, with all the bells and whistles attached. Rather than having a seperate Brigade for each division, most units now have integral FA Battalions directly attached, forming a organic part of a Mechanized Infantry or Armored Division. Other countries, like Aztlan, seperate their FA units, with the exception with the OMGs.

  Maj. Robert Grant is currently at the UCASFAS as part of the Combat Development Section at Fort Jarman. He has served in most theaters of action, and served with the 34th FA Brigade, also based in Fort Jarman. He holds a degree in maneuver warfare, fire support planning, and is the senior instructor at the Combat Development Section.
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Copyright 1998, Fresh Productions. Any views expressed here do not represent any future plans by any military, this is purely fictional.