I was recently looking around the www for info on the proposed M109A8*, with a view to modelling the concept vehicle, when I noted that the majority of info was on Chinese language sites. Some of the info was very specific, and technical, and I found myself wondering whether it should be in the public domain or not. Surely there are some restrictions on publishing what could be opsec info?

Kylie

*Gino, HP, any good images appreciated

If the thing hasn't been built yet it cannot have any effect on operational security . . .

KL

All the pics I've found so far appear to show the new ERCA (Extended Range Cannon Artillery) gun fitted to a M109A6 hull for testing :



This new gun should be fitted to the yet-to-be-built M109A8....

It is six feet longer than the existing gun on the M109A7 howitzer seen in the foreground :



Full size

H.P.

Right now it is just an experimental long-range XM907 cannon mated to existing M109A6 Paladins for testing. There is no M109A8 prototype. I have not even seen a proposal for a "new" vehicle to carry the longer barreled cannon. As to OPSEC, it is pretty much all in the public domain, so not an OPSEC violation.

Thank you, gents, for the clarification.

Kylie