M549
| 155 mm M549 HERA | |
|---|---|
Color-coded section view of a rocket-assisted projectile ammunition round | |
| Type | Rocket-assisted projectile |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1970–present |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1960s |
| Manufacturer | General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 96 lb (43.6 kg) |
| Length |
|
| Diameter | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Muzzle velocity | 2,710 ft/s (826 m/s) |
| Maximum firing range | 18.7 mi (30.1 km) |
| Filling | |
| Filling weight |
|
| References | Janes |
The M549 is a high-explosive rocket-assisted (HERA) 155 mm howitzer round developed for use by the US military in order to add additional range to standard howitzers, with a maximum range 30.1 km (18.7 mi) from a M198 howitzer. The projectile has two distinctive pre-assembled components—the high-explosive (HE) warhead and the rocket motor, making it a form of rocket-assisted projectile. The warhead is fabricated from high-fragmentation steel for increased effectiveness in terms of damage caused to target and contains a bulk-filled explosive (either TNT or Composition B).