BoatBanter.com - Paladin of the Lost Hour

Scout wrote:
A great story, done well in the TV version with Danny Kaye.

http://harlanellison.com/iwrite/paladin.htm

Scout

Mission
Provide the primary artillery support for armored and mechanized
infantry divisions.

Entered Army Service
1963 (M109)

Description and Specifications
The M109A6 (Paladin) howitzer is the most technologically-advanced
self-propelled cannon system in The U.S. Army. The "A6" designation
identifies several changes to the standard model that provide
improvements to weapon survivability, responsiveness, reliability,
availability and maintainability, armament and terminal effects.

The fire-control system is fully automated, providing accurate position
location, azimuth reference and on-board ballistic solutions of fire
missions. The howitzer has a servo-driven, computer-controlled gun
drive with manual backup. Paladin uses state-of-art components to
achieve dramatic improvements in the following:

Survivability: "Shoot and scoot" tactics; improved ballistic and
nuclear, biological and chemical protection.

Responsive fires: Capable of firing within 45 seconds from complete
stop with on-board communications, remote travel lock and automated
cannon slew capability.

Accurate fires: On-board POSNAV and technical fire control.

Extended range: 30 km with HE RAP and M203 propellant.

Increased reliability: Improved engine, track and diagnostics.

Upgrades include: global positioning system-aided self-location, M93
Muzzle Velocity System, and commercial off-the-shelf-based computer
processor.

Max unassisted range: 22,000 m
Max assisted range: 30,000 m
Minimum range: 4,000 m
Max rate of fi 4 rounds/minute for three minutes
Sustained rate of fi 1 round/minute (dependent on thermal warning
devices)
Max speed: 38 mph (highway)
Weight (empty): 56,400 lbs
Weight (combat loaded): approximately 63,615 lbs
Crew: 4 (accompanying M992 FAASV-5)

Manufacturer
United Defense, L.P. (York, PA); TRW (Carson City, CA)

Point of Contact
Office of the Chief of Public Affairs
Media Relations Division
1500 Army Pentagon
Washington, DC 20310-1500
703.697.7592 / 7591