M109 FOV Modifications

The M109 FOV Modifications program is a critical component of the Army's modernization efforts, specifically supporting the Long-Range Precision Fires priority. This budget line item, managed by the Army's Program Executive Office for Ground Combat Systems, provides funding for engineering design, testing, hardware procurement, and the application of improvements to the M109 Family of Vehicles (FOV). The fleet includes the M109A6 and M109A7 Self-Propelled Howitzers (SPH) and the M992A2/A3 Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicles (FAASV/CAT). The overarching goal is to resolve field-identified issues, maintain operational readiness, enhance safety and survivability, and integrate new technologies across the fleet.

A significant objective of the program office is to provide ongoing government system engineering and program management support. This includes oversight of Other Governmental Agencies (OGAs) that supply material support, configuration management, root cause analysis of failures, depot overhaul support, and planning for obsolescence mitigation. The program office also manages Systems Technical Support contracts, which deliver direct engineering and logistical support for integrating modification kits and updating technical documentation.

The Interior Blast Mitigation Retrofit Hardware/Fielding (M109A7) modification addresses crew survivability by procuring and installing improved floor mats and ammunition restraints. These enhancements are designed to prevent equipment from becoming secondary projectiles during underbody blast events. They directly respond to operational feedback and safety assessments from the field.

Another key objective is the Chief of Section Protection (Increment I) Hardware and Fielding. This modification introduces a ballistic riser with transparent armor to improve situational awareness and personnel survivability for crew members operating the crew-served weapon. The upgrade also addresses training deficiencies identified during Initial Operational Testing, ensuring that vehicles are better configured for both combat and training environments.

The Ventilation System Dust Cover modification aims to reduce maintenance burdens and improve operational reliability by integrating a pre-filtration design that lessens the frequency of ventilation system clogging. Similarly, the Self-Propelled Howitzer Crew Compartment Automated Fire Extinguishing System Retrofit expands fire suppression coverage from just the personnel heater area to the entire crew compartment, enhancing safety in the event of onboard fires.

Additional modifications include the Universal Mounting Bracket Hardware to support current and future inertial navigation units. The AFES Control Electronics Panel Hardware upgrade improves compatibility and functionality of the fire extinguishing system. The Driver's Seatbelt and Hatch Redesign Hardware addresses ergonomic and safety issues such as seatbelt restraint effectiveness and hatch leak prevention. The CAT Tanker Bar/Crowbar Stowage Hardware modification improves the retention and stowage of essential tools, further supporting vehicle crew efficiency and safety.