The U.S. Army is conducting a large-scale firing test of a new-generation howitzer with a range of 70 km and has already discovered a problem

The U.S. military, during extensive firing tests of a new generation self-propelled artillery unit, discovered the problem of rapid barrel deterioration. It can be solved in several ways.

Here's What We Know

The howitzer is being developed as part of the Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program. It will be built on a tracked chassis, will have a 58 caliber barrel, and will have a maximum range of 70 km.

In the tests takes part an artillery unit M109A7, which is equipped with a new barrel. During the tests, the military recorded a rapid wear of the barrel. And even with a small number of shots.

The US Army engineers found three ways to solve the problem. The first is to change the design of the barrel itself. The powder or the entire ammunition can also be changed.

The US military has so far received only two prototypes of self-propelled artillery systems. However, by the end of this year the number of test guns, which are developed under the ERCA program, will increase up to 20 units.

Source: Defense News