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The M109 used the same turret and hull as the 105mm SPH M108. The muzzle brake and bore evacuator on the short M126 or M126A1 howitzer are obvious. The howitzer travel lock is folded down on "Bouncer's" front plate, and the .50cal MG is mounted on the turret roof. The two hatch doors on the sloping front plate above the drive sprocket were for battery access, and the travel lock is resting on the transmission access doors. The turret left side door is open, and the mushroom-like ballistic cover for the M117 panoramic telescope is elevated on the turret roof. (Picture by Jon W. Madzelan.)
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The large howitzer and imposing muzzle brake of this M109A2 stand out. The travel lock mounting point was moved down to the extreme front with the installation of the longer howitzers. The mount for the .50cal M2HB machine gun is visible on the turret's right side, and the new protective ballistic hood for the panoramic telescope M145 is on the turret's left, facing to the right. (Picture courtesy Armor Foto.)
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This rear view shows the lengthened turret bustle, which is flanked on either side by stowage racks. The stabilization spades are folded up on either side of the hull rear. (Picture courtesy ArmorFoto.)
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The widened bustle on the M109A6 is obvious when compared to the vehicles above. The stowage bins on the outside of the bustle can be swung to the rear to decrease the vehicle's width. (Picture taken 19 Mar 1999; available from the Defense Visual Information Center.)
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© Copyright 2001-06 Chris Conners