The Indian Army suffered a setback after its latest acquisition, the M-777 Howitzer, suffered an accident during field firing in Pokhran on September 2 that resulted in the gun’s barrel getting damaged.
No injury has been reported, sources said.
As per reports, the barrel of the gun has been damaged, extent of which is being assessed by Joint Investigation Team.
The Howitzer guns became part of the Army’s artillery after the men replacing the Bofors, which was used for over 30 years. Two Howitzers were procured earlier this year. In all 145 to be acquired.
Firing tests for the guns, which began in May, were conducted under supervision of the Army, and an American team, which was in for weapon support.
As part of protocol, the personnel were then trained about the ground from which to fire the cannon. “It is an important aspect that the ground should be suitable. If the earth is loose or too hard, the recoil of the cannon could be dangerous to the personnel standing near it.
Also this could sometime result in accuracy as well as the gun would sustain a heavy jolt due to recoil. Moreover, the angle and elevation suitable for each type of ammunition for maximum impact is also being tested” sources informed, adding further, “the data of these tests would reveal its performance in our conditions and also how the weapon can be used during times of emergency.”
The Howitzer guns became part of the Army’s artillery after the men replacing the Bofors, which was used for over 30 years.
Firing tests for the guns, which began in May, were conducted under supervision of the Army, and an American team, which was in for weapon support.
As part of protocol, the personnel were then trained about the ground from which to fire the cannon. “It is an important aspect that the ground should be suitable. If the earth is loose or too hard, the recoil of the cannon could be dangerous to the personnel standing near it.
Also this could sometime result in accuracy as well as the gun would sustain a heavy jolt due to recoil. Moreover, the angle and elevation suitable for each type of ammunition for maximum impact is also being tested” sources informed, adding further, “the data of these tests would reveal its performance in our conditions and also how the weapon can be used during times of emergency.”
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