Hawkeye 105 mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (United States)
Channel: Main Battle Tank
Date: 14/01/2023

The Hawkeye is one of the lightest self-propelled howitzers in the world today. This system consists of a standard US Army's M20 105 mm howitzer, mounted on an M1152A1 HMMWV chassis. The Hawkeye is also referred as 105 mm Mobile Weapon System, or 105MWS. Though this artillery system can be integrated on many types of military vehicles.

The Hawkeye self-propelled howitzer is being proposed as an alternative to towed 105 mm howitzers. It requires less crew and can be briefly redeployed. This artillery system is well suited for shoot-and-scoot missions. It can fire a couple of projectiles and leave its firing position before the enemy opens counter battery fire or takes other offensive engagements.

The Hawkeye fires standard NATO 105 mm ammunition. Maximum range of fire is 11.5 km with conventional projectile and 15.1 km with rocket assisted projectile. The Hawkeye can fire in an indirect and direct fire modes. Another unusual feature of this lightweight system is that it offers 360 degrees field of fire.

The Hawkeye has been designed to accommodate a full spectrum of barrel lengths. So the barrel length can be tailored depending on customer range requirements.

The Hawkeye has rapid rate of fire. It can launch up to 10-12 rounds per minute. Sustained rate of fire is 3 rounds per minute. Due to its short range this artillery system is intended for operation near the frontline. It should best exploit itself for shoot and scoot type attacks. The Hawkeye mobile howitzer can be prepared for firing and leave the firing position much faster than the towed 105 mm howitzer.

This artillery system incorporates a soft recoil technology, which reduces carriage loads and allows to mount the Hawkeye on light 4x4 vehicles such as the HMMWV.

The Hawkeye has an automated digital fire control system. It takes minimal time to fire the first round. Also this artillery system can is rapidly emplaced and can briefly leave its firing position.

This artillery system is operated by a crew of 3. Though in case of emergency the Hawkeye can be operated by 2 soldiers.

The M1152A1 HMMWV has an armored cab, which provides some degree of protection for the crew. The Hawkeye can be based on various other chassis, including Mack Sherpa light tactical vehicle, which also has an armored cab. Furthermore this artillery system can be based on a standard pickup truck chassis, such as Ford F250.

The M1152A1 is powered by General Engine Products 6.5-liter V8 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 190 hp. The same engine, previously known as Detroit Diesel, was used on the earlier HMMWV series vehicles. Engine is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Vehicle has a full-time all-wheel drive. It has good cross-country mobility over most types of terrain.

Due to its light weight the Hawkeye can be airlifted underslung by a CH-47 Chinook helicopter. It will also easily fit into the C-130 Hercules tactical transport aircraft.

Mack Sherpa Hawkeye is a proposed version of the Hawkeye, based on Mack Sherpa Carrier chassis. The chassis can be fitted with an armored cab and is essentially similar to the HMMWV chassis.

Garuda 105 is a similar Indian artillery system. It consists of a 105 mm field gun, mounted on HMMWV chassis. This artillery system also incorporates the soft recoil technology and digital fire control system. It was first publicly revealed in 2014.