The ultra-light 2-CT Hawkeye howitzer, caliber 105 mm, is mounted on the HMMWV off-road vehicle chassis.
Numerous international arms manufacturers acknowledge that the conflict in Ukraine presents a perfect opportunity to evaluate and refine their latest weaponry. Among the remarkable devices undergoing testing is the ultralight 2-CT Hawkeye howitzer, developed by AM General. Allow us to elaborate on this particular weapon.
During his address at the Fires Symposium, Mike Evans, the program director at AM General, affirmed that the ultralight 2-CT Hawkeye howitzer was dispatched to Ukraine in April for rigorous assessment in real war scenarios.
This artillery system is characterized by having the weakest recoil in the world and is mounted on a HMMWV bed. It is a 105 mm caliber howitzer with significantly greater capabilities than 120 mm mortars.
The 2-CT Hawkeye Howitzer - powerful firepower in a miniature form
The 2-CT Hawkeye howitzer by AM General is an innovative adaptation of the well-known US Army 105 mm caliber M20 howitzer mounted on a unique platform with features that decrease recoil by as much as 70 percent. This configuration enables firing from the HMMWV vehicle after deploying hydraulic supports, establishing a self-propelled system resembling the Caesar system in concept.
This advancement represents a notable upgrade from towed howitzers, which have proven to be highly susceptible to destruction in the conflict in Ukraine. In situations where the enemy possesses artillery radars and drones, remaining in a firing position for even a brief period can pose a grave threat to the crew's safety.
The use of cluster munitions by adversaries to target identified firing positions underscores the importance of swiftly vacating the area as the most effective defense. By mounting the howitzer on an HMMWV chassis, rapid occupation and departure from a firing position can be achieved in significantly less time compared to towed alternatives like the M777.
Regarding firepower and range, the 105 mm caliber howitzer provides significant advantages compared to the 120 mm caliber mortar. The most notable benefit is its capability to shoot up to 7 miles using basic shells or 9 miles with rocket-assisted shells. On the other hand, the maximum range for the 120 mm caliber mortar is approximately 5 miles for regular shells or slightly over 6 miles for rocket-assisted shells.
Consequently, the 105 mm caliber howitzer can effectively support infantry from a distance beyond the reach of enemy mortars. Additionally, it offers a range comparable to Russian 122 mm systems when equipped with the appropriate ammunition. This ultralight howitzer has a maximum rate of fire of 8 rounds per minute and can be operated by just two soldiers.
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