Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle (FAASV)
The M992 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle (FAASV) is a tracked ammunition carrying vehicle for the M109 155mm self-propelled medium howitzer. It serves as an area to service the weapon as well as a storage area for ammunition. It has been given the unofficial nickname “CAT” (Carrier, Ammunition, Tracked) or CATV (Carrier, Ammunition, Tracked, Vehicle), and replaces the M548 cargo carrier.
The M992 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle (FAASV), was produced in 1985, by Bowen-McLaughlin-York (BMY). It is a tracked ammunition carrying vehicle and serves as an area to service the weapon, as well as a storage area for ammunition. While in operation, it can be crewed by three and during transportation, can be crewed by eight.
The M992 has been compared to the M109A2 SP Howitzer when it comes to the driving capabilities, restrictions, maneuverability and survivability, making it ideal for re-suppling ammunition to the M109A2 Howitzers. It's built on the M109 Howitzer chassis and replaces the M548 cargo carrier. It has a tall structure where the turret would normally be, that can store 95 rounds with an equivalent number of powders and primers. There is a hydraulic powered conveyor for transfer of ammunition between vehicles.
The vehicle is powered by a turbocharged, 2-cycle, V-8 Detroit Diesel 8V71T 405hp (302 kW) diesel engine and an Allison XTG411-2A transmission. It also has a 2-stroke, diesel-powered auxiliary power unit (APU) that is used to drive the hydraulic system, recharge vehicle batteries and reduces fuel consumption when mobility is not essential. The APU generator can supply enough power to operate its own electrical system and another vehicle.
The M992A1 and M992A2 variants were upgraded to a turbocharged, 2-cycle, V-8 Detroit Diesel 8V71T 440hp (328 kW) diesel engine (LHR/CS) and an Allison XTG411-4 transmission. The A1 main changes were the propellant storage, conveyor system and the rear door. The A2 main changes were an updated radiator, stronger side door sponsons, quick disconnect for the final drives, upgrading the APU, and moving the personnel heater and hydraulic oil reservoir.
M992The M992 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle (FAASV) was produced in 1985, by Bowen-McLaughlin-York (BMY). The 7-ton fully tracked ammunition carrier is the original production model. The vehicle contains the following ammunition handling equipment: Projectile storage racks, canister compartments, powered ammunition conveyor assembly, hydraulic-operated conveyor and X-Y stacker. It also contains a 5kW Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) that powers the hydraulic system and recharges batteries. It is powered by a turbocharged, 2-cycle, V-8 Detroit Diesel 8V71T 405hp (302 kW) diesel engine and an Allison XTG411-2A transmission. | |
M992A1The M992A1 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle (FAASV) was produced between the late 1980s and early 1990s, under the HELP (Howitzer Extended Life Program). This upgrade includes AN/PSN-11 (PLGR) Satellite Signals Navigation and Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. The seating now allows a crew of three, with a driver’s seat and commander’s seat. The engine was upgraded to a turbocharged, 2-cycle, V-8 Detroit Diesel 8V71T 440hp (328 kW) with low heat rejection/cold start (LHR/CS) and an Allison XTG411-4 transmission. The propellant storage set up was redesigned and upgrades to the conveyor system were also done. | |
M992A2The M992A2 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle (FAASV) was produced in 1993, and became the standard in 1994. These upgrades include the M992A2 HELP features along with improvements to the cooling, electrical and suspension systems. The heater and hydraulic reservoir were relocated. Modifications to the rear door conveyor and propellant racks were also done. In 1999 - 2005 the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) was upgraded to 10 kW and a new storage configuration was added for the Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS), which initiated the removal of the conveyor system. |