Watch: Russian Lancet destroys US 155mm M109 self-propelled howitzer
MOSCOW, RUSSIA — In recent weeks, we have witnessed strong activity in the use of Lancet kamikaze drones by the Russian armed forces. Without a doubt, this is the most successfully performing drone on the Russian side in the war in Ukraine. Other Russian drones, including Orlan-10, failed and did not show their potential.
A camera on a reconnaissance drone captured the moment when the Russian Lancet rammed into the American M109 self-propelled howitzer. This is happening on the battlefield in Ukraine. Despite its cover in the underbrush, the self-propelled howitzer was discovered and the Lancet drone targeted it. There was an impact and an instant fire started, which was constantly increasing. The M109 doesn’t stand a chance against that type of loitering ammunition.
It is not clear when and where the video was recorded. however, the author of the video in Telegram wrote: “Another American 155 mm M109 self-propelled gun left ‘the chat room’. As usual after the Lancet meeting. It can be noted that in the last month, the UAV kamikaze hunt for self-propelled guns and towed artillery has sharply increased. The account is with dozens of trunks destroyed.”
What do we know about Lancet?
The Russian Lancet drone has parameters that are common for kamikaze drones. From what we know, Lancet’s wingspan isn’t long – barely one meter. The warhead, or more precisely, the payload carried by the Lancet is up to 3 kg, and the weight together with the payload is only 12 kg.
Lancet’s speed is impressive. In search or tracking mode, the drone can reach speeds between 80 km/h and 100 km/h. However, when the target is already intercepted, the drone increases its speed to 300 km/h to ensure greater efficiency of the damage it is expected to inflict. The drone is powered by an electric motor.
About M109 howitzer
The M109 is an American self-propelled howitzer, dating back to the 1960s, undergoing several upgrades, and continuing to be manufactured in the United States. He has registered 13 participations in 13 different military conflicts around the world from the 1960s to the present day. The howitzer is in service in more than 30 countries around the world.
The chassis is powered by a Detroit Diesel 8V71T engine guaranteeing the howitzer a maximum of 450 horsepower [335.56 kW]. The suspension is a torsion bar. The maximum speed of the howitzer is 56 km / h, and by refueling the fuel tank can travel a distance of 350 km.
The howitzer weighs 27.5 tons and is manned by a four-member crew. The main armament is a 155mm artillery cannon that fires a variety of projectiles: conventional with a range of 21 km [13 mi], RAP with a range of 30 km [19 mi], and Excalibur with a range of up to 40 km. Maximum can fire up to 4 shells per minute. The minor armament of the M109 is a 50 caliber [12.7 mm] M2 machine gun.
2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
On 21 February 2022, Russia claimed that Ukrainian shelling had destroyed an FSB border facility. Russia claimed that it had killed 5 Ukrainian soldiers. They tried to cross into Russian territory. Ukraine denied being involved in both incidents and called them a false flag.
On the same day, the Russian government formally recognized the self-proclaimed DPR and LPR. According to Putin not only in their de-facto controlled areas, but the Ukrainian Oblasts as a whole. Putin ordered Russian troops, including tanks, to enter the regions.
On 24 February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine by Russian Armed Forces previously concentrated along the border. The invasion followed by targeted airstrikes of military buildings in the country, as well as tanks entering via the Belarus border.
Russia has so far not recognized the invasion of Ukraine as a “war”, although that is exactly what it is, claiming that it is a “special military operation”. According to the UN, a “special military operation” can only take place after a UN resolution. There is no such resolution. So this is an invasion and war against Ukraine.
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