By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
In a significant development in military aid, the United States has transferred an experimental 105mm howitzer mounted on a Humvee to Ukraine. This delivery, which took place in April, was disclosed by Mike Evans, Program Director at AM General according to a report by Stripes.
The Humvee 2-CT Hawkeye is an innovative mobile artillery system developed by AM General in collaboration with the Mandus Group. This system is part of a broader effort to enhance the mobility and responsiveness of artillery units on the modern battlefield. The Hawkeye features a 105mm howitzer mounted on a Humvee chassis, integrating advanced soft recoil technology (SRT) to mitigate the weapon’s recoil shock.
The 2-CT Hawkeye Howitzer is an innovative artillery system developed by Indiana-based AM General in collaboration with Mandus Group. This system features a 105 mm Howitzer mounted on a Humvee, making it the lightest and most maneuverable self-propelled Howitzer in the world. The system was officially announced at the U.S. Field Artillery Association’s Fires Symposium by Mike Evans, who oversees AM General’s artillery programs. Evans revealed that the system was shipped to Ukraine on April 26, 2024, and has since been in combat testing against Russian forces.
The Hawkeye Howitzer employs Soft Recoil Technology (SRT), a groundbreaking advancement that significantly reduces the recoil shock of the weapon. This technology allows the heavy artillery to be mounted on light, highly maneuverable vehicles such as Humvees without the risk of recoil-induced rollovers. The system includes hydraulically lowered external stabilizers that enhance firing stability and retract for stowage during movement. This design enables rapid mobility, allowing the Hawkeye to fire two rounds and relocate within three minutes, minimizing the risk of counter-battery fire.
The operational deployment of the Hawkeye in Ukraine represents its combat debut. The system consists of two Humvees: one equipped with the Howitzer and another serving as a support vehicle. The mobility and agility of the Hawkeye allow Ukrainian forces to execute shoot-and-scoot tactics effectively, thereby enhancing their artillery response capabilities against Russian positions.
Mr Young Bang, Principal Deputy, Assistant Secretary of the Army, Acquisition, Logistics & Technology
Mike Evans highlighted the significance of this deployment, stating, “We trained it for two weeks. They immediately went into testing, and that system’s destined to be one of the first soft recoil systems in combat. It’s going right into combat to test on live targets.” This deployment aims not only to provide immediate tactical advantages but also to gather critical data on the performance of the soft recoil system under combat conditions.
- Gun System: The Hawkeye is equipped with an M20 gun capable of firing eight rounds per minute. This rate of fire provides substantial firepower in a short engagement period.
- Range: The 105mm howitzer can engage targets at a range of 11.6 kilometers (7.2 miles), allowing for effective support of infantry and other ground forces over a significant distance.
- Stabilization: The system features retractable external stabilizers that are hydraulically lowered when the cannon is fired and stowed during movement. This design allows for quick emplacement and displacement, reducing the time the system is vulnerable to counter-battery fire.
- Deployment Time: The Hawkeye can fire its first shot within 1.5 minutes of arriving at a firing position and can be ready to move again in the same amount of time. This rapid deployment and redeployment capability is essential for maintaining operational tempo and avoiding enemy retaliation.
The transfer of the Humvee-mounted 105mm howitzer to Ukraine represents a strategic enhancement of Ukrainian artillery capabilities. The Hawkeye system’s mobility and quick deployment make it well-suited for the dynamic and fluid nature of the conflict in Ukraine. Its ability to provide rapid and precise artillery support can significantly impact the effectiveness of Ukrainian ground operations.
Likewise, the introduction of the Hawkeye system also allows for live testing in a combat environment, providing valuable data on its performance and potential areas for improvement. This real-world testing is essential for refining the system and ensuring its reliability and effectiveness in diverse combat scenarios.
