Thanks guys. I'm glad you all like them.
Gamera, there is a pin wash and other subtle weathering. The camera and lights tend to wash them out though and they don't show up well.
All M109s and M992s have the capability to use the externally mounted instrument panel. It is normal for them to be used when traveling down the road since the driver can not see them when it is down in the hull and he is out driving. The hatch is barely big enough to stick out through, let alone look back down and see the instruments. Whether the driver pulls it out and externally mounts it is up to him.
The M992A2 FAASV (Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle) is an ammo carrier. It hauls around the ammo for the howitzer. The Paladin can only carry 39 rounds on it, which it can fire very quickly. The M992A2 carries another 93 rounds and can also go and reload as the howitzer is firing. The M992 also has a conveyor system inside which slides out to cross-load ammo. It backs up to the rear of the howitzer and extends the conveyor into the back of the howitzer. Rounds can then be quickly cross-loaded or the howitzer can fire ammo off the conveyor to preserve its own ammo. Most units have removed the conveyor to allow more space inside the M992. It is pretty cramped w/it in there. Rounds weigh about 100 lbs each and can be hand carried pretty effectively. Its a good workout. They can also pass ammo and powder canisters out the side doors on both sides of the M992,
Gino P. Quintiliani - Field Artillery - The KING of BATTLE!!!
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