US donated M992 artillery resupply vehicle makes its debut deployment in Ukraine
On July 1, 2023, a picture was released Russian social network revealing the inaugural M992 Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle (FAASV) in Ukraine, a vehicle supplied by the United States. The FAASV was spotted in the Zaporozhye area, serving as a resupply artillery vehicle for the 47th separate mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
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US donated M992 resupply artillery vehicle is now in service with the 47th separate mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. (Picture source Russian Social Network VK)
According to the latest information published by the US Department of Defense on the equipment and military vehicles provided, it is not specified that this type of vehicle was delivered to the Ukrainian army.
On January 6, 2023, the Army Recognition editorial team reported that the United States Department of Defense announced a new military aid package for Ukraine including the delivery of 18 M109 Paladin 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers.
The M992 FAASV, often known as the "CAT" (Carrier, Ammunition, Tracked), is a specialized vehicle designed to transport artillery ammunition. It serves as a companion to the M109 self-propelled howitzer, which is a type of mobile artillery piece. It is therefore logical that the United States also delivered M992s to Ukraine to supply the M109 howitzers with ammunition.
The M992 is a vehicle used by the U.S. Army, specifically designed as a Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle (FAASV). It is based on the design of the M109 howitzer and primarily serves to transport artillery ammunition from supply points to the artillery units in the field.
The M992 can transport up to 95 rounds of 155mm artillery shells, along with their associated propelling charges and primers, in a well-protected environment within the vehicle. This large carrying capacity ensures that artillery units have a sustained supply of ammunition during combat operations.
The vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic crane mounted at the middle of the vehicle, which assists in the loading and unloading of ammunition. It carries multiple rounds of artillery shells, which are stored in a conveyor belt system inside the vehicle's main body. This system also allows for the transfer of ammunition directly from the M992 to the M109 howitzer.
The M992 has a fully enclosed, armored cab to protect the crew from small arms fire and shell fragments. It also possesses nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection capabilities, as well as night vision optics for the driver and commander.
In terms of mobility, the M992 is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, enabling it to keep pace with the M109 howitzer and other armored vehicles over various terrains. It has a top speed of around 38 miles per hour and an operational range of approximately 216 miles.
Despite being an ammunition carrier, the M992, the vehicle is armed with one 12.7mm machine gun for its self-protection. Its primary role in the field is to ensure a constant supply of ammunition for the artillery units, thereby enhancing the firepower and effectiveness of these units in combat situations.
M992 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle is used to resupply M109 Paladin 155mm self-propelled howitzer. (Picture source U.S.DoD)