M109A6 Paladin

The M109A6 Paladin is a tier 8 Self-Propelled Gun originating from the United States, and is sold by Zhang Feng. It can be unlocked from the Palmaria, and unlocks a tier 9 Unlock Token, which can be used on the Panzerhaubitze 2000 or WPB Anders.

Currently, all SPGs in the game are locked to PvE mode.

Features

 * Self propelled guns: fire support vehicles for PvE missions.
 * High caliber: the high caliber weaponry deals an increased damage.
 * Smoke generators : generate a smoke screen around the vehicle.

Player Recommendations
As a self-propelled gun, the Paladin is best used as a support vehicle for helping the team progress by removing heavily armored targets such as MBTs from the battle. Teamwork is needed for those both working with and playing an SPG. Teammates should be asked to call out targets if they are in trouble, and front-line vehicles should be supported in the battle.

Pros

 * High mobility with upgraded engine
 * Short reload for a single shot cannon
 * Relatively good armor for an SPG

Cons

 * Poor aiming time
 * Relatively inaccurate

Upgrade Suggestions
Improved Fire Control Systems and Improved Ready Racks will increase effective damage output. Upgrading to the DDEC LHR Diesel Engine will expedite movement between firing locations. Other upgrades such as Spall Liner, Improved Shock Absorbers and Upgraded Exhaust Smoke are less important and can be disregarded until later.

Retrofit Suggestions

 * Advanced Fire Control
 * Advanced Muzzle Reference System
 * Improved Gun Breech
 * Improved Turret Drive

Commander and Crew Skill Suggestions

 * Commander: Freja Højbjerg, for improvements to aim speed and overall accuracy
 * Driver: Smooth Ride, Off-Road Driving
 * Gunner: Sharpshooter, Do the Twist
 * Loader: Rapid Fire, Explosive Shells

History
Class: Self-Propelled Gun Developed: 1991 Service: 1991+ Vehicles Built: 992 Operators: USA, Saudi Arabia The M109A6 Paladin is the last mass-produced service version of the venerable M109. It was produced between 1991 and 1999 with 992 vehicles built. Compared to the older versions of the M109 series the Paladin is equipped with a sophisticated fire control and localization system. This heavily modernized element allows it to rapidly aim – a Paladin can fire within 60 seconds from coming to full halt. This ability helps to protect the Paladin from counter-battery fire. Additionally the Paladin can fire very advanced ammunition such as the M982 Excalibur ultra-precise extended range round that allows the Paladin to perform even danger close fire missions. The upgraded M284 howitzer has a sustained rate of fire of around 4 rounds per minute and the maximum range with special ammunition is over 30 kilometers. The M109A6 Paladin – or, rather the M109 series in general – was not supposed to be serving this long and numerous replacements were developed at one point or another by the U.S. military. However the failures to produce a suitable replacement prolonged the service of this venerable vehicle family to the 21st century. While a successful export item, the Paladin was lately replaced by several notable militaries by competing projects, the British AS90 and the German Panzerhaubitze 2000. Nevertheless an upgrade of the Paladin for the U.S. Army (the M109A7, built on the Bradley chassis) was already approved and so the M109 series will continue to serve, possibly for decades to come.