Aerial Artillery Design Study - Two Externally-Mounted XM204 Howitzers on a CH-47C Helicopter
Abstract:
Design arrangement and mounting approaches, weight estimates, balance calculations, stress analyses, and helicopter performance predictions of an aerial artillery system utilizing two externally-mounted 105mm XM204 soft recoil howitzers on a CH-47C Chinook helicopter are presented. This design provides for all the firing modes and operational capabilities required by the Weapons Command, including the ability to offload one howitzer when the helicopter is hovering. The study includes an analysis of the structural integration of the weapons and aircraft including muzzle blast effects and airframe dynamic responses. A minimum adequate fire control system for air-to-ground firing and typical ground artillery fire control equipment was included.