Brutus

   The Brutus is an experimental US truck-mounted howitzer. It was designed to improve mobility of the US field artillery. The idea behind the Brutus is to re-use existing cannons, fire control equipment, basic issue items and vehicles in order to deliver enhanced firing capabilities.

   The Brutus is fitted with an M776 155 mm/L39 cannon. The same ordnance is used by the M777 lightweight field howitzer. The cannon can traverse through 360 degrees. The Brutus uses the same 155 ammunition of the M777 howitzer. Maximum range of fire is over 24 km with a standard M795 high explosive round. Rocket-assisted shell has a maximum range of 30 km. The Brutus is also compatible with M982 Excalibur GPS-guided projectiles that have a range of 39-40 km.

   Maximum rate of fire is 5 rounds per minute. Sustained rate is 2 rounds per minute.

   The Brutus is operated by a crew of 5-7 men. In case of emergency it can operate with a reduced crew of 5 men. In contrast an M777 field howitzer requires a crew of 8.

   This truck-mounted artillery system has much faster reaction time. It needs less time to emplace, shoot and displace than traditional towed field howitzers. Shoot-and-scoot capability greatly improves survivability of such artillery systems. Once a couple of shells are fired the Brutus can rapidly leave its firing position in order to avoid counter-battery fire of attack drones. In most cases the Brutus can leave its firing position before enemy units can detect its position and return fire.

   This artillery system is based on an M1083 military truck. This 6x6 vehicle is widely used by the US Army. The truck can be fitted with an armored cab. Due to its mobility the Brutus can keep pace with maneuver units.