M119 howitzer gets new muzzle brake
The Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center's Benet Laboratories at Watervliet Arsenal is developing a new 105mm low blast overpressure (LBOP) muzzle brake for the US Army's M119 howitzer.
The 105mm LBOP muzzle brake is being developed for use with the M119 during shorter range howitzer missions and training.
A muzzle brake achieves recoil reduction by redirecting propellant gasses rearward, similar to the thrust reversal used during the landing of a jet plane when the jet plane's engines redirect engine exhaust forward to reduce forward momentum.
The LBOP muzzle break also reduces the auditory and non-auditory health hazards compared to the current muzzle brake on the M119.
Alan Ng, LBOP program lead, said: 'It is important to the warfighter because it allows them to be more lethal by sustaining [a] higher number of rounds fired per day because the blast overpressure from this new muzzle brake that is experienced by the artilleryman is significantly lower.
'The reduction in impulse noise [blast overpressure] varies between 13 percent to 48 percent at various quadrant elevations and crew locations.'
The M119 towed howitzer is designed specifically for this 105mm M20 cannon, but the technology can be engineered for other cannon platforms, such as a 155mm.
More from Land Warfare
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Large vehicles and counter-drone systems take the limelight]()
World Defense Show 2026: Large vehicles and counter-drone systems take the limelight
Visitors who attended the first World Defense Show four years ago continue to speak of the difficulties they faced with poor facilities and power problems. This year’s event emphasised its status as one of the major defence expositions and as a place where regional players and those less welcome at other shows could take centre stage.
-
![MKJ Warrior Series — The Nett Warrior Qualified Connector for Today’s Soldier Systems]()
MKJ Warrior Series — The Nett Warrior Qualified Connector for Today’s Soldier Systems
ITT Cannon’s MKJ Warrior connectors are designed for the harshest environments, delivering mission critical comms, navigation and USB data/power.
-
![Active vehicle protection comes to the forefront as Trophy and Iron Fist secure contracts]()
Active vehicle protection comes to the forefront as Trophy and Iron Fist secure contracts
Experience on the battlefield is accelerating the adoption of active protection systems as technologies continue to evolve to reflect shifting global defence needs.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Hanwha increases Middle East presence and reveals Tigon 6x6 sale]()
World Defense Show 2026: Hanwha increases Middle East presence and reveals Tigon 6x6 sale
Shephard sat down with Hanwha Middle East and Africa president Sung Il at World Defense Show 2026 to hear about the company’s plans for the region and how it plans to use local industry success to win deals.
