M109 Paladin vs M142 HIMARS
The M109 Paladin is a Self-Propelled Artillery, while the M142 HIMARS is a Multiple Launch Rocket System. At 38.0 tons, the M109 Paladin is 2.3x the M142 HIMARS's 16.2 tons. Top speed is 61 km/h for the M109 Paladin vs 94 km/h for the M142 HIMARS. Operational range is 300 km for the M109 Paladin vs 480 km for the M142 HIMARS. The M109 Paladin is armed with a 155 mm M284 Cannon, while the M142 HIMARS carries a 6 x GMLRS rockets or 2 x PrSM missiles or 1 x ATACMS missile. The M109 Paladin has been produced in 7,000 units vs 750 for the M142 HIMARS. Unit cost is $14.4M for the M109 Paladin vs $4.9M for the M142 HIMARS. The M109 Paladin entered service 42 years before the M142 HIMARS (1963 vs 2005).
| The M109 is a United States 155mm self-propelled howitzer introduced in 1963, serving as the primary indirect fire support weapon for Western armored and mechanized divisions. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Self-Propelled Artillery |
| Type | Self-propelled howitzer |
| Manufacturer | BAE Systems |
| Number produced | 7,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | $14.4 million |
| Introduced in 2005, the United States' M142 HIMARS is a light multiple rocket launcher mounted on a five-ton wheeled truck chassis for mobile artillery support. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Multiple Launch Rocket System |
| Type | Light multiple rocket launcher |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| Number produced | 750 units |
| Estimated unit price | $4.9 million |
| Combat weight | 38.0 tons â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 61 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 300 km â—‰ |
| Length | 9.75 m â—‰ |
| Width | 3.15 m â—‰ |
| Height | 3.25 m â—‰ |
| Crew | 4 (section chief/commander, driver, gunner, ammunition handler/loader) |
| Engine | Detroit Diesel 8V71T diesel, 440 hp |
| Main armament | 155 mm M284 Cannon |
| Secondary weapon | .50 caliber (12.7 mm) M2 machine gun |
| Combat weight | 16.3 tons â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 94 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 480 km â—‰ |
| Length | 6.94 m â—‰ |
| Width | 2.44 m â—‰ |
| Height | 3.18 m â—‰ |
| Crew | 3 (commander, second in command, driver) |
| Engine | Caterpillar 3116 ATAAC 6.6L diesel, 330 hp |
| Main armament | 6 x GMLRS rockets or 2 x PrSM missiles or 1 x ATACMS missile |
| Secondary weapon | -- |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the M109 Paladin or M142 HIMARS?
The M142 HIMARS is faster with a maximum road speed of 94 km/h compared to the M109 Paladin's 61 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the M109 Paladin or M142 HIMARS?
The M142 HIMARS has a longer operational range at 480 km compared to the M109 Paladin's 300 km.
Which is heavier, the M109 Paladin or M142 HIMARS?
The M109 Paladin is heavier at 38.0 tons combat weight compared to the M142 HIMARS's 16.2 tons.
Which is larger, the M109 Paladin or M142 HIMARS?
The M109 Paladin is longer at 9.75 meters compared to the M142 HIMARS's 6.94 meters.
How many crew members do the M109 Paladin and M142 HIMARS require?
The M109 Paladin requires a larger crew of 4 (section chief/commander, driver, gunner, ammunition handler/loader) compared to the M142 HIMARS's 3 (commander, second in command, driver) crew members.
Which is more expensive, the M109 Paladin or M142 HIMARS?
The M109 Paladin is more expensive at approximately $14.4 million per unit compared to the M142 HIMARS at $4.9 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the M109 Paladin or M142 HIMARS?
The M109 Paladin has been produced in greater numbers with 7,000 units compared to 750 units of the M142 HIMARS.
What are the main armaments of the M109 Paladin and M142 HIMARS?
The M109 Paladin is armed with 155 mm M284 Cannon while the M142 HIMARS carries 6 x GMLRS rockets or 2 x PrSM missiles or 1 x ATACMS missile as its main armament.