Description
Cadillac Gage M109/M109A1 155mm Howitzer Electrohydraulic Rammer Valve Assembly
Item Overview
This Cadillac Gage electrohydraulic valve assembly controlled the projectile rammer used in early U.S. Army M109 and M109A1 155mm self-propelled howitzers. It directed hydraulic pressure to extend and retract the rammer cylinder after the crew placed a projectile on the loading tray. This is a mechanical and electrical loading-system component, not the complete rammer, a projectile, or another ammunition component.
Identification and Features
Federal supply records identify this component as a Valve Assembly, Rammer, while the original carton describes it as a Valve Assembly, Solenoid, Rammer. Army part number 10922586 is controlled under Army CAGE 19204, while FSCM 10237 on the package identifies Cadillac Gage as the contractor for this example. The carton names Cadillac Gage’s Hydraulic Products Group in Greenville, Ohio, while the valve plate identifies Warren, Michigan. These markings represent company or plant locations rather than different manufacturers.
- Federal catalog name: Valve Assembly, Rammer
- Carton nomenclature: Valve Assembly, Solenoid, Rammer
- Army part number: 10922586
- NSN: 1025-00-475-1269
- NIIN: 004751269
- Manufacturer: Cadillac Gage Company
- Manufacturer FSCM: 10237
- Army drawing authority: CAGE 19204
- Contract: DAAA09-79-C-2157
- Package marking: 7/80
- Verified applications: M109 and M109A1 155mm self-propelled howitzers
How the Rammer Valve Worked
The crew first placed a 155mm projectile on the rammer tray. Safety switches then allowed electrical power to reach the valve solenoid. The solenoid plunger shifted an internal hydraulic spool, sending pressurized oil to the rammer cylinder and pushing the projectile into the gun chamber. A time-delay relay removed electrical power after the ramming cycle, allowing a spring to return the spool and retract the rammer. The marked PRESS and DRAIN openings are hydraulic pressure and return connections. The red pieces covering these ports are protective caps, not operating buttons.
Weapon and Vehicle Applications
This valve is documented for the original M109 and the improved M109A1. The early M109 carried the short-barreled M126 or M126A1 155mm howitzer, while the M109A1 introduced the longer M185 weapon for greater range. Both vehicles used a crew-operated loading process supported by a powered projectile rammer. The rammer reduced the effort needed to seat the heavy projectile, but it was not a fully automatic loading system.
- Primary purpose: Control of the hydraulic projectile rammer
- Location: Fighting-compartment loading and ramming system
Compatibility Limits
This assembly should not be advertised as fitting every vehicle in the M109 family. Available records do not assign this powered rammer valve to the M108, while the M107 and M110 families used a separate loader-and-rammer arrangement. The M109A2 through M109A5 parts system lists a different valve under part number 12012187 and NSN 1025-01-059-2488.
Historical Background
The M109 entered U.S. Army service during the early 1960s as a mobile, turreted 155mm artillery system able to travel with armored forces. Early M109 howitzers served in Vietnam, where their tracked chassis and enclosed turrets provided mobile fire support from bases and field positions. The M109A1 followed with a longer 155mm gun and improved range. This 1980-marked Cadillac Gage valve represents the long support life of those early vehicles, which required replacement hydraulic and electrical parts years after their original production.
Condition
This assembly appears to be a preserved military service spare, but its age, opened packaging, hydraulic cleanliness, internal seals, and electrical condition prevent it from being described as tested, serviceable, or definitively unused. It may show dried preservative, finish wear, scratches, oxidation, storage marks, label wear, or other signs of long-term handling. Protective caps, packaging, and small external details may vary. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This specialized valve assembly is well suited for collections and exhibits covering American self-propelled artillery, military hydraulics, armored-vehicle maintenance, and the development of the M109 howitzer family.
- M109 and M109A1 restoration displays
- 155mm artillery collections
- Military hydraulic-system exhibits
- Cadillac Gage component collections
- Armor museums and educational displays
- Historic military maintenance collections
Approx length 11", Approx width 6", Approx height 4", Approx weight lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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