The Hawkeye, a lightweight 105 mm self-propelled howitzer developed by AM General, was one of the highlights showcased at the AUSA 2025 Exhibition in Washington, D.C. The updated version features a renewed powertrain, an improved structural architecture, and the so-called soft recoil technology, which, according to the manufacturer, reduces recoil force by up to 60%. These enhancements aim to provide deployed units with a light, highly maneuverable artillery system suitable for modern combat environments. The company also emphasized that the combat experience of previous Hawkeye versions in Ukraine directly informed the upgrades presented.
The Hawkeye mounts the M20 105 mm cannon, with a total barrel length of 3.42 meters. The system offers a maximum rate of fire of up to 8 rounds per minute during the first three minutes of sustained fire, dropping thereafter to a sustained rate of 3 rounds per minute. Its standard maximum range with conventional Charge 7 ammunition is 11.6 km, extending to 19.5 km when using rocket-assisted projectiles (RAP). These figures make it a capable system for effective “shoot-and-scoot” operations in scenarios where exposure must be minimized.
AM General highlighted the system’s ability to deploy, fire, and relocate in just 90 seconds, a key operational attribute for avoiding detection by enemy sensors and UAS after the first shot. The combination of the updated tactical chassis, optimized suspension, and modular architecture enables the Hawkeye’s use both in light formations and expeditionary missions, enhancing both strategic and tactical mobility in low-logistics environments.
In terms of protection and operating conditions, the Hawkeye is designed to function across a wide temperature range, from -40°F to +125°F (-40°C to +52°C). Its hydro-pneumatic soft recoil mechanism and aluminum alloy carriage reduce weight without compromising structural strength. The fire control system can be either optical (featuring the M137A2 panoramic telescope and M187A1 mount) or digital (MG9000), and includes Northrop Grumman’s LN-270 inertial navigation system, a Weibel MVR-700C muzzle velocity radar, a DFS-02 direct fire camera from Sekai Electronics, and a GDU DK10 gunner display unit (Mandus/AMREL).
The system is compatible with M20-series ammunition (various charges), including M1 HE, M314 illumination, M913 RAP, and M940 projectiles. Its Equivalent Full Charge (EFC) life is estimated at 6,500 rounds, indicating a robust design for sustained use under intensive conditions. The standard crew consists of four operators, though AM General specifies that it can function with two under extreme conditions.
AM General explained that the upgrades incorporated into the new generation of the Hawkeye stem from “extensive field testing in Ukraine,” where earlier versions have already been employed in real-world operations.
