M777A2 Howitzer Systems Exam Prep
2026/2027 | 78 Questions with Explanations
| Artillery Gunnery Study Guide PDF
Description:
Master the M777A2 Lightweight Towed Howitzer with our comprehensive 2026/2027
exam prep guide. Featuring 78 updated questions on DFCS, ammunition, misfire
procedures, and safety protocols.
Perfect for Artillery gunnery students. Download the complete 2026/2027 study guide now.
, M777A2 Howitzer Exam 2026-2027: Gunnery Study Guide
Instructions: This examination is designed to assess your comprehensive knowledge of the
M777A2 Lightweight Towed Howitzer, its sub-systems, ammunition, and associated safety
protocols. Select the best possible answer for each multiple-choice question. Adherence to the
technical manuals and current doctrinal standards is expected for a successful outcome.
Section 1: System Overview, Nomenclature, and Specifications
1. What is the primary distinction of the M777A2 howitzer compared to its predecessors
and the base M777 model?
A. It is the first version to utilize titanium in its construction to reduce weight.
B. It features an all-new, longer cannon tube for extended range.
C. It includes a software upgrade and hardware to enable compatibility with precision-guided
munitions like Excalibur.
D. It was the first towed howitzer to be air-transportable by C-130 aircraft.
Answer: C
Explanation: While the M777 series is known for its titanium construction and air
transportability, the M777A2 variant is specifically defined by the Block 1A software
upgrade and the addition of the Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery Fuze Setter (EPIAFS).
This allows the system to program and fire precision munitions such as the M982 Excalibur .
2. What does the acronym OFC refer to on the M777A2?
A. Operational Fire Command
B. Optical Fire Control
C. Overhaul and Function Check
D. Oxygen-Free Copper
Answer: B
Explanation: OFC stands for Optical Fire Control. This refers to the suite of backup optical
sighting equipment (such as the M137A2 Panoramic Telescope and M138A1 Elbow
Telescope) that allows the howitzer to be laid and fired if the primary Digital Fire Control
System (DFCS) becomes inoperable .
, 3. The Digital Fire Control System (DFCS) on the M777A2 provides the howitzer
section with which of the following capabilities?
A. Automated ammunition resupply and fuzing.
B. Remote operation of the howitzer from a bunker.
C. Gun location, pointing, navigation, and digital communications.
D. Real-time battlefield surveillance and target acquisition.
Answer: C
Explanation: The DFCS is a transformative system that integrates an inertial navigation
system, GPS, and a digital radio. It provides the section with onboard navigation to emplace
the gun, automatically points the weapon based on fire missions received via digital
communications, and accurately locates the gun for precision fires .
4. In artillery terminology, what part of the weapon system is referred to as the "front"?
A. The Breech
B. The Muzzle End
C. The Trail Spades
D. The Trunnion
Answer: B
Explanation: The front of the howitzer is oriented toward the enemy and is defined as the
muzzle end, from which the projectile exits. The rear of the system, where the breech is
located, is where the gun is loaded.
5. What is the total traversing capability of the M777A2 howitzer?
A. 400 mils total (200 left, 200 right)
B. 6400 mils (full circle)
C. 800 mils total (400 left, 400 right)
D. 1275 mils total
Answer: C
Explanation: The M777A2 is capable of traversing 400 mils to the left and 400 mils to the
right of the centerline, providing a total traversing arc of 800 mils. This allows for
engagement of a wide sector without needing to shift the trails .
2026/2027 | 78 Questions with Explanations
| Artillery Gunnery Study Guide PDF
Description:
Master the M777A2 Lightweight Towed Howitzer with our comprehensive 2026/2027
exam prep guide. Featuring 78 updated questions on DFCS, ammunition, misfire
procedures, and safety protocols.
Perfect for Artillery gunnery students. Download the complete 2026/2027 study guide now.
, M777A2 Howitzer Exam 2026-2027: Gunnery Study Guide
Instructions: This examination is designed to assess your comprehensive knowledge of the
M777A2 Lightweight Towed Howitzer, its sub-systems, ammunition, and associated safety
protocols. Select the best possible answer for each multiple-choice question. Adherence to the
technical manuals and current doctrinal standards is expected for a successful outcome.
Section 1: System Overview, Nomenclature, and Specifications
1. What is the primary distinction of the M777A2 howitzer compared to its predecessors
and the base M777 model?
A. It is the first version to utilize titanium in its construction to reduce weight.
B. It features an all-new, longer cannon tube for extended range.
C. It includes a software upgrade and hardware to enable compatibility with precision-guided
munitions like Excalibur.
D. It was the first towed howitzer to be air-transportable by C-130 aircraft.
Answer: C
Explanation: While the M777 series is known for its titanium construction and air
transportability, the M777A2 variant is specifically defined by the Block 1A software
upgrade and the addition of the Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery Fuze Setter (EPIAFS).
This allows the system to program and fire precision munitions such as the M982 Excalibur .
2. What does the acronym OFC refer to on the M777A2?
A. Operational Fire Command
B. Optical Fire Control
C. Overhaul and Function Check
D. Oxygen-Free Copper
Answer: B
Explanation: OFC stands for Optical Fire Control. This refers to the suite of backup optical
sighting equipment (such as the M137A2 Panoramic Telescope and M138A1 Elbow
Telescope) that allows the howitzer to be laid and fired if the primary Digital Fire Control
System (DFCS) becomes inoperable .
, 3. The Digital Fire Control System (DFCS) on the M777A2 provides the howitzer
section with which of the following capabilities?
A. Automated ammunition resupply and fuzing.
B. Remote operation of the howitzer from a bunker.
C. Gun location, pointing, navigation, and digital communications.
D. Real-time battlefield surveillance and target acquisition.
Answer: C
Explanation: The DFCS is a transformative system that integrates an inertial navigation
system, GPS, and a digital radio. It provides the section with onboard navigation to emplace
the gun, automatically points the weapon based on fire missions received via digital
communications, and accurately locates the gun for precision fires .
4. In artillery terminology, what part of the weapon system is referred to as the "front"?
A. The Breech
B. The Muzzle End
C. The Trail Spades
D. The Trunnion
Answer: B
Explanation: The front of the howitzer is oriented toward the enemy and is defined as the
muzzle end, from which the projectile exits. The rear of the system, where the breech is
located, is where the gun is loaded.
5. What is the total traversing capability of the M777A2 howitzer?
A. 400 mils total (200 left, 200 right)
B. 6400 mils (full circle)
C. 800 mils total (400 left, 400 right)
D. 1275 mils total
Answer: C
Explanation: The M777A2 is capable of traversing 400 mils to the left and 400 mils to the
right of the centerline, providing a total traversing arc of 800 mils. This allows for
engagement of a wide sector without needing to shift the trails .
