105mm Mle 50 TF
Obusier de 105 modèle 1950
Overview
Obusier de 105 modèle 1950
Obusier de 105 modèle 1950 in firing configuration with its three outriggers forming a tripod base.
Source: Musée de l’Artillerie Draguignan -
© Copyright lies with original owner
Possibly since 1960
Obusier de 105mm TF50
Obusier tri flèches
French for "three outrigger howitzer"
Description
Introduction
The Obusier de 105 modèle 1950 is an early Cold War era towed howitzer of French origin. Development started right after World War 2 and it was introduced in French service either in 1950, or more likely in 1960. In French service the Mle 50 was colloquially known as the "three leg howitzer".
Design
The Mle 50 is based around a 105mm L/23 howitzer firing a similar range of ammunition as the American 105mm M101, which was in French service at the time of development. A double baffle muzzle brake was added for firing shells at a higher charge level. This also helps in a direct fire role where the recoil is not directly transferred into the ground. A unique feature is that the Mle 50 uses three outriggers, creating a low profile tripod that allows for a quick 360 degree coverage. A gun shield is added to protect the crew in direct fire.
Firepower
The Mle 50 can fire all 105mm NATO shells associated with the American World War 2 era M101 howitzer. However, the Mle 50 mainly fires the Mle 53 shell. This has a similar weight as the US M1 high explosive shell, but can be fired at a higher charge level reaching a maximum range of 14.5 km. Maximum rate of fire is 10 rpm for a brief moment, with 6 rpm being normal.
Mobility
Since the Mle 50 is rather heavy for a short barrel 105mm howitzer it is normally towed by a 6x6 truck, which also carries ammunition and crew. The Mle 50 takes longer to set up than the M101 due to its three outriggers and being 1.5 times heavier. Since the Mle 50 was partially intended for base defense, the emphasis was on 360 degree traverse and gun shield. For use in the mechanized role the Mle 50 was mated with the AMX-13 light tank design to form the AMX-105 self-propelled howitzer, which is described separately.
Protection
The gun shield is an important feature of the Mle 50. It is rather thick, heavy and has a curved top intended to deflect bullets and shrapnel. Combined with the 360 degree traverse the shield can be quickly aimed towards new threats.
Users
A total of 120 Mle 50 howitzers were produced for French service. These served alongside a variety of 105mm howitzers they were initially intended to replace. Despite its longer range over the M101 the Mle 50 proved to be less useful in motorized and mechanized warfare. When employed in placed like Algeria they faired better. Their suitability for the direct fire role and 360 degree coverage makes them very useful for base defense and when spread out thinly over larger areas. A number of these howitzers, presumably ex-French, were exported. The 105mm Mle 50 ordnance was produced in larger numbers for use on the AMX-105 self-propelled howitzer than its original towed design.
Details
Media
Obusier de 105 modèle 1950
Obusier de 105 modèle 1950 seen in transport configuration.
Source: Servir & Défendre
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Obusier de 105 modèle 1950
Obusier de 105 modèle 1950 seen in firing configuration.
Source: Servir & Défendre
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Obusier de 105 modèle 1950
Artist impression of Obusier de 105 modèle 1950 in firing configuration alongside a TRM 4000 tactical truck.
Source: Michael Weinert
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Obusier de 105 modèle 1950
Artist impression of an Obusier de 105 modèle 1950 in travel configuration.
Source: French national archives
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Related articles
AMX-105
The 105mm L/23 ordnance was also used as the main armament in the AMX-105 self-propelled howitzer, which is based on a modified AMX-13 light tank chassis.
105mm M101
The Obusier de 105 modèle 1950 was designed to replace the M101, but eventually was acquired in limited numbers and served alongside the M101.
122mm D-30
The Soviet D-30 is one of the few other towed howitzers that uses a three leg carriage. The D-30 was produced in large number and remains in service today.