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Abbot



Overview


FV433 Abbot

Forward view of Abbot self-propelled howitzer on the move.
Source: AlfvanBeem - © public domain

Origin
United Kingdom
Type
Self-propelled howitzer
Entered service
1965
Status
Obsolete
Development
1958 - 1960
Developer
United Kingdom - Vickers
Production
1964 - 1967
Producer
United Kingdom - Vickers
Number produced
A total of 550 produced, production complete.
Designations
FV 433
Vehicle designation
Gun, Equipment, 105mm L109
Official UK military designation
Notable users
United Kingdom
India

Description


Introduction

The Abbot is an early Cold War era self-propelled howitzer of UK origin. The ordnance developed for the Abbot was later used on the towed L118 Light Gun.

Layout

The Abbot is based on the chassis of the FV 432 armored personnel carrier and shares most automotive components. The engine and drivetrain are mounted at the front hull and small turret it located at the rear. The Abbot uses a 105mm gun of a design derived from naval ordnance. It uses a new range of 105mm shells, although 105mm NATO shells can be fired.

Firepower

The 105mm gun provides a maximum effective range of 17.4 km. With NATO standard ammunition this range is reduced to 15.0 km. The maximum rate of fire is 6 to 8 rpm. A total of 40 rounds are carried, including a number of HESH rounds intended for direct fire. A 7.62mm Bren L4 light machine gun is pintle mounted on the turret roof for self defense.

Protection

The Abbot has a steel hull that provides protection against small arms fire and shell splinters. It can be operated under full armor protection without any of the crew exposed. Smoke grenade dischargers and NBC system are fitted.

Mobility

The tracked chassis provides good all terrain mobility. The Rolls-Royce K60 240 hp multifuel engine provides a maximum speed of 47 km/h. With the trim vane erected and floation devices fitted the Abbot is amphibious.

Users

The Abbot was acquired by the UK and India. In UK service the Abbot was replaced in the 1990's by the larger and more capable AS 90. The Abbot remains in Indian service.

Variants


FV433 Abbot

Rear view of Abbot self-propelled howitzer in firing position.
Source: www.42regt.com - © copyright lies with original owner

Variants of the Abbot

Abbot
Original production model as adopted by the United Kingdom. Amphibious with preparation.
Value Engineered Abbot
Reduced cost export model without amphibious capability, no NBC system and no powered elevation, traverse and loading.

Details


Facts Abbot
General
Origin
United Kingdom
Type
Self-propelled howitzer
Crew
4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader)
Dimensions
Weight
16.5 t combat load
Length
5.84 m overall
5.08 m hull
Width
2.60 m
Height
2.49 m to turret roof
Main armament
Type
105mm L13A1 howitzer
Mount
Turret
Ammunition
40 rounds
Elevation
-5 to +70°, powered
Traverse
360°, powered
Rate of fire
6 - 8 rpm maximum
Stabilizer
No
Secondary armament
Type
7.62mm Bren L4A4 machine gun
Mount
Turret roof
Ammunition
1.200 rounds, 30 ready to fire
Traverse
Manual traverse and elevation
Stabilizer
No
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels
Drive sprocket front, idler rear
Suspension
Torsion bar
Ground pressure
0.89 kg/cm^2
Automotive
Engine
Rolls-Royce K60 Mk 4G 6-cylinder diesel
Power output
240 hp at 3.750 rpm
Mobility
Speed
47 km/h on road
5 km/h afloat
Range
480 km on road
Power to weight ratio
14.6 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.4 m
Wall
0.6 m
Trench
2.0 m
Gradient
30 degrees
Fording
Amphibious with preparation
1.2 m unprepared
Protection
Armor type
Steel
Armor thickness
10 to 12 mm
NBC system
Yes
Smoke system
2x3 smoke grenade dischargers
Equipment
Night vision
No
Radio
B48 inititally
Clansman PRC 352 after refit

Related articles


AS90

In the United Kingdom the Abbot was supplemented and replaced by the larger and more capable AS90 self-propelled howitzer.

105mm Light Gun

The ordnance of the Abbot was used in a modified form on the L118 Light Gun.