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155mm FH-70



Overview


FH-70

Japanese army 155mm FH-70 towed howitzer in travel configuration, being towed by truck.
Source: Unknown author - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Germany
United Kingdom
Type
Towed howitzer
Entered service
1978
Status
In service
Development
Early 1960's - 1973
Developer
United Kingdom - Vickers
Germany - Rheinmetall
Production
1978 - late 1980's
Producer
Germany - Rheinmetall
Italy - OTO Melara
United Kingdom - Vickers
Japan - Japan Steel Works
Designations
FH 155-1 - German military service
L121 - UK military service

Description


Introduction

The FH-70 is late Cold War era towed howitzer of European origin. It was a joint UK, German and Italian effort to develop a replacement for the widely used World War 2 era M114. The name FH-70 stands for "Field Howitzer of the 1970's". Compare to the older M114 the FH-70 was to provide a longer range, burst fire capability, more powerful ammunition and autonomous mobility.

Layout

The FH-70 uses a 155mm 39-caliber ordnance with double baffle muzzle brake and sliding breech block. A flick rammer allows for burst firing. The single axle split trail carriage is fitted with an APU and features a driver's seat. Each trail is fitted with a large castor wheel. In the firing position the FH-70 rests on a turntable sole plate. In travel configuration the ordnance is rotated rearwards over the trails. The FH-70 uses conventional sights with electronic display. The FH-70 is crewed by 8 men, while the minimum detachment is 4 men. There is no gun shield.

Firepower

The FH-70 fires all NATO standard 155mm shells. A special range of 155mm shells was developed for the FH-70, including a powerful low drag HE-Frag shell. The maximum range is 24.7 km with NATO standard ammunition and 30 km with extended range shells. The burst rate of fire is 3 shells in 15 seconds. Sustained rate of fire is 3 to 6 rpm. Accuracy is reported to be good. The FH-70 can be used for direct fire in a pinch, but was not intended for that role.

Mobility

The FH-70 is normally towed by a 5t truck that also carries the crew and ammunition. The APU allows the FH-70 to move on its own. Enabling a shoot-and-scoot ability. The Volkswagen engine allows for speeds up to 20 km/h. The FH-70 is too heavy to be manhandled. The FH-70 can be carried as an external load underneath a CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

Users

The primary users of the FH-70 have been the three nations that developed it: Germany, Italy and the UK. Large quantities were produced under license in Japan. The FH-70 was exported to several nations. Later surplus units were exported as well. The FH-70 remains in use, although self-propelled artillery has replaced towed guns in many modern armies.

FH-70

Japanese army 155mm FH-70 towed howitzer travelling autonomously by APU.
Source: Unknown author - © copyright lies with original owner

Details


Facts FH-70
General
Origin
Germany / UK
Type
Towed howitzer
Crew
7 - 8
Dimensions
Weight
9.3 t in travel & firing position
Length
9.8 m travelling
12.43 m firing position
Width
2.58 m travelling
7.5 m firing position
Height
2.45 m travelling
Ordnance
Type
155mm L/39 howitzer
Barrel length
6.022 m
Muzzle brake
Yes, double baffle
Muzzle velocity
827 m/s
Elevation
-5 to +70°
Traverse
56° total
Firepower
Rate of fire
6 rpm normal
2 rpm sustained
3 rounds in first 13 seconds
Range
24.7 km standard projectiles
31.5 km base bleed
Carriage
Type
2 wheel split trail carriage
Gun shield
No
Tire size
14.00 x20
Tread
2.20 m
Mobility
Towing vehicle
6x6 tactical truck
Towed speed
80 km/h
Turn radius
9.3 m
Autonomous mobility
16 km/h using APU
APU
Yes

Media


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Type 19

In Japan the wheeled Type 19 self-propelled howitzer was developed to replace the FH-70.