155mm Soltam M-71
Soltam M-68
Overview
M-71
Israeli Soltam M-71 in firing position.
Source: Ido Stern -
© GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Mid 1970's for M-71
1974 for M-71
1975 - ? (M-71)
Israel
Description
Introduction
The M-68 is a late Cold War era towed howitzer of Israeli origin. It was the first indigenous towed howitzer produced in Israel. The M-68 may have been partially or fully designed by Tampella of Finland. The M-68 was developed into the M-71, which in turn forms the basis of the newer M845 and TIG towed howitzers developed in Israel.
Design
The M-68 uses a split trail carriage with four roadwheels fitted on two bogeys. In transport configuration the ordnance is rotated rearwards to align with the trails. A direct and indirect fire sight are located on the left side of the cradle. The 33-caliber ordnance is fitted with a fume extractor and single baffle muzzle brake. The M-71 is an improved model with 39-caliber ordnance and compressed air rammer. A crew of 8 is required to operate the weapon. There is no gun shield.
Firepower
The M-68 and M-71 fire NATO standard 155mm ammunition. The M-68 has a maximum range of 21 km with NATO standard shells and 23.5 km with Tampella ammunition. The longer barrel of the M-71 increases the maximum range to 30 km with base bleed ammunition. The rate of fire is 4 rpm for short periods and 2 rpm sustained. The compressed air rammer on the M-71 increases the maximum rate of fire to 5 rpm.
Mobility
The M-68 is towed by a 6x6 5-ton truck. The four wheel chassis and large tires allow for a high cross country speed. The weight distribution of the ordnance in travel configuration results in a high maximum road speed of 100 km/h. There is no APU and the M-68 is too heavy to transport by hand.
Users
The M-68 and M-71 have been sold to various nations in Africa and Asia. Both models also saw service in Israel and are reported to remain in storage. The M-71 was actively used by South African forces during the various conflicts in Southern Africa.
Variants
M-68
The M-68 is the baseline production model and was the first towed howitzer to be produced in Israel. The M-68 combines the Tampella designed split trail chassis with the indigenious 155mm 33-caliber ordnance. The M-68 can be identified by the limited space between the muzzle brake and fume extractor.
M-71
The M-71 is an improved model of the M-68. It differs from the M-68 in having a longer 39-caliber barrel with associated improved range. The M-71 also has a compressed air rammer that increases loading speed, especially at elevation. The M-71 was produced in larger numbers than the M-68.
Details
Media
M-71
Israeli Soltam M-71 in travelling configuration.
Source: Ido Stern
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
M-71
Chilean M-71 in firing position.
Source: www.zonamilitar.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
M-71
Rear view of former Israeli M-71 in firing position.
Source: Bukvoed
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
M-68
Soltam M-68 in travelling configuration.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
M-71
Soltam M-71 in travelling configuration.
Source: www.armyrecognition.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
L-33 Ro'em
The Soltam M-68 uses the same ordnance as the L-33 self-propelled howitzer on M4 Sherman chassis.