Cookie Consent by Privacy Policies Generator

105mm Model 56



Overview


Model 56

Spanish marines manning a Model 56 howitzer during a Cold War excersize.
Source: US DOD (SSgt. Jose Lopez Jr.) - © public domain

Origin
Italy
Type
Towed howitzer
Entered service
1957
Status
In service
Development
1955 - 1956
Developer
Italy - Oto Melara
Production
1957 - ?
Producer
Italy
Number produced
Over 2.500
Designations
L5 Pack Howitzer (Commonwealth service)
Modelo 56 (Italian name)

Description


Introduction

The Model 56 is a pack howitzer of Italian origin. It was developed in the mid-1950's by Oto Melara for an Italian army requirement. It proved to be a successful design and demand was high for such a niche weapon that was interoperable with other 105mm NATO guns.

Design

The Model 56 is based on a lightweight carriage with two wheels and two folding strut trails. The ordnance is the short 105mm 14-caliber howitzer with multi-slotted muzzle brake. A gun shield is fitted to provide a limited level of protection against direct fire. The profile can be reduced by lowering the wheels, thus making it less visible when used in the direct fire role.

Firepower

The Model 56 fires the same range of 105mm NATO ammunition as the widely used US M101 howitzer, making ammunition readily available. The maximum range is 10.5 km with normal ammunition. The maximum rate of fire is 8 rpm for short periods and 4 rpm for 30 minutes.

Mobility


Due to its limited weight the Model 56 is highly mobile. It can be easily manhandled over short distances. Normally it is towed by a light truck such as the German Unimog. It can be disassembled in 11 pieces for transportation by mule. Its low weight also allows it to be transported under a Bell 205 or equivalent helicopter.

Users

The Model 56 has been produced in large quantities and has been widely exported. It was adopted by many Western, African, Asian and South American nations. Many remain in service although more modern designs such as the UK Light Gun have replaced some in service.

Variants


Model 56

A Model 56 pack howitzer in travelling configuration with struts folded.
Source: OTO Melara - © copyright lies with original owner

Identification and variants

The Model 56 is a pack howitzer of Italian origin. It can be identified by its twin strut split trail carriage and short 105mm ordnance. There are no variants although the design has been slightly improved over the years. The original production models featured a large single baffle muzzle brake while the majority has a multi-slotted muzzle brake.

Details


Facts Model 56
General
Origin
Italy
Type
Pack howitzer
Crew
7
Dimensions
Weight
1.29 t
Length
3.65 m when travelling
4.8 m in firing position
Width
1.5 m when travelling
2.9 m in firing position
Height
1.93 m in normal position
1.55 m in lowered position
Ordnance
Type
105mm 14-caliber howitzer
Barrel length
1.478 m
Muzzle brake
Multi-slotted
Elevation
-5 to +65° in normal position
-5 to +25° in lowered position
Traverse
36° total in normal position
56° total in lowered position
Firepower
Rate of fire
8 rpm maximum
4 rpm for 30 minutes
3 rpm for 60 minutes
Range
10.5 km with standard rounds
Carriage
Type
2 wheel split trail carriage
Limber
No
Gun shield
Yes
Tread
1.14 m
Bore axis
1.07 m in normal position
0.69 m in lowered position
Mobility
Towing vehicle
4x4 light truck
Autonomous mobility
Manhandling over short distances

Media