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155mm Tampella M-83


155 K 83


Overview

Tampella M-83

Left side view of Finnish army Tampella M-83 towed howitzer in firing position.
Source: www.mil.fi - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Finland
Type
Towed howitzer
Entered service
Early 1980's
Status
In service
Development
1970's
Developer
Finland - Tampella
Production
Early 1980's
Producer
Finland - Tampella
Number produced
54 or 108
Designations
155 K 83 (Finnish service)
Notable users
Finland

Description

Introduction

The M-83 is a late Cold War era towed howitzer of Finnish origin. It was developed by Tampella in the 1970's and is based on the earlier Tampella 122 K 60. The Israeli Soltam M-68 and M-71 are a similar development of the 122 K 60 design.

Design

The M-83 uses a 155mm 39-caliber ordnance with single baffle muzzle brake. The four wheel split trail carriage hinges at the cradle. In the firing position the M-83 rests on a turntable baseplate. In travel configuration the ordnance is rotated rearwards over the trails. The FH-70 is crewed by 8 men. There is no gun shield.

Firepower

The M-83 fires NATO standard 155mm shells. The maximum range is 23 km with standard ammunition and 30 km with base bleed shells. Burst rate of fire is 3 shells in 15 seconds. Maximum rate of fire is 8 rounds in 1 minute. The sustained rate of fire lies lower.

Mobility

The M-83 is towed by a heavy off-road truck which also carries the crew and ammunition. The M-83 has no APU and is too heavy to be manhandled.

Users

The M-83 was adopted only by the Finnish forces under the designation 155 K 83. Production numbers are reported to be 18, 54 or 108 pieces. The newer Patria-Vammas 155 GH 52 APU is based on the design of the Tampella M-83.

Variants

155 K 83
Original production model of the M-83 in Finnish service.
155 K 83-97
Service life extension of M-83 in Finnish service.

Details

Facts M-83
General
Origin
Finland
Type
Towed howitzer
Crew
7 - 8
Dimensions
Weight
9.5 t (firing position)
Length
7.5 m (travelling)
Width
2.7 m (travelling)
Height
2 m (travelling)
Ordnance
Type
155mm L/39 howitzer
Barrel length
5.99 m
Muzzle brake
Yes, single baffle
Muzzle velocity
800 m/s
Elevation
-5 to +70°
Traverse
45° left and right
Firepower
Rate of fire
10 rpm maximum
3 rounds in first 12 seconds
Range
23.5 km with standard ammunition
30.0 km with base bleed ammunition
Carriage
Type
4 wheel split trail carriage
Gun shield
No
Mobility
Towing vehicle
6x6 truck
Towed speed
80 km/h on roads
Autonomous mobility
Too heavy for manhandling
APU
No

Media

Related articles

155mm Soltam M-71

The Israeli Soltam M-71 looks similar to the M-83 due to the similar layout of the carriage.

Read more about 155mm Soltam M-71