Mk F3
Overview
Mk F3
Mk F3 self-propelled howitzer in firing position with jacks lowered.
Source: www.chars-francais.net -
© Copyright lies with original owner
France - Atelier de Construction de Tarbes (ordnance)
Canon de 155 mm Mle F3 Automoteur
AMX-155 (manufacturer designation)
Morocco
Argentina
Description
Introduction
The Mk F3 is a tracked self-propelled 155mm howitzer of French origin. It was developed in the early 1950's for the French armed forces. Over 600 had been produced when production stopped several decades ago. The Mk F3 is one of the smaller 155mm self-propelled howitzers ever produced.
Design
The Mk F3 is based on the AMX-13 tracked light tank chassis. The commander and driver are seated to the left of the engine. The ordnance is mounted at the rear with two spades being lowered before firing. The shells and gun crew are transported by a truck or AMX VCA tracked ammunition carrier.
Firepower
The Mk F3 is fitted with a 33-caliber 155mm howitzer which is loaded and aimed manually. The sustained rate of fire is 1 round per minute. The US M107 projectile can be fired out to 14.7 km and an increased velocity French HE round out to 20 km. There is no secondary armament.
Protection
The steel armor protects the driver and commander against small arms fire and shell splinters. The other crew members are unprotected as the ordnance is mounted in the open. No NBC or fire suppression systems are fitted.
Mobility
The Mk F3 is based on the tracked AMX-13 chassis and has a reasonable cross country performance. A SOFAM 250hp diesel engine provides propulsion. Maximum speed is about 60 km/h on roads. The Mk F3 is not amphibious.
Users
The Mk F3 was adopted by over a dozen nations. With most nations it has been replaced by more capable self-propelled howitzers. The Mk F3 remains in active use with a limited number of nations.
Details
Media
Mk F3
Left side view of Mk F3 self-propelled howitzer in service with Cyprus.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Mk F3
155mm Mk F3 self-propelled howitzer in travel configuration with the crew riding along.
Source: www.chars-francais.net
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Mk F3
Mk F3 self-propelled howitzer on Renault TBH 280 with Lohr DMC vehicle recovery and transport platform.
Source: Army Recognition
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Mk F3
Rear view of Mk F3 firing a 155mm artillery shell.
Source: www.chars-francais.net
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Mk F3
Top view of Mk F3 self-propelled howitzer in travel configuration.
Source: www.chars-francais.net
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Mk F3
Mk F3 self-propelled howitzer in firing position with jacks lowered.
Source: www.chars-francais.net
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
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The Mk F3 was developed to replace the ex-American M41 Gorilla in French service.
