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Is Pakistan (PA) is investing in HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System)?
PA has the chinese mlrs similar to the smerch
Pakistan Army Information
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PA has the chinese mlrs similar to the smerch
fatman17
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Pakistani Army Museum, Rawalpindi
By Usman Ansari
Rawalpindi has always been a military town. Long before the British arrived in South Asia it had military importance. The British Indian Army comfortably ensconced itself in Rawalpindi bestowing upon it the status of the headquarters of the Northern Command, and giving it the largest British Indian Army base in South Asia. After Partition the Pakistani Army naturally set up home, and when the time came for a museum to be set up, there was no better place than Rawalpindi.
The entrance of the museum is suitably guarded by an impressive statue of Subedar Khudadad Khan VC, the first South Asian recipient of the Victoria Cross. The inscription on the plinth upon which the statue of this brave warrior stands reads as follows:
'The first South Asian soldier of the British Indian Army to get the highest gallantry award "Victoria Cross" at Hollbecks, Belgium during World War One, on 31st October 1914.
Subedar Khudadad Khan belponged to village Dabb Tehsil (Now Distt) Chakwal. He died at CMH Rawalpindi on 8th March 1971 at the age of 94 years and was buried in his native village.'
Inside the exhibits are on the whole very impressive, and span the whole period of Pakistan’s existence. These are every day items that were used by the army, from radios to medical equipment and motorbikes. The crests that adorn the walls tell a history of their own, either displaying the change from a British dominion to an Islamic republic, or still displaying the roots of some of the regiments that date from the time of the British Indian Army. The flags and colours of the various regiments are a testament to the fact that the British Indian Army was defending the Empire in nineteenth century, whilst the British Army in Europe mercilessly pounded parade grounds. A number of displayed items were captured during the decade-long struggle against the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. Some of these items were turned on their former owners by the Mujahideen, others such as the parts of Afghan government and Soviet aircraft, were suitable for nothing more than trophies after they met their fate. Though not itself present, a model of the ‘Zamzama Gun’ forever enshrined in literature thanks to Rudyard Kipling, is also displayed inside. More commonly known to Pakistanis as the ‘Rani Top’, the monster cannon and its history, is perhaps indicative of the relationship between present-day India and Pakistan. Unsurprisingly after three wars with India, there are a significant number of captured Indian weapons and related ‘militaria’. This should not cheapen their worth as all the wars were hard fought affairs, especially on the ground.
Of note is the uniform jacket of Field Marshall Sir Claude John Eyre Auchinleck, (GCB, GCIE, CSI, DSO, OBE), the Commander-in-Chief of the British Indian Army from 1943 onwards. He is incredibly underrated as a military figure but was a very competent leader, respected by his troops and enemies, (at least those in opposing armies if not the cut-throat and treacherous world of the British Army officer corps). In personal terms he was a self-made man having been born into poverty in the home of the British Army, Aldershot, but through sheer hard work and determination he rose to the top of his profession. He laid the groundwork for Montgomery’s victory against Rommel at El Alamein, though neither Montgomery (who resented Auchinleck for being a British Indian Army Officer – an honour he was denied due to his poor performance at RMA Sandhurst) nor his supporters would have ever admitted to that. After becoming the C-in-C of the British Indian Army in 1943, he engineered the logistical supply that allowed General Slim, (another officer of the British Indian Army) to eventually defeat the Japanese in Burma. After the war he helped prepare the Pakistani and Indian armies for independence, despite opposing the manner in which Partition was handled. In this he clashed with Mountbatten the last Viceroy of India, (who was no friend at all of the fledgling Pakistan), and retired. Standing next to his uniform he was by no means a tall man, but he more than made up for his lack of stature by being inherently competent, (despite the slandering). To see his uniform displayed in the museum is a reminder of a great and honourable man, who played a significant role in establishing the Pakistani Army. In some respects he is the father of the army, so to have his uniform on display is all the more significant. Another touching item on display is a Pakistani flag that survived the fall of Dhaka in 1971 during the third Indo-Pak War. It was kept safe by a railway worker through his imprisonment by the Indian Army until he was repatriated back to West Pakistan. The efforts he went to, to ensure the flag remained safe, are recognised by it being displayed in the museum. Two other internal exhibits of note are the limousines of ex-Presidents General Yahya Khan and Field Marshal Ayub Khan. They were both were in office during the 1965 and 1971 wars with India respectively. Both are American Cadillac cars and in virtually mint condition condition. Visitors should not be surprised to see the museum staff painstakingly removing every speck of dust on these immaculate vehicles. Along with the Nishan-e-Haider gallery, which celebrates the bravery of those that made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in exceptional circumstances, these exhibits are perhaps the things that should be of particular interest to a visitor. One final curiosity is the hunting bow and arrows of Tipu Sultan ‘The Tiger of Mysore’. Though Mysore is in modern day India, Tipu Sultan’s ferocity in battle, religious piety, and high standard of governance and tolerance (despite propaganda to the contrary), have proved an exceptional example ever since. The intrepid WWII British agent Noor Inayat Khan, who was captured, tortured and executed by the Nazis in France, is said to have been one of his descendents. Whilst these are just some of the items related to the great men of history connected with Pakistan, the external exhibits are no less arresting.
The external exhibits again span a time well before Pakistan was even a notion. There are a number of cannon that date from the ‘Indian Mutiny’ of 1857, but on the whole exhibits from the post 1947 period, especially from the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistani Wars, dominate the grounds. Medium to large calibre artillery guns are arranged in front of the museum, having long since been replaced. There is a good selection of tanks and the Sherman, Chaffee and Patton tanks that took part in the 1965 war are well represented. These were used in the fierce battles of Chawinda and Assal Uttar in the 1965, the two largest and fiercest clashes of armour during the war. The loss of irreplaceable Pattons was so great at Assal Uttar that they were replaced by the truly horrendous Chinese Type-59s shortly after, but Pakistan required tanks and they were the only option. Also present are the Sexton and Priest SP artillery vehicles that equipped the Pakistani Army, (and indeed the Indian Army) during the wars. In PA service they have long since been replaced by the M-109 and M-110, but these WWII vintage weapons gave a good account of themselves in 1965 and 1971. There is also a Bell-OH-13 observation and liaison helicopter plus a Cessna OH-1 Bird Dog, on display. The diminutive Ferret armoured car near the main gates, was actually used by the Frontier Corps to check smuggling along the Pakistani/Iranian border. A look inside the open hatches adequately demonstrates just how cramped the car was for its two-man crew.
Of note though are the captured Indian vehicles that date from both wars. The captured Indian Mahindra jeep is particularly interesting as the manufacturer’s plate is still clearly visible, and shows it was captured by the 6th Baloch Regiment, in 1971, the year of its manufacture. Some of the captured jeeps were fitted with recoilless rifle anti-tank weapons which proved deadly to tanks in the cultivated fields of the Punjab. The antiquated looking, WWII era T-6 APC was despite its age, still a fairly competent ‘battle bus’. It was captured in the Lahore sector in 1965, the scene of fierce fighting. The AMX-13 and Sherman were both captured during the Battle of Assal Uttar, a clash most often remembered for the needless loss of a great many Pakistani Patton tanks in the cultivated fields of the Punjab plain. Though like most of the displayed vehicles the AMX-13 has been given an all-over coat of olive-drab, the Sherman has been spared, allowing it to be positively identified as belonging to the 9th Horse, and allotted to the 4th Mountain Division during that battle. If the Pakistani thrust that led to Assal Uttar proved to be the graveyard of Pakistani Patton tanks, it did one other thing, it stalemated the war in Lahore sector and forced the focus of Indian efforts north. This led to the fiercest and largest tanks battle of the war, the battle of Chawinda, and it was during this period of the war that the Indian Centurion on display was captured. The Centurion is probably the best British tank ever made, but that did not stop them being decimated in terrain that was more akin to Normandy’s Villiers Bocage in 1944, than an open plain normally desired for tank warfare. Opposed by largely by Sherman and some Patton tanks, as well as infantry wielding anti-tank weapons, the Centurions were stopped dead in their tracks. Though it cannot be known for certain what knocked it out, the turret side penetrations and shell that ricocheted into the engine compartment, effectively brought the career of the captured example to an abrupt end.
The museum may in the future be moved to Ayub National Park in an effort to make it more ‘visitor-friendly’. As it is, it is a very well run museum that does credit to the Pakistani Army. The only real criticism that can be made is that the application of olive-drab over the vehicle’s markings has taken away some of the essence of the exhibits if not spoilt them somewhat. Thankfully not all have had an additional light-grey camouflage pattern very roughly applied. All in all, the museum should be on the list of places to visit for anybody in Rawalpindi.
CMT & SD Golra
Usman Ansari discovers what ex-military vehicles are currently stored in one of the Pakistan Army’s biggest vehicle depots.
Very little is apparent from the outside of Central Mechanical Transport & Storage Depot, Golra. The military vehicle depot in Rawalpindi is mainly used to issue new vehicles to army units. Inside however, there is a great deal to be found. Lurking in the long grass along with the snakes, are hundreds of tanks and other retired military vehicles dating from WWII to the height of the Cold War. Feared scrapped, many were supplied as part of American military aid from the 1950s onwards when Pakistan was part of the anti-Communist bloc organisations CENTO and SEATO. A small proportion of these vehicles date from the 1947 division of British India’s military assets, and the most recent arrivals reflect Pakistan’s relationship with China.
Whereas the numerous Bedford trucks that were once in the Pakistan Army (PA) have been sold on to civilian hauliers, it appears many of the tanks have simply been placed into storage. The newest arrivals at the depot are the 105mm armed Type-69II. They were introduced to give Pakistani industry experience in tank manufacture, and 250 were produced before production switched to the Type-85IIAP. To cope with more modern opponents, (namely the T-72), they were up-gunned with a 105mm gun. Though an improvement on the Type-59 (due to its superior fire control system - FCS), armour protection was still basically bare steel/RHA (rolled homogenous armour). They were manufactured to high standard by Heavy Industries Taxila though, so they could be readily remanufactured into Al-Zarrars, the indigenous upgrade of the Type-59/Type-69 tanks. There is a considerably greater number of 105mm armed Type-59IIs present, reflecting the fact that over 2,000 once served in the PA. The sheer expense of replacing such a large number of tanks on a one for one basis gave rise to the Al-Zarrar programme. The Type-59 was cheap, fairly reliable, and simple enough for relatively uneducated crews to be able to maintain. They appear to have also been fairly recently retired so the possibility of them being available for upgrade for an export customer is high. Bangladesh has already applied the Al-Zarrar upgrade to its Type-69II fleet, and the search for more customers continues.
Surprisingly, there are also large numbers of M-47M and M-48A5 Patton tanks present, a legacy of the Mutual Defense Assistance Programme with America begun in the 1950s. The M-47M only served with Pakistan, and Washington’s then closest Gulf region ally, Iran. Lacking the ability to do so itself, Pakistan sent its M-47s to Iran to be overhauled and upgraded to M-47M standard at the factory set up by the American company, Bowen-McLaughlin-York, Inc. The M-47M was a 1960s upgrade that borrowed engine and FCS technology from the M-60A1 Patton. It still retained its 90mm gun though, so its effectiveness was severely hampered as time progressed. The large numbers at the depot are probably part of the 120 or so (out of 230 delivered) that survived till the end of the 1990s. The M-47M was overshadowed in PA service by the M-48, destined to be the last PA Western MBT. The M-48 was a much better tank and remained in service with the US itself until the 1990s. The PA M-48s survived in the PA longer than the M-47Ms, and were upgraded to M-48A5 standard. This again benefited a great deal from technology from the M-60A1, not least the 105mm M-68 gun. Though still able to pack a punch, its steel armour and small numbers (300), meant it was no longer viable to continue operating the type. Some of the American tanks have had a new lease of life at the hands of the Military Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (MVRDE). The MVRDE has developed an M-47M Armoured Vehicle-Launched Bridge (AVLB) that serves alongside the American designed M-48 AVLB, and is actively designing more ‘funnies’. However, as the Pattons were supplied as part of an American military aid package, they cannot be re-sold or otherwise exported without the express permission of the US. Consequently it looks like they will remain at the depot, sent to the MVRDE, or eventually scrapped.
The army also operated approximately 200 M-4 Shermans, with some being the 76mm armed M4E4 variant. A number were dozer equipped, of which a solitary example is present (minus dozer blade). Shermans are quite common as monuments in Pakistan and one 75mm version, (which seem have made up the bulk of Sherman types been supplied), is to be found in the middle of the dual carriageway of nearby Peshawar Road. The Shermans took part in both major Indo-Pak wars and seemed to have handled themselves fairly well despite being long in the tooth. Sadly, no effort was made to indigenously upgrade the Shermans in line with those serving in other nation’s armies due to lack of forethought, and the shortcomings of local industry. However, the example present does have some very apparent extra armour plates welded to the hull, though this was probably done before it entered Pakistani service. Along with the Shermans America also supplied ARVs (armoured recovery vehicles) were equally important. The types supplied were M-32B1, M-32BII/III, and M-74. The M-74 was perhaps the most important of the Sherman ARVs as it was able to deal with the heavier post-WWII Pattons, so was therefore the most versatile.
American military aid also brought a large number of M-19 SPAAGs, which were fitted with M2 dual automatic 40mm guns. The twin guns were mounted on a modified M-24 Chaffee light tank chassis, which were also supplied under the programme. Consequently, there was a high degree of commonality with regards spares. The twin-40mm was definitely hard hitting, but their effectiveness in the jet age is uncertain. The M-19s seem to be in a comparable condition to the M-47Ms, so may have been in storage for a similar period. Two types of artillery tractor, the WWII vintage M-4 and M-5 are also present. The M-5 is a particularly antiquated looking machine and appears reminiscent of a WWI AFV. However, both it and the more modern looking M-4 are of the same vintage. When China commenced military supplies in the aftermath of the 1965 war, it also supplied some artillery tractors in the shape of the Type-60-I, and a small number are decaying slowly at the depot. After the tanks though it is self propelled artillery (SPA) that makes up the bulk of vehicles present. The large number of retired M-7 Priest SPA present were either supplied as military aid, or were obtained during the division of military assets 1947. These served with their fellow WWII veterans the Canadian-built 25-pounder armed Sexton SPA, which are known to have given sterling service during both major Indo-Pak wars. The Sexton was particularly effective due to the 25-pounder’s high rate of fire, and Pakistan Ordnance Factories actually still makes 25-pounder ammunition, despite the fact that the Sextons were long ago replaced by the 155mm-armed M-109.
There are some big surprises to be found though. One is what at first looks like a T-34/85 and a T-34 ARV. These date from the aftermath of the 1965 war when Pakistan had a brief flirtation with Russia. This materialised due to American sanctions and lack of support over the Kashmir dispute with India. Pakistan hoped Russia would become its new source for weaponry. A small arms package that included T-34/85s was delivered, but Russia was always closer to Pakistan’s arch-rival India, and this was therefore the extent of the weapons supplied. China stepped up to help its southern neighbour though, and this mainly consisted of Type-59s. However, as far as is known, China never supplied any of its domestic built T-34/85s, the Type-58. Despite this the depot’s resident T-34/85 has a plaque on the gun breech that appears to be some kind of firing table, which is in Chinese. So either the tank is one of the Russian T-34/85s that were supplied (albeit with a Chinese firing table on the gun breech), or it is a Chinese Type-58, which were not.
Even more bizarre is the presence of a LVT-1 that is preserved as a monument in the grounds of the depot. Its presence is enigmatic, considering India received all the amphibious assault craft during the 1947 division of military assets, not Pakistan. Though this could have been supplied later as part of a military aid package, Pakistan is not usually a country associated with having had a requirement for amphibious assault craft. Even if it was obtained to operate in the riverine environment of erstwhile ‘East Pakistan’ (Bangladesh) pre-1971, it does not explain its presence in what was then ‘West Pakistan’. Also preserved near the LVT-1, are two Ferret armoured cars, which are in considerably better shape than the two that are stored along with the other vehicles. The Ferret was primarily used by the paramilitary Frontier Corps in patrolling Pakistan’s long and porous borders. An excellent and much loved vehicle despite their diminutive size, the Ferrets have now long since been replaced by civilian type vehicles such as Toyota pick up trucks.
Not all the vehicles present served in Pakistani colours. There are a number of trophies from the Afghan crisis in the 1980s and the 1991 Gulf War. The Afghan trophies consist of a BRDM-2 reconnaissance, and a TELAR (Transporter Erector Launcher And Radar) vehicle. It is entirely feasible that the BRDM-2 was used by Afghan government forces during the Soviet occupation and it likely that it was captured and brought to Pakistan after the Russians left in 1989. The TELAR is rather more problematic to explain, but there may be a theory to its presence. It is a huge vehicle more readily associated with the SA-8 Gecko SAM system, but the vehicle at the depot does not appear to have been equipped in this manner. It has been classed as an “APC”, but the presence of a crane arm means it was probably an engineering variant, or a even a re-supply vehicle for extra SA-8 rounds. If this is the case then it may well have been accompanied by the missile and radar equipped model, which if so, would definitely have been spirited away for intelligence purposes, either in Pakistan itself, or more likely at the time, America. One thing of note regarding the TELAR is that though it is a Soviet origin vehicle, the manufacturers at least had the foresight to have any instructions in English rather than Russian, as can be seen by a panel on the roof hatch. Though Pakistan’s role in the 1991 Gulf War is largely overshadowed, it seems an active part was taken in securing trophies. These are mainly made up of MTLB APCs. None of these tracked vehicles seem to have been damaged to the extent they would have been rendered immobile, but were probably simply abandoned by the fleeing Iraqi Army. However, the most prized trophy has to be the Iraqi T-62. Though there are no readily apparent national markings, it is identifiable by the ‘sand over olive drab’ colour scheme, and marking on the barrel fume extractor that was peculiar to Iraqi tanks. During the Iraq-Iran war the Iraqis also fashioned a crude plate metal shield for the search lights on their tanks to protect against splinters and small arms fire, and this modification is present on the T-62. The T-62 is undamaged, and would make a fine exhibit. One amusing note is that not all the vehicles stored at the depot are in fact ‘vehicles’. A small number of dummy vehicles are also present consisting of ‘T series’ Chinese tanks, an M-113 APC, and an M-109. Strangely, these seem to amongst the only vehicles that are actually stored under cover, the remainder being at the mercy of the elements.
Many of the vehicles are being stored on behalf of the Army Heritage Foundation, and may soon find themselves restored and displayed at the Army Museum now that it has been relocated in nearby Ayub National Park. That is the only fitting fate for some of the rarer vehicles, but it has to be accepted that unless they end up as monuments, exported or sold into private ownership, (and this is perhaps unlikely considering there is not a huge number of military vehicle enthusiasts in Pakistan with deep pockets), they will eventually be scrapped. The depot is an interesting place, but it is not a museum, and is not open to the public. It is a fully functioning, and secured, military facility. Therefore, the vehicles that are stored there will remain far from public gaze.
An edited version of this article appeared in the July 2008 issue of Military Machines International.
By Usman Ansari
Rawalpindi has always been a military town. Long before the British arrived in South Asia it had military importance. The British Indian Army comfortably ensconced itself in Rawalpindi bestowing upon it the status of the headquarters of the Northern Command, and giving it the largest British Indian Army base in South Asia. After Partition the Pakistani Army naturally set up home, and when the time came for a museum to be set up, there was no better place than Rawalpindi.
The entrance of the museum is suitably guarded by an impressive statue of Subedar Khudadad Khan VC, the first South Asian recipient of the Victoria Cross. The inscription on the plinth upon which the statue of this brave warrior stands reads as follows:
'The first South Asian soldier of the British Indian Army to get the highest gallantry award "Victoria Cross" at Hollbecks, Belgium during World War One, on 31st October 1914.
Subedar Khudadad Khan belponged to village Dabb Tehsil (Now Distt) Chakwal. He died at CMH Rawalpindi on 8th March 1971 at the age of 94 years and was buried in his native village.'
Inside the exhibits are on the whole very impressive, and span the whole period of Pakistan’s existence. These are every day items that were used by the army, from radios to medical equipment and motorbikes. The crests that adorn the walls tell a history of their own, either displaying the change from a British dominion to an Islamic republic, or still displaying the roots of some of the regiments that date from the time of the British Indian Army. The flags and colours of the various regiments are a testament to the fact that the British Indian Army was defending the Empire in nineteenth century, whilst the British Army in Europe mercilessly pounded parade grounds. A number of displayed items were captured during the decade-long struggle against the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. Some of these items were turned on their former owners by the Mujahideen, others such as the parts of Afghan government and Soviet aircraft, were suitable for nothing more than trophies after they met their fate. Though not itself present, a model of the ‘Zamzama Gun’ forever enshrined in literature thanks to Rudyard Kipling, is also displayed inside. More commonly known to Pakistanis as the ‘Rani Top’, the monster cannon and its history, is perhaps indicative of the relationship between present-day India and Pakistan. Unsurprisingly after three wars with India, there are a significant number of captured Indian weapons and related ‘militaria’. This should not cheapen their worth as all the wars were hard fought affairs, especially on the ground.
Of note is the uniform jacket of Field Marshall Sir Claude John Eyre Auchinleck, (GCB, GCIE, CSI, DSO, OBE), the Commander-in-Chief of the British Indian Army from 1943 onwards. He is incredibly underrated as a military figure but was a very competent leader, respected by his troops and enemies, (at least those in opposing armies if not the cut-throat and treacherous world of the British Army officer corps). In personal terms he was a self-made man having been born into poverty in the home of the British Army, Aldershot, but through sheer hard work and determination he rose to the top of his profession. He laid the groundwork for Montgomery’s victory against Rommel at El Alamein, though neither Montgomery (who resented Auchinleck for being a British Indian Army Officer – an honour he was denied due to his poor performance at RMA Sandhurst) nor his supporters would have ever admitted to that. After becoming the C-in-C of the British Indian Army in 1943, he engineered the logistical supply that allowed General Slim, (another officer of the British Indian Army) to eventually defeat the Japanese in Burma. After the war he helped prepare the Pakistani and Indian armies for independence, despite opposing the manner in which Partition was handled. In this he clashed with Mountbatten the last Viceroy of India, (who was no friend at all of the fledgling Pakistan), and retired. Standing next to his uniform he was by no means a tall man, but he more than made up for his lack of stature by being inherently competent, (despite the slandering). To see his uniform displayed in the museum is a reminder of a great and honourable man, who played a significant role in establishing the Pakistani Army. In some respects he is the father of the army, so to have his uniform on display is all the more significant. Another touching item on display is a Pakistani flag that survived the fall of Dhaka in 1971 during the third Indo-Pak War. It was kept safe by a railway worker through his imprisonment by the Indian Army until he was repatriated back to West Pakistan. The efforts he went to, to ensure the flag remained safe, are recognised by it being displayed in the museum. Two other internal exhibits of note are the limousines of ex-Presidents General Yahya Khan and Field Marshal Ayub Khan. They were both were in office during the 1965 and 1971 wars with India respectively. Both are American Cadillac cars and in virtually mint condition condition. Visitors should not be surprised to see the museum staff painstakingly removing every speck of dust on these immaculate vehicles. Along with the Nishan-e-Haider gallery, which celebrates the bravery of those that made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in exceptional circumstances, these exhibits are perhaps the things that should be of particular interest to a visitor. One final curiosity is the hunting bow and arrows of Tipu Sultan ‘The Tiger of Mysore’. Though Mysore is in modern day India, Tipu Sultan’s ferocity in battle, religious piety, and high standard of governance and tolerance (despite propaganda to the contrary), have proved an exceptional example ever since. The intrepid WWII British agent Noor Inayat Khan, who was captured, tortured and executed by the Nazis in France, is said to have been one of his descendents. Whilst these are just some of the items related to the great men of history connected with Pakistan, the external exhibits are no less arresting.
The external exhibits again span a time well before Pakistan was even a notion. There are a number of cannon that date from the ‘Indian Mutiny’ of 1857, but on the whole exhibits from the post 1947 period, especially from the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistani Wars, dominate the grounds. Medium to large calibre artillery guns are arranged in front of the museum, having long since been replaced. There is a good selection of tanks and the Sherman, Chaffee and Patton tanks that took part in the 1965 war are well represented. These were used in the fierce battles of Chawinda and Assal Uttar in the 1965, the two largest and fiercest clashes of armour during the war. The loss of irreplaceable Pattons was so great at Assal Uttar that they were replaced by the truly horrendous Chinese Type-59s shortly after, but Pakistan required tanks and they were the only option. Also present are the Sexton and Priest SP artillery vehicles that equipped the Pakistani Army, (and indeed the Indian Army) during the wars. In PA service they have long since been replaced by the M-109 and M-110, but these WWII vintage weapons gave a good account of themselves in 1965 and 1971. There is also a Bell-OH-13 observation and liaison helicopter plus a Cessna OH-1 Bird Dog, on display. The diminutive Ferret armoured car near the main gates, was actually used by the Frontier Corps to check smuggling along the Pakistani/Iranian border. A look inside the open hatches adequately demonstrates just how cramped the car was for its two-man crew.
Of note though are the captured Indian vehicles that date from both wars. The captured Indian Mahindra jeep is particularly interesting as the manufacturer’s plate is still clearly visible, and shows it was captured by the 6th Baloch Regiment, in 1971, the year of its manufacture. Some of the captured jeeps were fitted with recoilless rifle anti-tank weapons which proved deadly to tanks in the cultivated fields of the Punjab. The antiquated looking, WWII era T-6 APC was despite its age, still a fairly competent ‘battle bus’. It was captured in the Lahore sector in 1965, the scene of fierce fighting. The AMX-13 and Sherman were both captured during the Battle of Assal Uttar, a clash most often remembered for the needless loss of a great many Pakistani Patton tanks in the cultivated fields of the Punjab plain. Though like most of the displayed vehicles the AMX-13 has been given an all-over coat of olive-drab, the Sherman has been spared, allowing it to be positively identified as belonging to the 9th Horse, and allotted to the 4th Mountain Division during that battle. If the Pakistani thrust that led to Assal Uttar proved to be the graveyard of Pakistani Patton tanks, it did one other thing, it stalemated the war in Lahore sector and forced the focus of Indian efforts north. This led to the fiercest and largest tanks battle of the war, the battle of Chawinda, and it was during this period of the war that the Indian Centurion on display was captured. The Centurion is probably the best British tank ever made, but that did not stop them being decimated in terrain that was more akin to Normandy’s Villiers Bocage in 1944, than an open plain normally desired for tank warfare. Opposed by largely by Sherman and some Patton tanks, as well as infantry wielding anti-tank weapons, the Centurions were stopped dead in their tracks. Though it cannot be known for certain what knocked it out, the turret side penetrations and shell that ricocheted into the engine compartment, effectively brought the career of the captured example to an abrupt end.
The museum may in the future be moved to Ayub National Park in an effort to make it more ‘visitor-friendly’. As it is, it is a very well run museum that does credit to the Pakistani Army. The only real criticism that can be made is that the application of olive-drab over the vehicle’s markings has taken away some of the essence of the exhibits if not spoilt them somewhat. Thankfully not all have had an additional light-grey camouflage pattern very roughly applied. All in all, the museum should be on the list of places to visit for anybody in Rawalpindi.
CMT & SD Golra
Usman Ansari discovers what ex-military vehicles are currently stored in one of the Pakistan Army’s biggest vehicle depots.
Very little is apparent from the outside of Central Mechanical Transport & Storage Depot, Golra. The military vehicle depot in Rawalpindi is mainly used to issue new vehicles to army units. Inside however, there is a great deal to be found. Lurking in the long grass along with the snakes, are hundreds of tanks and other retired military vehicles dating from WWII to the height of the Cold War. Feared scrapped, many were supplied as part of American military aid from the 1950s onwards when Pakistan was part of the anti-Communist bloc organisations CENTO and SEATO. A small proportion of these vehicles date from the 1947 division of British India’s military assets, and the most recent arrivals reflect Pakistan’s relationship with China.
Whereas the numerous Bedford trucks that were once in the Pakistan Army (PA) have been sold on to civilian hauliers, it appears many of the tanks have simply been placed into storage. The newest arrivals at the depot are the 105mm armed Type-69II. They were introduced to give Pakistani industry experience in tank manufacture, and 250 were produced before production switched to the Type-85IIAP. To cope with more modern opponents, (namely the T-72), they were up-gunned with a 105mm gun. Though an improvement on the Type-59 (due to its superior fire control system - FCS), armour protection was still basically bare steel/RHA (rolled homogenous armour). They were manufactured to high standard by Heavy Industries Taxila though, so they could be readily remanufactured into Al-Zarrars, the indigenous upgrade of the Type-59/Type-69 tanks. There is a considerably greater number of 105mm armed Type-59IIs present, reflecting the fact that over 2,000 once served in the PA. The sheer expense of replacing such a large number of tanks on a one for one basis gave rise to the Al-Zarrar programme. The Type-59 was cheap, fairly reliable, and simple enough for relatively uneducated crews to be able to maintain. They appear to have also been fairly recently retired so the possibility of them being available for upgrade for an export customer is high. Bangladesh has already applied the Al-Zarrar upgrade to its Type-69II fleet, and the search for more customers continues.
Surprisingly, there are also large numbers of M-47M and M-48A5 Patton tanks present, a legacy of the Mutual Defense Assistance Programme with America begun in the 1950s. The M-47M only served with Pakistan, and Washington’s then closest Gulf region ally, Iran. Lacking the ability to do so itself, Pakistan sent its M-47s to Iran to be overhauled and upgraded to M-47M standard at the factory set up by the American company, Bowen-McLaughlin-York, Inc. The M-47M was a 1960s upgrade that borrowed engine and FCS technology from the M-60A1 Patton. It still retained its 90mm gun though, so its effectiveness was severely hampered as time progressed. The large numbers at the depot are probably part of the 120 or so (out of 230 delivered) that survived till the end of the 1990s. The M-47M was overshadowed in PA service by the M-48, destined to be the last PA Western MBT. The M-48 was a much better tank and remained in service with the US itself until the 1990s. The PA M-48s survived in the PA longer than the M-47Ms, and were upgraded to M-48A5 standard. This again benefited a great deal from technology from the M-60A1, not least the 105mm M-68 gun. Though still able to pack a punch, its steel armour and small numbers (300), meant it was no longer viable to continue operating the type. Some of the American tanks have had a new lease of life at the hands of the Military Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (MVRDE). The MVRDE has developed an M-47M Armoured Vehicle-Launched Bridge (AVLB) that serves alongside the American designed M-48 AVLB, and is actively designing more ‘funnies’. However, as the Pattons were supplied as part of an American military aid package, they cannot be re-sold or otherwise exported without the express permission of the US. Consequently it looks like they will remain at the depot, sent to the MVRDE, or eventually scrapped.
The army also operated approximately 200 M-4 Shermans, with some being the 76mm armed M4E4 variant. A number were dozer equipped, of which a solitary example is present (minus dozer blade). Shermans are quite common as monuments in Pakistan and one 75mm version, (which seem have made up the bulk of Sherman types been supplied), is to be found in the middle of the dual carriageway of nearby Peshawar Road. The Shermans took part in both major Indo-Pak wars and seemed to have handled themselves fairly well despite being long in the tooth. Sadly, no effort was made to indigenously upgrade the Shermans in line with those serving in other nation’s armies due to lack of forethought, and the shortcomings of local industry. However, the example present does have some very apparent extra armour plates welded to the hull, though this was probably done before it entered Pakistani service. Along with the Shermans America also supplied ARVs (armoured recovery vehicles) were equally important. The types supplied were M-32B1, M-32BII/III, and M-74. The M-74 was perhaps the most important of the Sherman ARVs as it was able to deal with the heavier post-WWII Pattons, so was therefore the most versatile.
American military aid also brought a large number of M-19 SPAAGs, which were fitted with M2 dual automatic 40mm guns. The twin guns were mounted on a modified M-24 Chaffee light tank chassis, which were also supplied under the programme. Consequently, there was a high degree of commonality with regards spares. The twin-40mm was definitely hard hitting, but their effectiveness in the jet age is uncertain. The M-19s seem to be in a comparable condition to the M-47Ms, so may have been in storage for a similar period. Two types of artillery tractor, the WWII vintage M-4 and M-5 are also present. The M-5 is a particularly antiquated looking machine and appears reminiscent of a WWI AFV. However, both it and the more modern looking M-4 are of the same vintage. When China commenced military supplies in the aftermath of the 1965 war, it also supplied some artillery tractors in the shape of the Type-60-I, and a small number are decaying slowly at the depot. After the tanks though it is self propelled artillery (SPA) that makes up the bulk of vehicles present. The large number of retired M-7 Priest SPA present were either supplied as military aid, or were obtained during the division of military assets 1947. These served with their fellow WWII veterans the Canadian-built 25-pounder armed Sexton SPA, which are known to have given sterling service during both major Indo-Pak wars. The Sexton was particularly effective due to the 25-pounder’s high rate of fire, and Pakistan Ordnance Factories actually still makes 25-pounder ammunition, despite the fact that the Sextons were long ago replaced by the 155mm-armed M-109.
There are some big surprises to be found though. One is what at first looks like a T-34/85 and a T-34 ARV. These date from the aftermath of the 1965 war when Pakistan had a brief flirtation with Russia. This materialised due to American sanctions and lack of support over the Kashmir dispute with India. Pakistan hoped Russia would become its new source for weaponry. A small arms package that included T-34/85s was delivered, but Russia was always closer to Pakistan’s arch-rival India, and this was therefore the extent of the weapons supplied. China stepped up to help its southern neighbour though, and this mainly consisted of Type-59s. However, as far as is known, China never supplied any of its domestic built T-34/85s, the Type-58. Despite this the depot’s resident T-34/85 has a plaque on the gun breech that appears to be some kind of firing table, which is in Chinese. So either the tank is one of the Russian T-34/85s that were supplied (albeit with a Chinese firing table on the gun breech), or it is a Chinese Type-58, which were not.
Even more bizarre is the presence of a LVT-1 that is preserved as a monument in the grounds of the depot. Its presence is enigmatic, considering India received all the amphibious assault craft during the 1947 division of military assets, not Pakistan. Though this could have been supplied later as part of a military aid package, Pakistan is not usually a country associated with having had a requirement for amphibious assault craft. Even if it was obtained to operate in the riverine environment of erstwhile ‘East Pakistan’ (Bangladesh) pre-1971, it does not explain its presence in what was then ‘West Pakistan’. Also preserved near the LVT-1, are two Ferret armoured cars, which are in considerably better shape than the two that are stored along with the other vehicles. The Ferret was primarily used by the paramilitary Frontier Corps in patrolling Pakistan’s long and porous borders. An excellent and much loved vehicle despite their diminutive size, the Ferrets have now long since been replaced by civilian type vehicles such as Toyota pick up trucks.
Not all the vehicles present served in Pakistani colours. There are a number of trophies from the Afghan crisis in the 1980s and the 1991 Gulf War. The Afghan trophies consist of a BRDM-2 reconnaissance, and a TELAR (Transporter Erector Launcher And Radar) vehicle. It is entirely feasible that the BRDM-2 was used by Afghan government forces during the Soviet occupation and it likely that it was captured and brought to Pakistan after the Russians left in 1989. The TELAR is rather more problematic to explain, but there may be a theory to its presence. It is a huge vehicle more readily associated with the SA-8 Gecko SAM system, but the vehicle at the depot does not appear to have been equipped in this manner. It has been classed as an “APC”, but the presence of a crane arm means it was probably an engineering variant, or a even a re-supply vehicle for extra SA-8 rounds. If this is the case then it may well have been accompanied by the missile and radar equipped model, which if so, would definitely have been spirited away for intelligence purposes, either in Pakistan itself, or more likely at the time, America. One thing of note regarding the TELAR is that though it is a Soviet origin vehicle, the manufacturers at least had the foresight to have any instructions in English rather than Russian, as can be seen by a panel on the roof hatch. Though Pakistan’s role in the 1991 Gulf War is largely overshadowed, it seems an active part was taken in securing trophies. These are mainly made up of MTLB APCs. None of these tracked vehicles seem to have been damaged to the extent they would have been rendered immobile, but were probably simply abandoned by the fleeing Iraqi Army. However, the most prized trophy has to be the Iraqi T-62. Though there are no readily apparent national markings, it is identifiable by the ‘sand over olive drab’ colour scheme, and marking on the barrel fume extractor that was peculiar to Iraqi tanks. During the Iraq-Iran war the Iraqis also fashioned a crude plate metal shield for the search lights on their tanks to protect against splinters and small arms fire, and this modification is present on the T-62. The T-62 is undamaged, and would make a fine exhibit. One amusing note is that not all the vehicles stored at the depot are in fact ‘vehicles’. A small number of dummy vehicles are also present consisting of ‘T series’ Chinese tanks, an M-113 APC, and an M-109. Strangely, these seem to amongst the only vehicles that are actually stored under cover, the remainder being at the mercy of the elements.
Many of the vehicles are being stored on behalf of the Army Heritage Foundation, and may soon find themselves restored and displayed at the Army Museum now that it has been relocated in nearby Ayub National Park. That is the only fitting fate for some of the rarer vehicles, but it has to be accepted that unless they end up as monuments, exported or sold into private ownership, (and this is perhaps unlikely considering there is not a huge number of military vehicle enthusiasts in Pakistan with deep pockets), they will eventually be scrapped. The depot is an interesting place, but it is not a museum, and is not open to the public. It is a fully functioning, and secured, military facility. Therefore, the vehicles that are stored there will remain far from public gaze.
An edited version of this article appeared in the July 2008 issue of Military Machines International.
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Heckler & Koch HK MP5 Submachine Gun / Machine Pistol (1966)
Authored By Staff Writer | Last Updated: 3/8/2013
The German Heckler & Koch HK MP5 Submachine Gun has proven exceedingly popular for its compact and reliable approach to close-quarters combat.
One of the most popular submachine guns ever produced, the Heckler & Koch HK MP5 ("Maschinenpistole 5") became a common sight throughout the latter Cold War years. The type was adopted by many special-forces groups as well as security elements for its sound design and utmost reliability in close-quarters actions, proving a major market success for the German concern.
While having shown its age since (the firearm was designed in the 1960s), the MP5 continues widespread service today (2013) although it has been long superseded along Heckler & Koch lines by a more modern offering - the HK UMP (Universale Maschinenpistole), a lightweight, less expensive platform made fully modular by incorporation of accessory rails about the design.
Design work on the original MP5 product began in 1964 and spanned into 1966 while being officially attributed to the collective minds of Tilo Moller, Manfred Guhring, Georg Seidl and Helmut Baureter. The original working model was then known as the "HK54" to which this eventually became the "MP5A1" mark.
Production commenced under the Heckler & Koch brand label in 1966 and, amazingly, continues even today (2013). Success of the series could be attributed to HK's use of its existing and proven automatic rifle components which became widely successful in previous company offerings at the military level.
Basic construction of the MP5 involved use of steel and plastics for a lightweight end product which was also compact - key qualities for any submachine gun. Basic models were available with simple single-shot and full-automatic fire modes while a three-round burst function was eventually introduced into the family line.
Military variants then appeared with integrated suppressors fitted over the barren for reduced sound operation (to produce the "SD" - "Silenced" - line) and this version went on to be used with tremendous success, alone producing six major subvariants under the SD designation. Various optics and accessories could be mounted along the receiver or forend of standard MP5s as needed, considerably broadening the tactical reach of the operator in-the-field. Basic iron sights were standard forward and aft.
While primarily chambered for the 9x19mm Parabellum pistol cartridge, HK eventually released MP5 models chambered for the 10mm Auto and .40 S&W.
The standard 9mm form was fed from a 15-, 30- or 40-round detachable box magazine though other variants could make use of the 100-round Beta C-Mag ammunition drum. The action consisted of a roller-delayed blowback system utilizing a close bolt arrangement - the same as featured on several full-length HK automatic rifles - proving itself both accurate and reliable. Rate-of-fire, loaded/empty weights and effective ranges all varied depending on the chambering and production model in question.
The first definitive MP5 form became the MP5A2 with its fixed solid shoulder stock featuring single-shot and full-automatic fire modes through a clearly-marked selector switch along the side of the receiver. The MP5SFA2 was similar though with only a single-shot, semi-automatic firing capability. The MP5A3 brought about use of a collapsing shoulder stock with support for single-shot or full-automatic fire. The MP5SFA3 became a carbine version of the MP5A3 complete with collapsible stock and single-shot, semi-automatic fire. The MP5A4 utilized a fixed stock with a 3-round burst firing function while the MP5A5 was given a collapsing stock with burst fire mode. The MP5N was a specialized US Navy variant with Navy trigger group (showing fire selection through bullet symbols instead of the usual "SEF" text), collapsing stock and threaded sound suppressor support. The French Army received specialized MP5s as the "MP5F", featuring a collapsing stock and revised internals for their special ammunition requirements.
One of the most popular MP5 production models became the MP5K (K = Kurz for "Short") which took an already compact firearm and made it more so through use of a shorter barrel and forend and lacked a stock. The fire selector allowed for single- and full-automatic fire only and the front end of the weapon was supported through a rubber-encased vertical grip handle mounted just ahead of the magazine well. All other MP5 functions remained the same. The MP5K eventually produced its own sub-set of variants: The MP5KA1 was given a cleaner upper receiver with single-/full-auto firing function and more compact iron sights. The MP5KA4 featured a three-round burst fire capability while the MP5KA5 was the MP5KA1 though with three-round burst capability. The MP5K-N was a US Navy model with Navy trigger group and threaded suppressor support. The MP5K-PDW ("Personal Defense Weapon") was the MP5K-N with three-round burst support, forward vertical grip and hinged folding stock. The MP5/10 was a specialized form chambered for the 10mm Auto cartridge while the MP5/40 fired the .40 S&W cartridge. The MP5 was imported in civilian guise to the United States as the HK94 and another civilian offering became the SP89 intended for sport shooting and to conform to the 1989 Semi-Automatic Weapons Ban. European civilians had access to the T-94 ZSG (Zivile Sportgewehr) model.
One of the more identifiable MP5 production models was its silenced - or "SD" - form which, like the HKMP5K, produced its own sub-set of variants: the MP5SD1 was the initial model and lacked a stock though fitted with single-shot/full-auto fire capable and integral suppressor (as opposed to threaded). The MP5SD2 sported a full fixed stock with integral suppressor with single/full auto support. The MP5SD3 was given a collapsing stock and retained the built-in suppressor. The MP5SD4 lacked the stock but retained the suppressor and included a three-round burst fire mode. The MP5SD5 was a fixed stock version with suppressor and three-round burst capability. The MP5SD6 sported a collapsing stock with suppressor ad three-round burst fire. The MP5SD-N1 was an American Navy modification with collapsing stock and stainless steel suppressor, the latter developed by Knight's Armament Company. The MP5SD-N2 was similar though with a fixed full stock.
The HK MP5 eventually became the logical weapon of choice for most North American and and European special forces groups and police. It proved extremely successful as a close-quarters man-stopper and was utilized by the notable likes of the United States Navy SEALs, the German GSG9 and British SAS.
The HK53 was more or less the HK MP5 though chambered for the American 5.56x45mm rifle cartridge - though marketed as a variant of the full-length HK33 Assault Rifle.
Military Factory - Military Weapons: Cataloging aircraft, tanks, vehicles, artillery, ships and guns through history.
Authored By Staff Writer | Last Updated: 3/8/2013
The German Heckler & Koch HK MP5 Submachine Gun has proven exceedingly popular for its compact and reliable approach to close-quarters combat.
One of the most popular submachine guns ever produced, the Heckler & Koch HK MP5 ("Maschinenpistole 5") became a common sight throughout the latter Cold War years. The type was adopted by many special-forces groups as well as security elements for its sound design and utmost reliability in close-quarters actions, proving a major market success for the German concern.
While having shown its age since (the firearm was designed in the 1960s), the MP5 continues widespread service today (2013) although it has been long superseded along Heckler & Koch lines by a more modern offering - the HK UMP (Universale Maschinenpistole), a lightweight, less expensive platform made fully modular by incorporation of accessory rails about the design.
Design work on the original MP5 product began in 1964 and spanned into 1966 while being officially attributed to the collective minds of Tilo Moller, Manfred Guhring, Georg Seidl and Helmut Baureter. The original working model was then known as the "HK54" to which this eventually became the "MP5A1" mark.
Production commenced under the Heckler & Koch brand label in 1966 and, amazingly, continues even today (2013). Success of the series could be attributed to HK's use of its existing and proven automatic rifle components which became widely successful in previous company offerings at the military level.
Basic construction of the MP5 involved use of steel and plastics for a lightweight end product which was also compact - key qualities for any submachine gun. Basic models were available with simple single-shot and full-automatic fire modes while a three-round burst function was eventually introduced into the family line.
Military variants then appeared with integrated suppressors fitted over the barren for reduced sound operation (to produce the "SD" - "Silenced" - line) and this version went on to be used with tremendous success, alone producing six major subvariants under the SD designation. Various optics and accessories could be mounted along the receiver or forend of standard MP5s as needed, considerably broadening the tactical reach of the operator in-the-field. Basic iron sights were standard forward and aft.
While primarily chambered for the 9x19mm Parabellum pistol cartridge, HK eventually released MP5 models chambered for the 10mm Auto and .40 S&W.
The standard 9mm form was fed from a 15-, 30- or 40-round detachable box magazine though other variants could make use of the 100-round Beta C-Mag ammunition drum. The action consisted of a roller-delayed blowback system utilizing a close bolt arrangement - the same as featured on several full-length HK automatic rifles - proving itself both accurate and reliable. Rate-of-fire, loaded/empty weights and effective ranges all varied depending on the chambering and production model in question.
The first definitive MP5 form became the MP5A2 with its fixed solid shoulder stock featuring single-shot and full-automatic fire modes through a clearly-marked selector switch along the side of the receiver. The MP5SFA2 was similar though with only a single-shot, semi-automatic firing capability. The MP5A3 brought about use of a collapsing shoulder stock with support for single-shot or full-automatic fire. The MP5SFA3 became a carbine version of the MP5A3 complete with collapsible stock and single-shot, semi-automatic fire. The MP5A4 utilized a fixed stock with a 3-round burst firing function while the MP5A5 was given a collapsing stock with burst fire mode. The MP5N was a specialized US Navy variant with Navy trigger group (showing fire selection through bullet symbols instead of the usual "SEF" text), collapsing stock and threaded sound suppressor support. The French Army received specialized MP5s as the "MP5F", featuring a collapsing stock and revised internals for their special ammunition requirements.
One of the most popular MP5 production models became the MP5K (K = Kurz for "Short") which took an already compact firearm and made it more so through use of a shorter barrel and forend and lacked a stock. The fire selector allowed for single- and full-automatic fire only and the front end of the weapon was supported through a rubber-encased vertical grip handle mounted just ahead of the magazine well. All other MP5 functions remained the same. The MP5K eventually produced its own sub-set of variants: The MP5KA1 was given a cleaner upper receiver with single-/full-auto firing function and more compact iron sights. The MP5KA4 featured a three-round burst fire capability while the MP5KA5 was the MP5KA1 though with three-round burst capability. The MP5K-N was a US Navy model with Navy trigger group and threaded suppressor support. The MP5K-PDW ("Personal Defense Weapon") was the MP5K-N with three-round burst support, forward vertical grip and hinged folding stock. The MP5/10 was a specialized form chambered for the 10mm Auto cartridge while the MP5/40 fired the .40 S&W cartridge. The MP5 was imported in civilian guise to the United States as the HK94 and another civilian offering became the SP89 intended for sport shooting and to conform to the 1989 Semi-Automatic Weapons Ban. European civilians had access to the T-94 ZSG (Zivile Sportgewehr) model.
One of the more identifiable MP5 production models was its silenced - or "SD" - form which, like the HKMP5K, produced its own sub-set of variants: the MP5SD1 was the initial model and lacked a stock though fitted with single-shot/full-auto fire capable and integral suppressor (as opposed to threaded). The MP5SD2 sported a full fixed stock with integral suppressor with single/full auto support. The MP5SD3 was given a collapsing stock and retained the built-in suppressor. The MP5SD4 lacked the stock but retained the suppressor and included a three-round burst fire mode. The MP5SD5 was a fixed stock version with suppressor and three-round burst capability. The MP5SD6 sported a collapsing stock with suppressor ad three-round burst fire. The MP5SD-N1 was an American Navy modification with collapsing stock and stainless steel suppressor, the latter developed by Knight's Armament Company. The MP5SD-N2 was similar though with a fixed full stock.
The HK MP5 eventually became the logical weapon of choice for most North American and and European special forces groups and police. It proved extremely successful as a close-quarters man-stopper and was utilized by the notable likes of the United States Navy SEALs, the German GSG9 and British SAS.
The HK53 was more or less the HK MP5 though chambered for the American 5.56x45mm rifle cartridge - though marketed as a variant of the full-length HK33 Assault Rifle.
Military Factory - Military Weapons: Cataloging aircraft, tanks, vehicles, artillery, ships and guns through history.
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Heckler & Koch HK G3 Assault Rifle / Carbine / Designated Marksman Rifle / Sniper Rifle (1959)
Authored By Staff Writer | Last Updated: 10/21/2012
The HK G3 was and continues to be a robust and reliable weapon system.
At the end of World War 2, German engineers were working on perfecting a new breed of service rifle known as the "assault rifle". The assault rifle immediately antiquated the bolt-action service rifle as the standard-issue firearm of any modern army.
The new weapon allowed use of a rifle-caliber cartridge in a more compact body with the capability of repeat, automatic fire at targets within short and medium ranges - ranges most often being encountered by infantry. The most famous early example of this type of weapon became the German wartime StG 44 (Sturmgewehr 44 or "Storm Rifle") - often cited as the "Father of Assault Rifles" - which led to a more refined and simpler prototype - the StG 45. Unfortunately for the Germans, the StG 45 only existed in prototype form before the end of the war in May of 1945 and perhaps as little as 30 units were produced.
The StG 45 made use of the intermediate 7.92x33mm Kurz ("short") cartridge though, perhaps most importantly, it brought about the use of the "roller-delayed blowback" firing principle. This operation essentially involved two locking rollers situated to either side of the firing pin near the base of the cartridge, engaging the sides of the receiver during the firing action and delaying the movement of the bolt head - the barrel remaining fixed in place. The principle was adopted as a cost effective alternative to a proposed gas-operated, roller-locked breech system originally intended for the StG 45. The end of the war stymied development of the StG 45 but German engineers, having relocated to Spain after the war, began perfecting the system under the government-sponsored Centro de Estudios Tecnicos de Materiales Especiales ("Technical Studio of Special Materials") otherwise known as CETME.
The engineers managed to produce a more refined and reliable roller-delayed blowback system chambered for the 7.92mm cartridge and marketed it towards the West German Army for consideration as their new standard-issue service rifle. The West German Army favored the CETME idea but preferred a weapon utilizing the 7.62x51mm NATO standard cartridge instead. CETME engineers continued their work on the design and ultimately produced the CETME "Model 58" assault rifle/battle rifle firing a reduced-charge 7.62mm cartridge (to become the 7.62x51mm CETME).
After evaluation of competing systems, the West German Army selected the CETME design as their new standard-issue assault rifle. License-production of the weapon was obtained and the firm of Heckler & Koch revised the CETME system to accept the full-power 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. The resulting design became the HK G3 series ("Gewehr 3") automatic rifle/battle rifle series which made use of sheet metal stampings in its construction dotted by furniture manufacturer of plastic. The internal firing mechanism was a much more refined form of the original StG 45 roller-delayed blowback system and the overall construction of the rifle budget-friendly. The G3 shared much with the Spanish CETME but was, for all intents and purposes, its own evolution of the Stg 45 before it - a fairly Straight forward, basic unassuming rifle formally categorized as a "Battle Rifle" due to its use of a full-power rifle cartridge.
The HK G3 was introduced in 1959 and became the standard-issue service rifle of the West German Army. Some early HK G3s were, however, known to feature "CETME" stamped along their receivers, at least up until 1961.
At its core, the HK G3 was a fine, if unspectacular, automatic rifle development exhibiting lines that would become a standard for the HK concern for decades to come. It yielded a very utilitarian appearance but was a fully-functional end product worthy of the rigors of the modern battlefield. The design incorporated a solid fixed stock with an angled pistol grip near the thumb-operated fire selector (safety, semi-automatic single-fire and full-automatic fire modes). The curved trigger unit was held within a hardened trigger guard. Ahead of the trigger lay the magazine well which accepted a 20-round detachable box magazine. The magazine release catch was aft of the magazine well. The receiver largely incorporated long-running horizontal lines from front to rear. The fore-stock consisted of a plastic hand-guard shrouding the low-set barrel and top-mounted gas-cylinder. The barrel protruded a distance away from the handguard and fitted a slotted muzzle flash hider/flash suppressor. There was a rear site installation a top the receiver (the identifiable "drum-type" diopter sight) with the front sight added at the extreme end of the fore-stock. Overall, the G3 served a very clean, "no frills" gun design.
The designator "G3" was used to simply mark the initial production models which were noted for their wooden shoulder stocks and flip over rear sights. The G3 followed much of the form and function of the preceding Spanish CETME Model B rifle marks and these were then followed into service by the HK GA1 which incorporated a retractable butt-stock. The HK G3A2 mark were simply G3 service rifles with a standardized rotary rear sight installation.
The HK G3A3 became the final production form of the G3 family line and its most definitive mark. The G3A3 utilized the rotary rear sight unit of the G3A2 models with a revised front sight and fixed plastic shoulder stock. Additionally, this version also saw its flash hider upgraded to a "prong" type. A bipod was optional for stabilized sustained fire. This version weighed in at 9lbs, 11oz with a 40 inch overall length and 17.7 inch barrel. Cyclic rate-of-fire was 550 rounds per minute with a muzzle velocity of 2,625 feet per second. The G3A3A1 incorporated a brass ejection port deflector and ambidextrous firing selector.
The HK G3A3 series itself spawned several notable sub-variants related to the G3 breed. This included the G3A3ZF ("Zielfernohr") which introduced receiver support for an optics installation (the Hensoldt 4x24 power scope). This essentially allowed the G3 to be used as a long-range "sniping" weapon firing a full power cartridge and formed the basis of more dedicated sniper platforms. The G3A4 brought about use of a collapsing stock - which greatly reduced the weapon's overall length - as well as scope support. The similar G3A4A1 included the brass ejection port deflector and ambidextrous fire selector control. The G3KA4 was a compact carbine variant with a collapsible stock. The G3KA4A1 was similar though with the brass ejection port deflector and ambidextrous fire selector. G3A5 designated G3A3 models produced in Denmark (as the Gv M/66).
The G3SG/1 was an accurized version of the G3 intended for dedicated sniper use within the inventory of the West German Army. This variant utilized a standard scope, folding bipod, cheek piece at the shoulder stock and specialized trigger unit. A revised scope G3 was the MSG3. The G3TGS incorporated the HK79 series 40mm grenade launcher under the forend. Scoped G3s eventually gave rise to the refined PSG-1 sniper rifle series (intended for police forces) which sported a more powerful scope, standard ergonomic comforts, a free-floating barrel and available in semi-automatic fire only. The high cost of the PSG-1 rifle led to the more economical (and militarized) MSG-90.
G3A3s produced under license in Luxembourg, Iran and Turkey were designated as HSG1, G3A6 and G3A7 respectively. Iran developed a "bullpup" G3 version as the DIO G3, the integral working components and magazine now set to the rear of the trigger group. The collapsing stock version (G3A4) was also produced in Turkey, though as the G3A7A1. Denmark leased G3 rifles as the Gv M/75. A locally-produced Norwegian version of the G3A5 was the AG-3. The AG-3F1 was the collapsible stock form and AG-3F2 was an improved form. Sweden produced the G3A3 as the Ak 4. Scoped versions were the Ak 4OR and Ak 4B. Pakistan locally-produced the G3A4 as the G3P4.
The G3 went on to serve as the basis for a whole family of weapons related to the original G3 line. The HK41 was a police/civilian version with semi-automatic fire only. Similarly, HK produced the HK91 in semi-automatic fire for civilian consumption. The HK911 followed the HK91 in an effort to comply with US firearms restrictions. Similarly, the SR9 followed in the SR9 (T) and SR9 (TC) sporting guises. Other forms under non-HK designations have emerged since the types importation into the lucrative US gun market - these applied by various importing companies.
The HK G3's reach cannot be overstated for it has seen widespread use (not to mention license production in some parts) across Argentina, Angola, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Ivory Coast, Croatia, Cyprus, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Greece, Guyana, Haiti, Iceland, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Rhodesia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Zaire, Zambia and Zimbabwe in addition to the previously mentioned nations. Since its introduction in 1959, the G3 still continues service today and has seen countless combat actions in a myriad of localized and large-scale wars. It formed a standard-issue NATO assault rifle for decades.
Production has been undertaken by Heckler & Koch, Rheinmetall, SEDENA, DIO, FBP, Carl Gustafs, Husqvarna, Hellenic Arms Industry, Kongsberg Vapenfabrikk, MAS, Military Industry Corporation, MKEK, Pakistan Ordnance Factories and Royal Ordnance PLC. Such global exposure was attributed to the fact that the G3 was, in fact, much more economically-friendly that other competing automatic rifles of the time - namely the Belgian FN FAL and the American M14.
For the unified German Army, the G3 ceased frontline operational use in 1997, giving way to the HK G36 family line.
Military Factory - Military Weapons: Cataloging aircraft, tanks, vehicles, artillery, ships and guns through history.
Authored By Staff Writer | Last Updated: 10/21/2012
The HK G3 was and continues to be a robust and reliable weapon system.
At the end of World War 2, German engineers were working on perfecting a new breed of service rifle known as the "assault rifle". The assault rifle immediately antiquated the bolt-action service rifle as the standard-issue firearm of any modern army.
The new weapon allowed use of a rifle-caliber cartridge in a more compact body with the capability of repeat, automatic fire at targets within short and medium ranges - ranges most often being encountered by infantry. The most famous early example of this type of weapon became the German wartime StG 44 (Sturmgewehr 44 or "Storm Rifle") - often cited as the "Father of Assault Rifles" - which led to a more refined and simpler prototype - the StG 45. Unfortunately for the Germans, the StG 45 only existed in prototype form before the end of the war in May of 1945 and perhaps as little as 30 units were produced.
The StG 45 made use of the intermediate 7.92x33mm Kurz ("short") cartridge though, perhaps most importantly, it brought about the use of the "roller-delayed blowback" firing principle. This operation essentially involved two locking rollers situated to either side of the firing pin near the base of the cartridge, engaging the sides of the receiver during the firing action and delaying the movement of the bolt head - the barrel remaining fixed in place. The principle was adopted as a cost effective alternative to a proposed gas-operated, roller-locked breech system originally intended for the StG 45. The end of the war stymied development of the StG 45 but German engineers, having relocated to Spain after the war, began perfecting the system under the government-sponsored Centro de Estudios Tecnicos de Materiales Especiales ("Technical Studio of Special Materials") otherwise known as CETME.
The engineers managed to produce a more refined and reliable roller-delayed blowback system chambered for the 7.92mm cartridge and marketed it towards the West German Army for consideration as their new standard-issue service rifle. The West German Army favored the CETME idea but preferred a weapon utilizing the 7.62x51mm NATO standard cartridge instead. CETME engineers continued their work on the design and ultimately produced the CETME "Model 58" assault rifle/battle rifle firing a reduced-charge 7.62mm cartridge (to become the 7.62x51mm CETME).
After evaluation of competing systems, the West German Army selected the CETME design as their new standard-issue assault rifle. License-production of the weapon was obtained and the firm of Heckler & Koch revised the CETME system to accept the full-power 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. The resulting design became the HK G3 series ("Gewehr 3") automatic rifle/battle rifle series which made use of sheet metal stampings in its construction dotted by furniture manufacturer of plastic. The internal firing mechanism was a much more refined form of the original StG 45 roller-delayed blowback system and the overall construction of the rifle budget-friendly. The G3 shared much with the Spanish CETME but was, for all intents and purposes, its own evolution of the Stg 45 before it - a fairly Straight forward, basic unassuming rifle formally categorized as a "Battle Rifle" due to its use of a full-power rifle cartridge.
The HK G3 was introduced in 1959 and became the standard-issue service rifle of the West German Army. Some early HK G3s were, however, known to feature "CETME" stamped along their receivers, at least up until 1961.
At its core, the HK G3 was a fine, if unspectacular, automatic rifle development exhibiting lines that would become a standard for the HK concern for decades to come. It yielded a very utilitarian appearance but was a fully-functional end product worthy of the rigors of the modern battlefield. The design incorporated a solid fixed stock with an angled pistol grip near the thumb-operated fire selector (safety, semi-automatic single-fire and full-automatic fire modes). The curved trigger unit was held within a hardened trigger guard. Ahead of the trigger lay the magazine well which accepted a 20-round detachable box magazine. The magazine release catch was aft of the magazine well. The receiver largely incorporated long-running horizontal lines from front to rear. The fore-stock consisted of a plastic hand-guard shrouding the low-set barrel and top-mounted gas-cylinder. The barrel protruded a distance away from the handguard and fitted a slotted muzzle flash hider/flash suppressor. There was a rear site installation a top the receiver (the identifiable "drum-type" diopter sight) with the front sight added at the extreme end of the fore-stock. Overall, the G3 served a very clean, "no frills" gun design.
The designator "G3" was used to simply mark the initial production models which were noted for their wooden shoulder stocks and flip over rear sights. The G3 followed much of the form and function of the preceding Spanish CETME Model B rifle marks and these were then followed into service by the HK GA1 which incorporated a retractable butt-stock. The HK G3A2 mark were simply G3 service rifles with a standardized rotary rear sight installation.
The HK G3A3 became the final production form of the G3 family line and its most definitive mark. The G3A3 utilized the rotary rear sight unit of the G3A2 models with a revised front sight and fixed plastic shoulder stock. Additionally, this version also saw its flash hider upgraded to a "prong" type. A bipod was optional for stabilized sustained fire. This version weighed in at 9lbs, 11oz with a 40 inch overall length and 17.7 inch barrel. Cyclic rate-of-fire was 550 rounds per minute with a muzzle velocity of 2,625 feet per second. The G3A3A1 incorporated a brass ejection port deflector and ambidextrous firing selector.
The HK G3A3 series itself spawned several notable sub-variants related to the G3 breed. This included the G3A3ZF ("Zielfernohr") which introduced receiver support for an optics installation (the Hensoldt 4x24 power scope). This essentially allowed the G3 to be used as a long-range "sniping" weapon firing a full power cartridge and formed the basis of more dedicated sniper platforms. The G3A4 brought about use of a collapsing stock - which greatly reduced the weapon's overall length - as well as scope support. The similar G3A4A1 included the brass ejection port deflector and ambidextrous fire selector control. The G3KA4 was a compact carbine variant with a collapsible stock. The G3KA4A1 was similar though with the brass ejection port deflector and ambidextrous fire selector. G3A5 designated G3A3 models produced in Denmark (as the Gv M/66).
The G3SG/1 was an accurized version of the G3 intended for dedicated sniper use within the inventory of the West German Army. This variant utilized a standard scope, folding bipod, cheek piece at the shoulder stock and specialized trigger unit. A revised scope G3 was the MSG3. The G3TGS incorporated the HK79 series 40mm grenade launcher under the forend. Scoped G3s eventually gave rise to the refined PSG-1 sniper rifle series (intended for police forces) which sported a more powerful scope, standard ergonomic comforts, a free-floating barrel and available in semi-automatic fire only. The high cost of the PSG-1 rifle led to the more economical (and militarized) MSG-90.
G3A3s produced under license in Luxembourg, Iran and Turkey were designated as HSG1, G3A6 and G3A7 respectively. Iran developed a "bullpup" G3 version as the DIO G3, the integral working components and magazine now set to the rear of the trigger group. The collapsing stock version (G3A4) was also produced in Turkey, though as the G3A7A1. Denmark leased G3 rifles as the Gv M/75. A locally-produced Norwegian version of the G3A5 was the AG-3. The AG-3F1 was the collapsible stock form and AG-3F2 was an improved form. Sweden produced the G3A3 as the Ak 4. Scoped versions were the Ak 4OR and Ak 4B. Pakistan locally-produced the G3A4 as the G3P4.
The G3 went on to serve as the basis for a whole family of weapons related to the original G3 line. The HK41 was a police/civilian version with semi-automatic fire only. Similarly, HK produced the HK91 in semi-automatic fire for civilian consumption. The HK911 followed the HK91 in an effort to comply with US firearms restrictions. Similarly, the SR9 followed in the SR9 (T) and SR9 (TC) sporting guises. Other forms under non-HK designations have emerged since the types importation into the lucrative US gun market - these applied by various importing companies.
The HK G3's reach cannot be overstated for it has seen widespread use (not to mention license production in some parts) across Argentina, Angola, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Ivory Coast, Croatia, Cyprus, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Greece, Guyana, Haiti, Iceland, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Rhodesia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Zaire, Zambia and Zimbabwe in addition to the previously mentioned nations. Since its introduction in 1959, the G3 still continues service today and has seen countless combat actions in a myriad of localized and large-scale wars. It formed a standard-issue NATO assault rifle for decades.
Production has been undertaken by Heckler & Koch, Rheinmetall, SEDENA, DIO, FBP, Carl Gustafs, Husqvarna, Hellenic Arms Industry, Kongsberg Vapenfabrikk, MAS, Military Industry Corporation, MKEK, Pakistan Ordnance Factories and Royal Ordnance PLC. Such global exposure was attributed to the fact that the G3 was, in fact, much more economically-friendly that other competing automatic rifles of the time - namely the Belgian FN FAL and the American M14.
For the unified German Army, the G3 ceased frontline operational use in 1997, giving way to the HK G36 family line.
Military Factory - Military Weapons: Cataloging aircraft, tanks, vehicles, artillery, ships and guns through history.
Argus Panoptes
BANNED
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One can only hope that the TT making the posts should find it in themselves to properly credit the sources of the information being posted, as is required of anyone else. The rest is upto the the management team and the TTs, as it is not my place to question seniority or bias. Deleting my posts will only motivate me to keep quiet or leave.
fatman17
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it is clear to an intelligent person that the 2 posts of similar content came from the same source as indicated in the first.
if you have an issue with me, do let me know or hold your peace mate - many of your type come and go
fatman17
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Hughes / Raytheon BGM-71 TOW / TOW-2 Heavy Anti-Tank Weapon System (1970)
Authored By Staff Writer | Last Updated: 7/26/2011
The BGM-71 TOW series of anti-tank missile systems is a widely-used anti-tank system around the world.
The BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missile weapon system was developed in the latter half of the 1960s to become the primary anti-armor weapon system of the United States and its allies during the Cold War. Despite its Cold War origins, the TOW missile system is still deployed in large numbers today and has been evolved into more lethal forms with each passing decade. Despite its line-of-sight requirement and inherently bulky nature, the TOW enjoys a healthy reach on the modern battlefields of today, being successfully utilized in several ongoing conflicts to date. The TOW missile was the weapon of choice when it was used to kill Saddam Hussein sons Uday and Qusay in 2003 following the American invasion of Iraq.
Development of the TOW system stemmed from 1963 to 1968 under the leadership of the Hughes Aircraft Company and initially known under its developmental designation "XBGM-71". The "TOW" name stemmed from the abbreviation covering the description "Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire command data link, guided missile" which specifically described its function.
Similarly, the "BGM" designation awkwardly abbreviated its "Multiple Environment / Surface Attack / Missile" design (US Army nomenclature). After a period of testing and evaluation, the TOW was officially accepted into serial production in 1968 and formally entered service in 1970. Since then, the weapon type has gone on to become one of the most widely-accepted anti-tank missile systems ever developed with several dozen operators across the globe to her name. While Hughes designed, developed and produced the original TOW missiles, defense powerhouse Raytheon has gradually taken over their production in today's market.
Upon inception, the TOW missile was quick to replace outmoded anti-tank missile and recoilless rifle weapons then in service with the United States Army. Early US Army anti-tank missile weapons were notably European in nature and the TOW represented the first such indigenous design. Her first operational use occurred during the American involvement in the Vietnam War where the TOW was fitted to the XM26 helicopter mount (for the Bell UH-1 Huey series) for operational evaluation in the conflict. The weapon was successfully fired against NVC tanks on May 2nd, 1972 and, all told, the debut of the TOW in the war proved its effectiveness in combat and laid the foundation for increased production and usage for decades to come. In recent years, the TOW has developed into a more finely-tuned weapon system capable of engaging all manner of targets beyond simply armored combat vehicles and now includes fortification destruction.
At its core, the TOW missile system consists of the launch tube, fire control/optics, support assembly (or launch mount) and missile system. The missile itself is of a conventional aerodynamic shape characterized by a well-contoured body with a short nose cone. Four spring-loaded fins are mounted at amidships and aft to help stabilize the missile during flight, extended out immediately after launch. The warhead is contained in the forward portion of the missile as is the guidance center while the motor and fuel store is to the rear. The TOW is rated for armor penetration from 430mm in thickness to approximately 630mm in thickness depending on the production model (newer forms proving more lethal).
As the TOW is an optically tracked, line-of-sight (LoS) weapon and visual engagement of a target is an important quality to consider when the missile is launched. The operator must have the target in sight during the entire flight time of the missile proper for the attached guidance cable feeds corrective information to the flight path after launch. Therefore, the operator must keep the target within his view during the entire flight of the missile after launch (as opposed to a homing or self-guided missile weapon system such as the Hellfire - termed a "Fire and Forget" weapon). If the missile reaches the full length of the guidance cable, the cable is severed and the missile continues on its current flight path. A wireless version has only recently appeared that utilizes a one-way radio data link.
The TOW missile system is not a small nor light weapon and requires the use of a tripod or vehicle-mounted launcher unit for operation. The M151 launch mount was initially developed for the early-form TOW missiles while the M220 series appeared in conjunction with the TOW-2 developments. As such, the TOW has been fitted to a variety of military vehicles including JEEPs, Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) and high-mobility vehicles such as the ubiquitous HUMVEE.
Beyond the ground-based operational scope, the TOW has also been accepted into airborne launch systems for use by attack helicopters including the Bell AH-1 Cobra series (M65 mount system). While the TOW is considered a "man portable" weapon system, it is cumbersome to field in such a manner and is most always relegated to vehicle-mounted use.
There have been a plethora of ever-improved TOW forms to date beginning with the initial XBGM-71A developmental model. This was copied over in the initial BGM-71A production design. The BGM-71B was based on the A-model series but featured increased operating ranges. The BGM-71C (Improved TOW, ITOW) followed the B-series model and brought about a new shaped-charge warhead with an extending probe fitted to the nose cone to help improve armor penetration values. The BGM-71D (TOW-2) was next in line and based on the BGM-71C production model. The motor function was improved, as was guidance, and the warhead was enlarged for greater armor penetration effect. The BGM-71E (TOW- 2A) was based on the preceding BGM-71D model but revised with a tandem warhead fitting to content with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) panels beginning to be used in larger numbers on armored vehicles worldwide. The BGM-71F (TOW-2B) was also based on the BGM-71D production model and reworked to attack armored vehicles along their more vulnerable top facings utilizing explosively-formed penetrators. The BGM-71G was a proposed TOW variant based on the BGM-71F model to feature a new Armor Piercing (AP) warhead though never selected for serial production. The BGM-71H was developed from the BGM-71E model for use against fortified structures - ala a "Bunker Buster" munition. An extended range version of the TOW 2B was developed into the TOW-2B "Aero" which has been further evolved into a wireless form known as the TOW-2B "Aero RF".
Beyond the United States, operators of the TOW and TOW-2 derivative have included Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Norway, Pakistan, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Vietnam and Yemen (among others).
In Iran, a onetime US-ally, the TOW was reverse engineered as the "Toophan" and is currently in production though may be of suspect quality and capability than the true American production form - nearly always the case with reverse-engineered products. Conversely, Egypt produces the TOW locally under a legal license for the Egyptian Army. TOW systems in service with the United Kingdom are reserved solely for helicopter use.
The Pakistani Army took delivery of some 3,300 TOW-2A missile unit examples sometime in 2006 to further strengthen its anti-armor capabilities.
Text ©2003-2012 Military Factory - Military Weapons: Cataloging aircraft, tanks, vehicles, artillery, ships and guns through history.
Specifications for the Hughes / Raytheon BGM-71 TOW / TOW-2 Heavy Anti-Tank Weapon System
Country of Origin: United States
Manufacturer: Hughes Aircraft / Raytheon - USA
Initial Year of Service: 1970
Overall Length: 2210mm (87.01in)
Barrel Length: 0.00mm (0.00in)
Weight (Empty): 205.03lbs (93.00kg)
Cartridge: 127 mm / 152 mm
Action: Tube-launched; optically-tracked; wire-guided
Feed: Single Shot; Reusable
Rate-of-Fire: 2 rounds per minute
Range: 12,303ft (3,750m; 4,101yds)
Sights: Integrated Optics
Variants:
XBGM-71A - Developmental Designation
BGM-71A - Initial Production Model.
BGM-71B - Based on the A-model with improved effective range.
BGM-71C - Based on the B-model; revised shaped-charge warhead.
BGM-71D - TOW-2; based on the C-model; bigger warhead capacity; revised motor system and improved sensor guidance.
BGM-71E - TOW-2A; based on the D-model; tandem warhead structure; defeats reactive armor.
BGM-71F - TOW-2B; based on the D-model; formed penetrator warhead; top-down attack angle.
BGM-71G - Based on the F-model; differing munition warhead type; never produced.
BGM-71H - Specialized TOW for use against hardened structures.
Operators: Argentina; Bahrain; Botswana; Cameroon; Canada; Chile; Chad; Colombia; Denmark; Egypt; Ethiopia; Finland; Germany; Greece; Hungary; Iran; Israel; Italy; Japan; Jordan; Kenya; Kuwait; Lithuania; Lebanon; Luxembourg; Morocco; Norway; Oman; Pakistan; Portugal; Saudi Arabia; Somalia; South Korea; Spain; Sweden; Swaziland; Switzerland; Taiwan; Thailand; Tunisia; Turkey; United Arab Emirates; United Kingdom; United States; Vietnam; Yemen
Authored By Staff Writer | Last Updated: 7/26/2011
The BGM-71 TOW series of anti-tank missile systems is a widely-used anti-tank system around the world.
The BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missile weapon system was developed in the latter half of the 1960s to become the primary anti-armor weapon system of the United States and its allies during the Cold War. Despite its Cold War origins, the TOW missile system is still deployed in large numbers today and has been evolved into more lethal forms with each passing decade. Despite its line-of-sight requirement and inherently bulky nature, the TOW enjoys a healthy reach on the modern battlefields of today, being successfully utilized in several ongoing conflicts to date. The TOW missile was the weapon of choice when it was used to kill Saddam Hussein sons Uday and Qusay in 2003 following the American invasion of Iraq.
Development of the TOW system stemmed from 1963 to 1968 under the leadership of the Hughes Aircraft Company and initially known under its developmental designation "XBGM-71". The "TOW" name stemmed from the abbreviation covering the description "Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire command data link, guided missile" which specifically described its function.
Similarly, the "BGM" designation awkwardly abbreviated its "Multiple Environment / Surface Attack / Missile" design (US Army nomenclature). After a period of testing and evaluation, the TOW was officially accepted into serial production in 1968 and formally entered service in 1970. Since then, the weapon type has gone on to become one of the most widely-accepted anti-tank missile systems ever developed with several dozen operators across the globe to her name. While Hughes designed, developed and produced the original TOW missiles, defense powerhouse Raytheon has gradually taken over their production in today's market.
Upon inception, the TOW missile was quick to replace outmoded anti-tank missile and recoilless rifle weapons then in service with the United States Army. Early US Army anti-tank missile weapons were notably European in nature and the TOW represented the first such indigenous design. Her first operational use occurred during the American involvement in the Vietnam War where the TOW was fitted to the XM26 helicopter mount (for the Bell UH-1 Huey series) for operational evaluation in the conflict. The weapon was successfully fired against NVC tanks on May 2nd, 1972 and, all told, the debut of the TOW in the war proved its effectiveness in combat and laid the foundation for increased production and usage for decades to come. In recent years, the TOW has developed into a more finely-tuned weapon system capable of engaging all manner of targets beyond simply armored combat vehicles and now includes fortification destruction.
At its core, the TOW missile system consists of the launch tube, fire control/optics, support assembly (or launch mount) and missile system. The missile itself is of a conventional aerodynamic shape characterized by a well-contoured body with a short nose cone. Four spring-loaded fins are mounted at amidships and aft to help stabilize the missile during flight, extended out immediately after launch. The warhead is contained in the forward portion of the missile as is the guidance center while the motor and fuel store is to the rear. The TOW is rated for armor penetration from 430mm in thickness to approximately 630mm in thickness depending on the production model (newer forms proving more lethal).
As the TOW is an optically tracked, line-of-sight (LoS) weapon and visual engagement of a target is an important quality to consider when the missile is launched. The operator must have the target in sight during the entire flight time of the missile proper for the attached guidance cable feeds corrective information to the flight path after launch. Therefore, the operator must keep the target within his view during the entire flight of the missile after launch (as opposed to a homing or self-guided missile weapon system such as the Hellfire - termed a "Fire and Forget" weapon). If the missile reaches the full length of the guidance cable, the cable is severed and the missile continues on its current flight path. A wireless version has only recently appeared that utilizes a one-way radio data link.
The TOW missile system is not a small nor light weapon and requires the use of a tripod or vehicle-mounted launcher unit for operation. The M151 launch mount was initially developed for the early-form TOW missiles while the M220 series appeared in conjunction with the TOW-2 developments. As such, the TOW has been fitted to a variety of military vehicles including JEEPs, Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) and high-mobility vehicles such as the ubiquitous HUMVEE.
Beyond the ground-based operational scope, the TOW has also been accepted into airborne launch systems for use by attack helicopters including the Bell AH-1 Cobra series (M65 mount system). While the TOW is considered a "man portable" weapon system, it is cumbersome to field in such a manner and is most always relegated to vehicle-mounted use.
There have been a plethora of ever-improved TOW forms to date beginning with the initial XBGM-71A developmental model. This was copied over in the initial BGM-71A production design. The BGM-71B was based on the A-model series but featured increased operating ranges. The BGM-71C (Improved TOW, ITOW) followed the B-series model and brought about a new shaped-charge warhead with an extending probe fitted to the nose cone to help improve armor penetration values. The BGM-71D (TOW-2) was next in line and based on the BGM-71C production model. The motor function was improved, as was guidance, and the warhead was enlarged for greater armor penetration effect. The BGM-71E (TOW- 2A) was based on the preceding BGM-71D model but revised with a tandem warhead fitting to content with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) panels beginning to be used in larger numbers on armored vehicles worldwide. The BGM-71F (TOW-2B) was also based on the BGM-71D production model and reworked to attack armored vehicles along their more vulnerable top facings utilizing explosively-formed penetrators. The BGM-71G was a proposed TOW variant based on the BGM-71F model to feature a new Armor Piercing (AP) warhead though never selected for serial production. The BGM-71H was developed from the BGM-71E model for use against fortified structures - ala a "Bunker Buster" munition. An extended range version of the TOW 2B was developed into the TOW-2B "Aero" which has been further evolved into a wireless form known as the TOW-2B "Aero RF".
Beyond the United States, operators of the TOW and TOW-2 derivative have included Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Norway, Pakistan, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Vietnam and Yemen (among others).
In Iran, a onetime US-ally, the TOW was reverse engineered as the "Toophan" and is currently in production though may be of suspect quality and capability than the true American production form - nearly always the case with reverse-engineered products. Conversely, Egypt produces the TOW locally under a legal license for the Egyptian Army. TOW systems in service with the United Kingdom are reserved solely for helicopter use.
The Pakistani Army took delivery of some 3,300 TOW-2A missile unit examples sometime in 2006 to further strengthen its anti-armor capabilities.
Text ©2003-2012 Military Factory - Military Weapons: Cataloging aircraft, tanks, vehicles, artillery, ships and guns through history.
Specifications for the Hughes / Raytheon BGM-71 TOW / TOW-2 Heavy Anti-Tank Weapon System
Country of Origin: United States
Manufacturer: Hughes Aircraft / Raytheon - USA
Initial Year of Service: 1970
Overall Length: 2210mm (87.01in)
Barrel Length: 0.00mm (0.00in)
Weight (Empty): 205.03lbs (93.00kg)
Cartridge: 127 mm / 152 mm
Action: Tube-launched; optically-tracked; wire-guided
Feed: Single Shot; Reusable
Rate-of-Fire: 2 rounds per minute
Range: 12,303ft (3,750m; 4,101yds)
Sights: Integrated Optics
Variants:
XBGM-71A - Developmental Designation
BGM-71A - Initial Production Model.
BGM-71B - Based on the A-model with improved effective range.
BGM-71C - Based on the B-model; revised shaped-charge warhead.
BGM-71D - TOW-2; based on the C-model; bigger warhead capacity; revised motor system and improved sensor guidance.
BGM-71E - TOW-2A; based on the D-model; tandem warhead structure; defeats reactive armor.
BGM-71F - TOW-2B; based on the D-model; formed penetrator warhead; top-down attack angle.
BGM-71G - Based on the F-model; differing munition warhead type; never produced.
BGM-71H - Specialized TOW for use against hardened structures.
Operators: Argentina; Bahrain; Botswana; Cameroon; Canada; Chile; Chad; Colombia; Denmark; Egypt; Ethiopia; Finland; Germany; Greece; Hungary; Iran; Israel; Italy; Japan; Jordan; Kenya; Kuwait; Lithuania; Lebanon; Luxembourg; Morocco; Norway; Oman; Pakistan; Portugal; Saudi Arabia; Somalia; South Korea; Spain; Sweden; Swaziland; Switzerland; Taiwan; Thailand; Tunisia; Turkey; United Arab Emirates; United Kingdom; United States; Vietnam; Yemen
fatman17
PDF THINK TANK: CONSULTANT
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155mm Panter (Panther) Towed Howitzer (2002)
Authored By Staff Writer | Last Updated: 10/9/2012
The 155mm Panter is a modern artillery piece in service with the armies of Pakistan and Turkey.
Many modern armies revolve around the tried-and-true doctrine of strong artillery and air support to accompany the spearhead of mechanized vehicles and troops.
Most of these forces therefore rely on a large-caliber field weapon to fulfill the artillery portion of the requirement - which involves a massive exploding shell lobbed at range from behind the frontline. Such artillery is useful in damaging key enemy defenses and dislodging concentrations of troops while also posing a threat to armor. As such, the Turkish Army received the 155mm "Panter" ("Panther") towed artillery system in 2002 to replace its elderly stock of American originated weapons which themselves were modernized as far as possible.
The Panter began its design phase in the 1990s (assisted by ST Kinetics of Singapore), headed by the MKEK concern (Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation), to which the piece entered the requisite trials and was formally adopted into service at the turn of the century. To date (2012), 255 systems have been procured with a total of 400 expected to fill the Turkish Army inventory.
Pakistan has also ordered some 40 units for its own military.
Despite the involvement of ST Kinetics, the Panter is largely considered the first "all-Turkish" towed artillery gun design. The Singapore Army's "FH-2000" gun is of a similar design and fields the same function as the Turkish Panter, the former having been introduced in 1993 and no doubt influencing the Turkish derivative.
The Panter is a complete towed artillery system weighing in at 18,000 kilograms with a running length of 11.6 meters. She is crewed by six personnel required to manage her various functions - from sighting to loading to firing. The weapon is loaded through the breech end of the barrel utilizing a semi-automatic interrupted screw action with an electrically-actuated rammer feature. The weapon is braced by a recoil system fitted at the carriage. The carriage itself is a twin axle split trail design utilizing four rubber-tired road wheels (to per side) while the trail doubles as the tow arms during transport and as recoil-reduction arms when set up to fire.
A large double-baffle muzzle brake is added to barrel to further dampen the violent recoil action. A rather unique function of the Panter carriage is its auxiliary power unit (APU) - a DEUTZ air-cooled diesel motor of 160 horsepower – which enables the weapon to traverse terrain under its own central power (not entirely reliant on a mover vehicle), useful in relocating the weapon to another position without need for a dedicated mover vehicle. In this transport mode, the artillery system becomes its own vehicle and can move up to 20 kilometers per hour across ideal surfaces. Beyond its self-propelled nature, the Panter can be transported by a mover vehicle in a traditional fashion Like other modern battlefield artillery systems, the Panter is charged with firing a massive 155mm projectile to which it can reach ranges out to 40 kilometers depending on ammunition type being utilized. Furthermore, range can be increased through the use of rocket-assisted munitions. The Panter is cleared to fire all supported NATO projectiles in inventory while the principle shell is High-Explosive (HE) in nature. A trained gunnery crew can fire up to 6 rounds per minute under normal circumstances. The gun barrel can maneuver 20-degrees to the left or right and elevate from -3 degrees to +65 degrees. The Panter does not carry its own ammunition supply, relying instead on an ammunition resupply vehicle stationed near the gun. Ammunition handlers move the large shells into position near the breech.
The dedicated self-propelled artillery components fielded alongside the Panter in the Turkish Army is the T-155 Firtina ("Storm"), this based on the South Korean K9 "Thunder" SPG/SPA.
Text ©2003-2012 Military Factory - Military Weapons: Cataloging aircraft, tanks, vehicles, artillery, ships and guns through history.
Specifications for the 155mm Panter (Panther) Towed Howitzer
Country of Origin: Turkey
Manufacturer: MKEK - Turkey
Initial Year of Service: 2002
Production: 255
Focus Model: 155mm Panter (Panther)
Crew: 6
Overall Length: 0.00ft (0.00m)
Width: 0.00ft (0.00m)
Height: 0.00ft (0.00m)
Weight: 19.8 US Short Tons (18,000kg; 39,683lbs)
Power-plant: None, this is a towed artillery piece.
Maximum Speed: 0mph (0 km/h)
Maximum Range: 11 miles (18 km)
NBC Protection: None
Night-vision: None
Armament:
1 x 155mm gun barrel
Ammunition:
Dependent upon ammunition carrier.
Variants:
Panter - Base Series designation
FH-2000 - Singaporean Army version on which the Panter is based on.
Operators: Pakistan; Turkey
Authored By Staff Writer | Last Updated: 10/9/2012
The 155mm Panter is a modern artillery piece in service with the armies of Pakistan and Turkey.
Many modern armies revolve around the tried-and-true doctrine of strong artillery and air support to accompany the spearhead of mechanized vehicles and troops.
Most of these forces therefore rely on a large-caliber field weapon to fulfill the artillery portion of the requirement - which involves a massive exploding shell lobbed at range from behind the frontline. Such artillery is useful in damaging key enemy defenses and dislodging concentrations of troops while also posing a threat to armor. As such, the Turkish Army received the 155mm "Panter" ("Panther") towed artillery system in 2002 to replace its elderly stock of American originated weapons which themselves were modernized as far as possible.
The Panter began its design phase in the 1990s (assisted by ST Kinetics of Singapore), headed by the MKEK concern (Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation), to which the piece entered the requisite trials and was formally adopted into service at the turn of the century. To date (2012), 255 systems have been procured with a total of 400 expected to fill the Turkish Army inventory.
Pakistan has also ordered some 40 units for its own military.
Despite the involvement of ST Kinetics, the Panter is largely considered the first "all-Turkish" towed artillery gun design. The Singapore Army's "FH-2000" gun is of a similar design and fields the same function as the Turkish Panter, the former having been introduced in 1993 and no doubt influencing the Turkish derivative.
The Panter is a complete towed artillery system weighing in at 18,000 kilograms with a running length of 11.6 meters. She is crewed by six personnel required to manage her various functions - from sighting to loading to firing. The weapon is loaded through the breech end of the barrel utilizing a semi-automatic interrupted screw action with an electrically-actuated rammer feature. The weapon is braced by a recoil system fitted at the carriage. The carriage itself is a twin axle split trail design utilizing four rubber-tired road wheels (to per side) while the trail doubles as the tow arms during transport and as recoil-reduction arms when set up to fire.
A large double-baffle muzzle brake is added to barrel to further dampen the violent recoil action. A rather unique function of the Panter carriage is its auxiliary power unit (APU) - a DEUTZ air-cooled diesel motor of 160 horsepower – which enables the weapon to traverse terrain under its own central power (not entirely reliant on a mover vehicle), useful in relocating the weapon to another position without need for a dedicated mover vehicle. In this transport mode, the artillery system becomes its own vehicle and can move up to 20 kilometers per hour across ideal surfaces. Beyond its self-propelled nature, the Panter can be transported by a mover vehicle in a traditional fashion Like other modern battlefield artillery systems, the Panter is charged with firing a massive 155mm projectile to which it can reach ranges out to 40 kilometers depending on ammunition type being utilized. Furthermore, range can be increased through the use of rocket-assisted munitions. The Panter is cleared to fire all supported NATO projectiles in inventory while the principle shell is High-Explosive (HE) in nature. A trained gunnery crew can fire up to 6 rounds per minute under normal circumstances. The gun barrel can maneuver 20-degrees to the left or right and elevate from -3 degrees to +65 degrees. The Panter does not carry its own ammunition supply, relying instead on an ammunition resupply vehicle stationed near the gun. Ammunition handlers move the large shells into position near the breech.
The dedicated self-propelled artillery components fielded alongside the Panter in the Turkish Army is the T-155 Firtina ("Storm"), this based on the South Korean K9 "Thunder" SPG/SPA.
Text ©2003-2012 Military Factory - Military Weapons: Cataloging aircraft, tanks, vehicles, artillery, ships and guns through history.
Specifications for the 155mm Panter (Panther) Towed Howitzer
Country of Origin: Turkey
Manufacturer: MKEK - Turkey
Initial Year of Service: 2002
Production: 255
Focus Model: 155mm Panter (Panther)
Crew: 6
Overall Length: 0.00ft (0.00m)
Width: 0.00ft (0.00m)
Height: 0.00ft (0.00m)
Weight: 19.8 US Short Tons (18,000kg; 39,683lbs)
Power-plant: None, this is a towed artillery piece.
Maximum Speed: 0mph (0 km/h)
Maximum Range: 11 miles (18 km)
NBC Protection: None
Night-vision: None
Armament:
1 x 155mm gun barrel
Ammunition:
Dependent upon ammunition carrier.
Variants:
Panter - Base Series designation
FH-2000 - Singaporean Army version on which the Panter is based on.
Operators: Pakistan; Turkey
fatman17
PDF THINK TANK: CONSULTANT
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M110 SPA 203mm Self-Propelled Artillery (1962)
Authored By Staff Writer | Last Updated: 6/24/2012
Should the Cold War in Europe gone hot, the M110 would have been a principle performer in the bloody battles to follow.
By the end of the Korea War (1950-1953), the American Army was in need of modernization to replace many of its weapon systems that dated back to World War 2. One need ultimately became air-portable, tracked artillery systems that could be transported over distances to the awaiting army units. A requirement put forth by the US Army became a self-propelled artillery platform to which the heavy industry-minded Pacific Car and Foundry went to work on developing several pilot vehicles which ultimately produced a range of possibilities, the Army then electing to forge ahead with two promising designs that would become the M107 and M110 self-propelled artillery platforms. Key differences between the two would be the M107's 175mm gun and the M110's 203mm gun though both would utilize the same chassis and gun mounts between them for economical and logistical reasons. The initial batch of M110 vehicles was completed in 1962 and formal acceptance into the US Army and US Marine Corps inventory soon followed.
The M110 was more or less of a conventional design featuring the main gun mount fitted atop a tracked chassis yielding five large rubber-tired road wheels to a side. There was a drive sprocket mounted to the front of the track system though, interestingly, no track return rollers or track idler of any kind was used.
The vehicle sat atop a torsion bar suspension system and power was supplied by a single Detroit Diesel / General Motors 8V71T series 8-cylinder, liquid-cooled, Super-charged diesel engine developing 405 horsepower at 2,300rpm. Top speed was listed at 34 miles per hour with a 325 mile range. Operational weight was approximately 31 tons. She fielded a running length of 10.8 meters with a width of 3 meters and a height equal to 3 meters as well.
Primary armament of the M110 was its massive 203mm (8") howitzer main gun mounted on the center rear of the hull roof (there was no true superstructure perse). The gun could be elevated between +65 and -2 degrees with 30-degrees traverse to the left or right. 360-degree traversal was only possible by rotating the entire vehicle in a new direction. There were no secondary weapons fitted to the vehicle for the M110 was never intended to fight enemy forces at the frontlines, instead utilizing its powerful cannon to lob shells at targets or areas.
Ammunition types afforded to M110 crews included the M14 "Dummy" round, the common M106 High-Explosive round, the M650 High-Explosive rocket-assisted projectile for increased assault ranges, the M404 ICM (Improved Conventional Munition) anti-personnel projectiles intended to explode above the target area with some 180 grenades being launched about, chemical gas projectiles and nuclear-tipped rounds. Only two of the large 203mm projectiles could be carried on the M110 vehicle, the rest of her ammunition supply towed by a support vehicle. A dozer-type spade was fitted to the rear of the hull to counter the 203mm gun's inherently violent recoil when firing - the M110 firing from a stationary position. The powered spade was raised from the ground and stowed when traveling.
Of the thirteen-man crew, only the driver sat in relative protective comfort, his position to the front left side of the hull. The remainder of the - five of which rode with the M110 proper and the other eight in a support vehicle - included a pair of gunners and a pair of loaders. These personnel maintained their respective positions in the open-air rear portion of the vehicle.
Categorized as a "self-propelled artillery" system, the M110 was never intended to fight as a direct line-of-sight combat vehicle, hence her open-air gun platform approach and armor protection being no more than 13mm at its thickest. Instead, the crew could utilize the 203mm main gun's excellent range to strike at targets from miles away.
The M110 was fielded with a support vehicle fitting additional crew and the main 203mm ammunition supply. In the US Army inventory, this role was fulfilled by the M548 tracked vehicle while in the British Royal Army inventory, this became the Alvis-produced six-wheeled FV623 "Stalwart". Eight of the thirteen-man M110 crew were transported with these vehicles. In addition to 203mm projectiles, the support vehicles also carried the required charges and fuses for each round.
The M110, with its original M2A2 series 203mmmain gun, was firmly entrenched in the US Army inventory by the mid-1960s. It was not until 1977 that a revised form appeared as the newly-standardized "M110A1". The M110A1 differed from the original production model by implementation of a longer M201 series 203mm gun barrel for increased ranges (no muzzle brake). Within a few years, the M110 was modified yet again to produce the "M110A2" designation standard which was nothing more than the M110A1 with a double muzzle brake and the ability to fire other types of projectiles beyond the standard HE and anti-personnel rounds.
Capability to fire the M509 ICM projectile was also introduced with the M110A2 model and some original M110s were also upgraded to strengthen M110A2 numbers.
The M110 proved something of a global success in terms of its usage by America and allied nations. Considering NATO would have gone to war against the Red Army, a military force making heavy use of large-caliber artillery weapons, the M110 was a welcomed addition to the West.
Operators beyond the United States included Belgium, Egypt, West Germany/Germany, Greece, Iran, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Morocco, Netherlands, Pakistan, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey and the United Kingdom. For some operators, the M110 still remains a viable battlefield piece even to this day despite her 1950s "big gun" pedigree. However, such battlefield guns have fallen by the wayside for many of the modern evolving armies where the digital battlefield has replaced systems such as the M110 with precision-guided munitions in the form of missiles and launched "smart" projectiles.
The M110 saw service in the Vietnam War where the jungle setting generally precluded large-scale use of tanks but made lobbed artillery systems valuable.
The British Royal Army was another notable operator of the M110 and utilized them as late as the Persian Gulf War of 1991. By this time, the M110 had been superseded in the American inventory by the Vought/Lockheed Martin M270 MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) and the British soon followed suit shortly after the conflict. In the war, the Americans utilized the tracked M109 "Paladin" self-propelled series and its 155mm main gun for long-range artillery requirements.
As it goes, most armies have given up use of their M110 vehicles today.
As an interesting aside, when the M110s of the American Army faced retirement, their metal gun barrels were reconstituted in the manufacturer of the jackets needed for the first production batch of Texas Instruments/Raytheon GBU-28 "bunker buster" guided penetration bombs. Such "recycling" initiatives allowed for more economical measures to be implemented than outright scrapping of discontinued systems. In essence, the legacy of the American M110s lived on for a time longer.
The M110 was never assigned a designation other than "M110", meaning no nickname was associated with the vehicle type during its operational tenure. Its open-air crew area also precluded use of Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC) protection and only the driver was afforded night-vision equipment at his position.
Japan received a manufacturing license to locally-produce their M110s for their Self-Defense Force. For those nations still making use of the M110 today, these have all been upgraded to the "newer" M110A2 standard, noted for its double-baffle muzzle brake.
Text ©2003-2012 Military Factory - Military Weapons: Cataloging aircraft, tanks, vehicles, artillery, ships and guns through history..
Specifications for the M110 SPA 203mm Self-Propelled Artillery
Country of Origin: United States
Manufacturer: Pacific Car & Foundry / FMC Corporation / BMY - USA
Initial Year of Service: 1962
Production: 750
Focus Model: M110 SPA
Crew: 5 + 8
Overall Length: 24.48ft (7.46m)
Width: 10.30ft (3.14m)
Height: 9.61ft (2.93m)
Weight: 26.8 US Short Tons (24,312kg; 53,599lbs)
Power-plant: 1 x Detroit Diesel Model 8V-71T turbocharged 2-stroke liquid-cooled 8-cylinder diesel engine generating 405bhp @ 2,300rpm
Maximum Speed: 35mph (56 km/h)
Maximum Range: 450 miles (725 km)
NBC Protection: No
Night-vision: Yes - Driver Only
Armament:
M110:
1 x 203mm M2A2 main gun
M110A1 / M110A2:
1 x 203mm M201 main gun
Ammunition:
2 x 203mm projectiles - HE, rocket-assisted, anti-personnel, chemical, gas, nuclear and pratice rounds.
Variants:
M110 - Base Series Designation; initial production models; M2A2 main guns; no muzzle brake.
M110A1 - New longer M201 main gun barrel with increased range.
M110A2 - Double-baffle muzzle brake; M509 ICM support.
Operators: Bahrain; Belgium; Egypt; Germany; Greece; Iran; Israel; Japan; Jordan; Morocco; Netherlands; Pakistan; South Korea; Spain; Taiwan; Turkey; United Kingdom; United States; West Germany.
Authored By Staff Writer | Last Updated: 6/24/2012
Should the Cold War in Europe gone hot, the M110 would have been a principle performer in the bloody battles to follow.
By the end of the Korea War (1950-1953), the American Army was in need of modernization to replace many of its weapon systems that dated back to World War 2. One need ultimately became air-portable, tracked artillery systems that could be transported over distances to the awaiting army units. A requirement put forth by the US Army became a self-propelled artillery platform to which the heavy industry-minded Pacific Car and Foundry went to work on developing several pilot vehicles which ultimately produced a range of possibilities, the Army then electing to forge ahead with two promising designs that would become the M107 and M110 self-propelled artillery platforms. Key differences between the two would be the M107's 175mm gun and the M110's 203mm gun though both would utilize the same chassis and gun mounts between them for economical and logistical reasons. The initial batch of M110 vehicles was completed in 1962 and formal acceptance into the US Army and US Marine Corps inventory soon followed.
The M110 was more or less of a conventional design featuring the main gun mount fitted atop a tracked chassis yielding five large rubber-tired road wheels to a side. There was a drive sprocket mounted to the front of the track system though, interestingly, no track return rollers or track idler of any kind was used.
The vehicle sat atop a torsion bar suspension system and power was supplied by a single Detroit Diesel / General Motors 8V71T series 8-cylinder, liquid-cooled, Super-charged diesel engine developing 405 horsepower at 2,300rpm. Top speed was listed at 34 miles per hour with a 325 mile range. Operational weight was approximately 31 tons. She fielded a running length of 10.8 meters with a width of 3 meters and a height equal to 3 meters as well.
Primary armament of the M110 was its massive 203mm (8") howitzer main gun mounted on the center rear of the hull roof (there was no true superstructure perse). The gun could be elevated between +65 and -2 degrees with 30-degrees traverse to the left or right. 360-degree traversal was only possible by rotating the entire vehicle in a new direction. There were no secondary weapons fitted to the vehicle for the M110 was never intended to fight enemy forces at the frontlines, instead utilizing its powerful cannon to lob shells at targets or areas.
Ammunition types afforded to M110 crews included the M14 "Dummy" round, the common M106 High-Explosive round, the M650 High-Explosive rocket-assisted projectile for increased assault ranges, the M404 ICM (Improved Conventional Munition) anti-personnel projectiles intended to explode above the target area with some 180 grenades being launched about, chemical gas projectiles and nuclear-tipped rounds. Only two of the large 203mm projectiles could be carried on the M110 vehicle, the rest of her ammunition supply towed by a support vehicle. A dozer-type spade was fitted to the rear of the hull to counter the 203mm gun's inherently violent recoil when firing - the M110 firing from a stationary position. The powered spade was raised from the ground and stowed when traveling.
Of the thirteen-man crew, only the driver sat in relative protective comfort, his position to the front left side of the hull. The remainder of the - five of which rode with the M110 proper and the other eight in a support vehicle - included a pair of gunners and a pair of loaders. These personnel maintained their respective positions in the open-air rear portion of the vehicle.
Categorized as a "self-propelled artillery" system, the M110 was never intended to fight as a direct line-of-sight combat vehicle, hence her open-air gun platform approach and armor protection being no more than 13mm at its thickest. Instead, the crew could utilize the 203mm main gun's excellent range to strike at targets from miles away.
The M110 was fielded with a support vehicle fitting additional crew and the main 203mm ammunition supply. In the US Army inventory, this role was fulfilled by the M548 tracked vehicle while in the British Royal Army inventory, this became the Alvis-produced six-wheeled FV623 "Stalwart". Eight of the thirteen-man M110 crew were transported with these vehicles. In addition to 203mm projectiles, the support vehicles also carried the required charges and fuses for each round.
The M110, with its original M2A2 series 203mmmain gun, was firmly entrenched in the US Army inventory by the mid-1960s. It was not until 1977 that a revised form appeared as the newly-standardized "M110A1". The M110A1 differed from the original production model by implementation of a longer M201 series 203mm gun barrel for increased ranges (no muzzle brake). Within a few years, the M110 was modified yet again to produce the "M110A2" designation standard which was nothing more than the M110A1 with a double muzzle brake and the ability to fire other types of projectiles beyond the standard HE and anti-personnel rounds.
Capability to fire the M509 ICM projectile was also introduced with the M110A2 model and some original M110s were also upgraded to strengthen M110A2 numbers.
The M110 proved something of a global success in terms of its usage by America and allied nations. Considering NATO would have gone to war against the Red Army, a military force making heavy use of large-caliber artillery weapons, the M110 was a welcomed addition to the West.
Operators beyond the United States included Belgium, Egypt, West Germany/Germany, Greece, Iran, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Morocco, Netherlands, Pakistan, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey and the United Kingdom. For some operators, the M110 still remains a viable battlefield piece even to this day despite her 1950s "big gun" pedigree. However, such battlefield guns have fallen by the wayside for many of the modern evolving armies where the digital battlefield has replaced systems such as the M110 with precision-guided munitions in the form of missiles and launched "smart" projectiles.
The M110 saw service in the Vietnam War where the jungle setting generally precluded large-scale use of tanks but made lobbed artillery systems valuable.
The British Royal Army was another notable operator of the M110 and utilized them as late as the Persian Gulf War of 1991. By this time, the M110 had been superseded in the American inventory by the Vought/Lockheed Martin M270 MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) and the British soon followed suit shortly after the conflict. In the war, the Americans utilized the tracked M109 "Paladin" self-propelled series and its 155mm main gun for long-range artillery requirements.
As it goes, most armies have given up use of their M110 vehicles today.
As an interesting aside, when the M110s of the American Army faced retirement, their metal gun barrels were reconstituted in the manufacturer of the jackets needed for the first production batch of Texas Instruments/Raytheon GBU-28 "bunker buster" guided penetration bombs. Such "recycling" initiatives allowed for more economical measures to be implemented than outright scrapping of discontinued systems. In essence, the legacy of the American M110s lived on for a time longer.
The M110 was never assigned a designation other than "M110", meaning no nickname was associated with the vehicle type during its operational tenure. Its open-air crew area also precluded use of Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC) protection and only the driver was afforded night-vision equipment at his position.
Japan received a manufacturing license to locally-produce their M110s for their Self-Defense Force. For those nations still making use of the M110 today, these have all been upgraded to the "newer" M110A2 standard, noted for its double-baffle muzzle brake.
Text ©2003-2012 Military Factory - Military Weapons: Cataloging aircraft, tanks, vehicles, artillery, ships and guns through history..
Specifications for the M110 SPA 203mm Self-Propelled Artillery
Country of Origin: United States
Manufacturer: Pacific Car & Foundry / FMC Corporation / BMY - USA
Initial Year of Service: 1962
Production: 750
Focus Model: M110 SPA
Crew: 5 + 8
Overall Length: 24.48ft (7.46m)
Width: 10.30ft (3.14m)
Height: 9.61ft (2.93m)
Weight: 26.8 US Short Tons (24,312kg; 53,599lbs)
Power-plant: 1 x Detroit Diesel Model 8V-71T turbocharged 2-stroke liquid-cooled 8-cylinder diesel engine generating 405bhp @ 2,300rpm
Maximum Speed: 35mph (56 km/h)
Maximum Range: 450 miles (725 km)
NBC Protection: No
Night-vision: Yes - Driver Only
Armament:
M110:
1 x 203mm M2A2 main gun
M110A1 / M110A2:
1 x 203mm M201 main gun
Ammunition:
2 x 203mm projectiles - HE, rocket-assisted, anti-personnel, chemical, gas, nuclear and pratice rounds.
Variants:
M110 - Base Series Designation; initial production models; M2A2 main guns; no muzzle brake.
M110A1 - New longer M201 main gun barrel with increased range.
M110A2 - Double-baffle muzzle brake; M509 ICM support.
Operators: Bahrain; Belgium; Egypt; Germany; Greece; Iran; Israel; Japan; Jordan; Morocco; Netherlands; Pakistan; South Korea; Spain; Taiwan; Turkey; United Kingdom; United States; West Germany.
Jango
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Any confirmation that PA has these? I don't think we are deploying them, a couple were given for trial, but nothing materialized AFAIK.
fatman17
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40 delivered - check SIPRI data posted in weapons transfer.
Jango
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Yeah...SIPRI and others do indicate so...but people whom i have talked to...and the resident gunner we have on the forum (AWOL currently) say that no such thing has happened.
fatman17
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ya well a lot of people on this forum have their own ideas - take your choice.
Jango
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He's a TT...one whom we all really believe in most things!
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