M52 (self-propelled howitzer)
M52 | |
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General properties | |
crew | 6 men (commander, driver, four men to operate the howitzer) |
length | 8.2 m |
width | 3.2 m |
height | 2.6 m |
Dimensions | 24.5 tons |
Armor and armament | |
Armor | 12.7 mm all around |
Main armament | a 105 mm M49 howitzer, range: 11,100 m |
agility | |
drive | Continental, AOS-895-3 506 hp |
Top speed | 56 km / h |
Power / weight |
The M52 self-propelled howitzer was a medium self-propelled howitzer made in the USA and introduced to the German armed forces in 1957 as a replacement for the M7 Priest .
description
The M52 self-propelled howitzer was based on the chassis of the M41 Walker Bulldog . The engine was in the front in the direction of travel, so that the vehicle drove backwards, so to speak. To prevent the vehicles from tipping backwards, the rear pulley was lowered as the sixth roller. A "Erdspornplatte" was retrofitted later to increase security.
Missing or non-functioning smoke evacuators led to problems during use in the closed combat area. The operating concept of the self-propelled howitzer was generally out of date. From the mid-1960s, the M109 self-propelled howitzer replaced the M52.
User states
literature
- David Miller: The illustrated directory of tanks of the world. Zenith Imprint, 2000, ISBN 978-0-7603-0892-9 .
Web links
M52 self-propelled howitzer of the Bundeswehr at scalenews.de