Self-propelled howitzer 70

The Panzerhaubitze 70 (PzH 70 for short; alternative designations for Panzerhaubitze 155-1 , PzH 155-1 or SP70 for short ) was a joint project between Germany , Great Britain and Italy in the early 1970s . The development ended in 1986 when the project was discontinued.

description

Model of the prototype of the self-propelled howitzer 155-1 in the defense technology collection of the Bundeswehr in Koblenz

In 1973, trinational development began for a successor to the US M109 self - propelled howitzer , which was used by Italy, Germany and Great Britain. The construction was characterized by various technical innovations, such as an automatic loading machine and volley fire capability, which made it possible to fire three shots in ten seconds. The armament was based on the FH155-1 field gun developed in the early 1970s . This was initially designed on a modified Leopard 1 chassis, later on a modified Leopard 2 chassis for weight reasons .

A total of twelve prototypes were produced, five prototypes A in 1977 and seven prototypes B in 1984. The hull and tower of prototype A were made of light metal. The 46-ton tank (combat weight) was powered by an 8-cylinder turbo diesel engine of the type MB 871, which with a displacement of 26,400 cm³ produced an output of 1,000 hp.

However, no prototype could meet the requirements. In addition, further technical problems repeatedly led to time delays, which continuously increased development costs. Ultimately, the collaboration was terminated in 1986 due to insurmountable differences and technical problems. The development work continued at the national level, the results are the German self-propelled howitzer 2000 , the British AS90 and the Italian self- propelled howitzer Palmaria .

literature

• K. Anweiler, R. Blank: The wheeled and tracked vehicles of the Bundeswehr 1956 until today . Bechtermünz Verlag, Augsburg 1998, ISBN 3-8289-5331-X .

Individual evidence

1. ^ Lieutenant Colonel RCF Craven: A 70 for the 90s
2. ↑ Panzerhaubitze 2000 (pdf file, 160 kB). Archived from the original on September 24, 2004 ; Retrieved January 8, 2009 . 
3. ^ Panzerhaubitze PzH 2000 - Realized future (pdf file, 103 kB). (PDF; 106 kB) Retrieved January 8, 2009 .