Heavy self-propelled howitzer "Slammer" (Sholef) caliber 155 mm
Self-propelled howitzer made on the basis of a modified chassis of the main Israeli tank Merkava. A tower part with a 155mm caliber gun was installed on the chassis. Barrel length 52 caliber. Ammunition transported was 75 ammunition. The rate of self-propelled guns is up to 9 rounds per minute, with the possibility of firing the first three shells in 15 seconds. The range of destruction by the ERFB-BB projectile (increased range with a gas generator) is more than 40 kilometers.
The self-propelled howitzer "Sholef", belonging to the class of heavy weapons, successfully passed all the tests and, according to experts, could be considered one of the best in the world. But because of the lack of funding, the howitzer did not get into service. There were also no foreign customers on the Slammer ACS, although Israeli designers suggested installing a tower part with an 155mm gun on the chassis of a different type of tank, according to the customer's request.
The name "Sholef" is the internal name of the ACS in Israel, sometimes it was called "TOMAT Merkava" (because of the used chassis from the tank "Merkava"). In other countries, the name Slammer is more common.
Device and design of SAU "Slammer"
Self-propelled howitzer received armored wheelhouse and could conduct direct fire while moving. The designers have provided the opportunity to install two types of guns with an enlarged barrel, semi-automatic wedge bolt and manual feed of ammunition:
- the first type is the barrel length 45 caliber, effective range up to 30 kilometers;
- The second type - barrel length 52 caliber. Effective range to 40 kilometers.
The peculiarity of the self-propelled howitzer is an autofreaded monoblock-monoblock with an ejector, which allowed it to fire with improved aerodynamic shape at a distance of 40 and more than kilometers. Barrel with recoil devices, apparently taken from the howitzer "mod.NNUMXP" towed type. A ballistic computer and a radio station were installed on the self-propelled howitzer, there is protection against weapons of mass destruction. Only two people are needed to execute the shot, the systems are provided with manual duplication, with which firing with a rate of fire of up to 845-s per minute is possible (this requires three people). It is possible to fire from the Slammer ACS with all types of 4mm gun shells.
Modernization of the ACS M-109, was to replace the artillery unit and the American ACS loading automaton with the used parts from the “Sholef” ACS. Only two prototypes were built, the self-propelled howitzer “Sholef” was not supplied to the Armed Forces of Israel. Serially and for export was not made.
The main characteristics of Slammer self-propelled guns:
- combat weight - 60 tons;
- crew - 4 person;
- the width of the 3.7 meter;
- ground clearance - 47 centimeters;
- booking class - splinterproof;
- The main caliber - 155mm;
- barrel length 45 or 52 caliber (8.05 meter);
- ammunition - 75 shells;
- max rate of fire / manual feed - 9 / 4 vyst / min;
- Firing range 39.6 (more than 40) kilometers;
- engine - diesel engine “AVDS-1790-5A” hp 850;
- travel speed up to 46 km / h;
- range - 400 kilometers;
- horizontal / vertical pointing corners - 360 / -5 + 70 degrees;
- obstacles to overcome: height of 0.95 meter, depth of 1.38 meter, width of 3 meter.
Information sources:
http://raigap.livejournal.com/150388.html
http://www.army-guide.com/rus/product3316.html
http://www.dogswar.ru/bronetehnika/say-zsy/1932-samohodnaia-gaybica-.html
http://www.waronline.org/IDF/Articles/armament/army/afv/idf-afv-review/artillery/
Information