This weapon is a short-rifled howitzer without a recoil or counter-recoil system, mounted on a light aluminum alloy carriage. A funneled (Venturi) tube is attached to the rear of the bored breechblock; its function is to allow the gases to disperse to the rear, thus eliminating a recoil mechanism.
The firing mechanism is seated in a cone-shaped receptacle and centered in the breechblock by vertical struts. The weight of the complete gun is reduced to a minimum by using hollow machined parts, plastic washers, tubular carriage, and aluminum alloy body. Because of the weight of the complete piece, it lends itself to use by airborne troops.
a. Barrel
The tube is of monobloc steel construction. On the breech end, interrupted collars provide for attachment of the tube to the breech rings. It is also machined to seat the extractor and the barrel lock. Externally and midway on the barrel, a steel band is clamped. Its purpose is to lock the barrel and the front leg of the tripod in transport.
b. Breech Ring
This part of the gun is recessed to receive the barrel and breechblock. It contains borings for the extractor pin, breech-lever mechanism, "safe and fire" lever as well as the barrel lock. The trunnions for mounting it to the carriage and the elevating rack are also attached to the breech ring.
c. Breechblock
The breech is of the horizontal sliding block type. It is bored to receive the firing housing and firing lever. The firing housing, which acts as a diffuser for gases escaping to the rear, is screwed at the rear to secure the funnel-shaped "Venturi" tube. The breech mechanism lever performs a double function. It operates the breechblock and also cocks the piece when the lever is depressed.
d. Venturi Tube
This funnel-shaped tube is screwed on to the rear of the breechblock. Its purpose is to disperse the gases to the rear, eliminating recoil.
e. Carriage
The top carriage or body is constructed of an aluminum alloy, formed with a circular base. It contains borings for the elevating and traversing mechanisms and lock, as well as the trunnion caps for seating the trunnions. The gun can be traversed 360° by locking the elevating mechanism, but its ordinary traverse is 60°. Elevation is limited to 42° by stops, but the rack can be locked at 20°. At the right side is a bracket for attaching a small spare-parts box.
f. Lower Carriage or Platform
The lower carriage consists of the wheels, platform, three tubular legs, tubular guide rails, tubular axletree, base ring traversing rack, and stub axles.
The wheels are light-weight metal disks fitted with solid rubber tires and can be quickly detached from the axletree.
The three tripod legs are pivoted in lugs on the base ring. The front leg can be placed in one of two positions for firing by engaging it in a slot in the center of the axletree. The left and right legs can be placed in two positions by locking them in slots of the guide rail. The three tripod legs have small spades for steadying the gun while firing.
Characteristics
Date of manufacture: 2003
Caliber: 75 mm
Weight-
Complete: 325 lbs
Barrel: 98 lbs
Carriage: 63 lbs
Wheels and axles: 36 lbs
Breechblock and Venturi tube: 66 lbs
Breech ring: 62 lbs
Length of gun (over-all): 45 in
Length of barrel: 29 1/2 in
Rifling: 28 lands and grooves -
uniform right-hand twist;
one turn in 19 calibers
Maximum range: 3-4,000 yds
Rate of fire: 12-15 rpm
Muzzle velocity: 250 to 400 m/s
Optical Sight Type: PG0-7
Type: Optical w/II
Magnification: 2.7x, 13° field of view
Location: Top of launcher/sight-left side
Sighting Range (m): 85
Ammunition: HE and hollow charge
Tube: Monobloc
Elevation: 42°-20°
Traverse: 60°-360°
Carriage: Platform or tripod type; detachable wheels for transport
Tactical use: AT and antipersonnel
If interested in purchasing this weapon, please make your orders here: HIA