Designation:

M46/84

Info
Manufacturer: Yugoimport SDPR  
Product type: Weapons & Weapon Systems  
Name: Towed howitzer  

The 155 mm Gun M46/84 is a conversion of the Russian 130 mm Gun M-46 (or the Chinese North Industries Corporation Type 59-1) to accommodate a new 155 mm 45 calibre barrel capable of firing Extended Range Full Bore - Base Bleed ammunition of the separate loading type (projectile and charge).

This conversion gives a range increase of 45 per cent over the original 130 mm M-46 when firing ERFB-BB ammunition. The efficiency of the 155 mm ERFB projectile is claimed to be about three times that of the older Russian-designed 130 mm OF-482 projectile.

It is believed that this upgrade package was originally designed by the former Space Research Corporation headed by the late Dr Gerald Bull. The converted gun M46/84 was also sold to Iraq, but it is understood Iraq did not carry out any upgrades on its existing fleet of weapons prior to the Gulf conflict of 1990/1991.

Description

The M46/84 conversion involved replacing the existing 130 mm barrel with a new 155 mm barrel 45 calibres long. This is designed to make use of the original 130 mm sliding breech and cradle parts.

The barrel is fitted with a high-efficiency double-baffle muzzle brake of a new design. An updated equilibrator sealing system is introduced, involving a nitrogen pressure adjustment and an updated sealing system for the recuperator mechanism is also required.

The existing 130 mm M-46 sights are also revised to accommodate the new 155 mm ballistics with the optical sight graticule being changed. A new range quadrant drum with respective range scales is mounted.

Variants

The converted gun could also be delivered in 152 mm calibre with this model being designated the cal. 152 M46/86. It uses the same system of propelling charges and Serbia and Montenegrin projectiles M84 and M84-GG. Maximum range with the M84 projectile is 27,500 m and with the M84-GG base bleed it is 34,000 m. The 152 mm model also has a 45 calibre barrel.

At the request of customers, both versions of the converted gun could be supplied for the use of ammunition with separate loading propelling charges.

Specifications:
Property Value
Main weapon caliber (mm)
155
Barrel length (calibres)
45
Weight (kg)
8428
Length (mm)
11170
Width (mm)
2400
Height (mm)
2650
Ground clearance (mm)
350
Rate of fire (rds/min)
6
Firing range (m)
39000
Crew
9




   
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