Soltam M-46S
Notes: This is a Russian made M-46 130mm field gun, re-barreled and re-breeched for a 155mm NATO howitzer. Israel had captured hundreds of M-46 field guns over the years, and instead of scrapping them, made them able to use standard 155mm ordinance. A defect in the gun, where the weapon can be fired without the breech being totally closed and locked, was corrected. A pneumatic rammer, driven by an air compressor, was added to ease loading. Finally, a muzzle brake is added that clears the crew of blast and overpressure, something lacking on the original M-46 gun.
Gun |
Crew |
Set Up Time |
Weight |
Gun Shield |
Price |
155mm NATO Howitzer |
8 |
6 minutes |
8.85 tons |
2 |
$40,800 (R/-) |
Soltam M-71
Notes: This is a standard-format towed howitzer; with a compressed air-driven rammer to ease loading that has a rechargeable battery mounted on the right trail. A version of this weapon was developed to mount on a modified Centurion chassis, but this vehicle never reached production. In addition to Israel, this weapon is in service with Singapore, Thailand, South Africa (where it is known as the G-4), and three other undisclosed countries.
Gun |
Crew |
Set Up Time |
Weight |
Gun Shield |
Price |
155mm NATO Howitzer |
8 |
6 minutes |
9.2 tons |
None |
$42,400 (S/R) |
Soltam M-114S
Notes: This is the US M-114 howitzer, updated by Soltam, as these howitzers were left over from World War 2. Key improvements include replacement of the barrel and muzzle brake, addition of a pneumatic rammer driven by an air compressor, new elevation, traverse, and mount, and a telescopic sight for direct firing (+1). The crew requirements are also reduced.
Gun |
Crew |
Set Up Time |
Weight |
Gun Shield |
Price |
155mm L/33 NATO Howitzer |
6 |
5 minutes |
5.9 tons |
None |
$27,200 (R/-) |
Soltam Model 845P
Notes: This is an Israeli towed howitzer with an APU for short movements and opening the trails. The APU can move the gun or power the mechanisms. The weapon cannot be double-loaded, and loading is assisted by a power rammer. The elevation and traverse may be done by hand, by a battery, or by the APU. The gun may be lifted off its travel wheels by a battery or the APU. The weapon is otherwise conventional, though a GPS system and firing computer is fitted, as well as a telescopic sight for direct firing (+1). A version of this weapon, using a 52-caliber barrel (as opposed to the 45-caliber barrel shown here) is used on the Slammer self-propelled howitzer.
Gun |
Crew |
Set Up Time |
Weight |
Gun Shield |
Price |
155mm L/45 NATO Howitzer |
4 |
4 minutes |
10.85 tons |
None |
$62,400 (R/-) |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
35/7 |
8/2 |
85 |
25 |